2023 third base rankings: Jose Ramirez remains the definition of consistency

Outside of roughly the top six or seven, the talent level at third base drops off rather quickly. So fantasy managers will likely be tempted to pounce early or face the possibility of waiting until much later to fill the position.

The Guardians' Jose Ramirez, even at age 30, remains the top all-around threat -- providing a solid batting average, excellent run production and valuable stolen bases.

Elsewhere in the American League, Rafael Devers (.295, 27 HR) doesn't have the speed or the supporting cast Ramirez does, but he's about as safe a pick as there is. The Orioles' Gunnar Henderson is poised for a breakout after getting his first taste of the majors last September.

In the National League, Manny Machado, Austin Riley and Nolan Arenado are true superstars who will give their fantasy teams a huge advantage over the competition. For those stuck in the middle, look to take a flyer on a talented young prospect such as Jordan Walker, Brett Baty or Spencer Steer.

FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position by position rankings

Third base rankings

1. Jose Ramirez, Guardians    AL1

2. Manny Machado, Padres    NL1

3. Rafael Devers, Red Sox    AL2

4. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals    AL3

5. Austin Riley, Braves    NL2

6. Nolan Arenado, Cardinals    NL3

7. Alex Bregman, Astros    AL4

8. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles    AL5

9. Max Muncy, Dodgers    NL4

10. Eugenio Suarez, Mariners    AL6

11. Matt Chapman, Blue Jays    AL7

12. Jordan Walker, Cardinals  NL5

13. Alec Bohm, Phillies    NL6

14. Brandon Drury, Angels    AL8

15. Jose Miranda, Twins    AL9

16. Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates    NL7

17. Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks    NL8

18. DJ LeMahieu, Yankees    AL10

19. Ryan McMahon, Rockies    NL9

20. Anthony Rendon, Angels    AL11

21. Luis Urias, Brewers    NL10

22. Justin Turner, Red Sox    AL12

23. Ha-Seong Kim, Padres   NL11

24. Yandy Diaz, Rays    AL13

25. Yoan Moncada, White Sox    AL14

26. Brendan Donovan, Cardinals    NL12

27. Josh Jung, Rangers    AL15

28. Isaac Paredes, Rays    AL16

29. Eduardo Escobar, Mets    NL13

30. Jon Berti, Marlins    NL14

31. Spencer Steer, Reds    NL15

32. Jeimer Candelario, Nationals    NL16

33. Josh Donaldson, Yankees    AL17

34. Wilmer Flores, Giants    NL17

35. David Villar, Giants    NL18

36. Brian Anderson, Brewers    NL19

37. Luis Rengifo, Angels    AL18

38. Joey Wendle, Marlins    NL20

39. Patrick Wisdom, Cubs    NL21

40. Brett Baty, Mets    NL22

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 40 third basemen for 2023