2016 AL East Rankings by Position: Third Base

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Jun 14, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) attempts to bare hand New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) (not pictured) in field single during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Baltimore Orioles – Manny Machado, Ryan Flaherty, Mark Trumbo, Jimmy Paredes

Manny of course is 1B, as the Orioles’ star continues to shine brighter and brighter. No one dazzles as much as Manny with the glove, and he won his second Gold Glove and his second All-Star appearance in 2015.

Manny finished with a slash line of .286/.359/.502, 35 HRs, 30 2Bs, 86 RBIs, 102 runs and played in every game for the Orioles, 156 of them at third base. Manny also added another element in 2015, stealing 20 bases. This allows Manny to have the best power / steal number in the AL. Another note, Manny did all of this while hitting leadoff for the Orioles.

There is little argument that Manny is a better defender than Donaldson. Yes, he did commit 19 errors at the position. But he also turned the most double plays, has the best range (both statistically and using the eye test), and is a frequent highlight reel. The only question in Manny’s game, other than when the Orioles may move him to shortstop, is if he can stay healthy.

We’ve discussed Flaherty, but many Oriole fans hope this is the year he finally falls out of favor with the Orioles. He is a dismal hitter, despite being a plus defender. And with the team’s emphasis on defense, that keeps him on the roster. Trumbo has only played a handful of games in his career at 3B, but if Machado has to miss considerable time, the Orioles will have bigger issues.

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