Here are the Top 10 third base prospects for 2025
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
The third-base position is trending old.
Of the third basemen to make MLB Network's list of Top 10 Right Now, seven are 30 or older, and half are at least 32. There are some young guns on the periphery -- Royce Lewis, Mark Vientos and Jordan Westburg are all 25 and could easily break out this season -- but as the main group ages, there should be opportunities for a new generation to take over the mantle.
Enter MLB Pipeline's Top 10 third base prospects for 2025.
Six of the Top 10 have ETAs of 2025, including the top two prospects -- Coby Mayo (Orioles) and Matt Shaw (Cubs). Mayo may be blocked by Westburg on Baltimore's current depth chart, but his plus-plus power already helped him gain 17 games of MLB experience. Meanwhile in Chicago, the Cubs have kept the third-base lane clear for Shaw, especially after trading Isaac Paredes to the Astros in the Kyle Tucker blockbuster.
Cam Smith -- the No. 3 prospect on this list -- was also included on that deal and may be in a spot to become Alex Bregman's long-term replacement in Houston if the two-time World Series winner heads elsewhere in free agency. That's if No. 9 Zach Dezenzo doesn't claim the Astros' job for himself.
No. 6 Jace Jung and No. 7 Brady House could also have opportunities to win Major League jobs with the Tigers and Nationals respectively, depending on how their offseasons shake out.
It's time to stay alert at the hot corner.
The Top 10 (ETA)
1. Coby Mayo, Orioles (2025)
2. Matt Shaw, Cubs (2025)
3. Cam Smith, Astros (2026)
4. Brayden Taylor, Rays (2026)
5. Cam Collier, Reds (2026)
6. Jace Jung, Tigers (2025)
7. Brady House, Nationals (2025)
8. Tommy White, Athletics (2027)
9. Zach Dezenzo, Astros (2025)
10. Mike Boeve, Brewers (2025)
Complete list »
Top tools
Hit: Shaw (60)
The 2023 13th overall pick has an interesting setup at the plate with a closed-off front foot and a massive leg kick when he doesn't have two strikes, but it works for him as he routinely barrels balls to all fields. He's yet to post a strikeout rate above 20 percent at any Minor League stop and has a career average of .303 through two pro seasons.
Power: Mayo (70)
Standing in at a hulking 6-foot-5, Mayo uses every bit of his size to generate loud contact as he's shown in back-to-back Minor League seasons with 25+ homers. At just 22 years old, his 106.8 mph 90th-percentile exit velocity was ninth-best in Triple-A (min. 350 PA), and his bat speed was already registering as well-above-average during his brief run in the Majors.
Run: Shaw (55)
You don't typically think of third basemen as speedsters, but given his size (5-foot-9) and infield versatility, Shaw isn't exactly a typical third baseman anyway. He swiped 31 bags between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa in 2024 and added three more during Team USA's bronze-medal run in the Premier12 tournament this offseason.
Arm: Mayo (70)
As he does with his pop, Mayo uses every inch of his size to generate power in his throws, and his plus-plus cannon provides his best argument for sticking at third base long term.
Field: Taylor, House (55)
It shouldn't be a surprise that two players with ample shortstop experience appear here. Taylor is a good fit for Tampa Bay's versatility-loving organization, and while he's athletic enough to feature up the middle occasionally, his range is a great fit for the corner spot on the left side. House opened his career at the six but slid over to third in 2023 and has improved his actions enough to draw rave reviews from Nationals officials.
Superlatives
Highest ceiling: Mayo
Mayo's power is about as good as it gets in the Top 100, and it isn't often you see an infield prospect with two separate plus-plus tool grades. A potential full-time move to first base may lower his floor some, but if he can find a way to stick across the diamond, he could quickly become one of the game's best slugging third basemen.
Highest floor: Shaw
Shaw's hit tool would be good enough to earn him a spot here considering it's practically Major League-ready now. His above-average power and speed elevate the floor even higher, and the athleticism -- in particular -- means he has other ways to contribute on days he pulls an 0-for at the dish.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Rookie of the Year candidate: Shaw
The Cubs should be in win-now mode after the acquisition of Tucker, yet they continue to hold space for the former Maryland great in its third-base plans. Barring an unforeseen move, Shaw has a great chance of winning the MLB gig outright this spring, and his multiple tools could help build a solid ROY case.
Highest riser: Boeve
Drafted in the second round in 2023 out of Nebraska-Omaha, Boeve ranked No. 15 in Milwaukee's top 30 last year as questions lingered over his power. Those remain, but the Brewers corner infielder carried his incredible bat-to-ball skills over to Double-A, where he batted .306 with an .821 OPS in 66 games in the pitcher-friendly Southern League. That solidified the belief that he could be a future plus hitter in the Majors.
Humblest beginning: Dezenzo
The former Ohio State star wasn't taken until the 12th round of the 2022 Draft and signed for $125,000, the max allowed without dipping into Houston's bonus pool. He debuted in the Majors 25 months later, becoming the first member of the Astros' 2022 class to crack The Show.
Most to prove: Jung
The 2022 first-rounder struggled to get his power going in his first taste of the Majors as he slugged just .304 through 94 plate appearances, and his glovework at third base remained a work in progress after sliding there from second base. That said, he might be the favorite to win the Opening Day third base spot on the current roster, but the Tigers, who are rumored contenders for Alex Bregman, have talked about how he'll need to win the gig with a strong spring rather than having it handed to him.
Keep an eye on: Eric Bitonti, Brewers
The 2023 third-rounder profiles as the opposite of fellow Milwaukee prospect Boeve. Bitonti hits the ball hard from the left side of the box, and that power helps him overcome otherwise worrisome contact concerns. Considering he was drafted as a 17-year-old, the Brewers played it slow with Bitonti last year, splitting his time between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Carolina, and he responded by slashing .282/.402/.544 with 16 homers in 79 games. With that base layer of performance, he could be set for a slug-heavy breakout over a larger sample in his second full campaign.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Curve to Host Promotional Calendar Kick-Off Event at Levity Brewing Company
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce a brand new kick off event to reveal the 2025 Promotional Schedule, inviting fans to join them on Monday, February 24 at Levity Brewing Company in Altoona for First Pitch: A 2025 Season Preview. The February First Pitch event is
Curve Accepting Nominations for 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year to be Honored on Teacher Appreciation Night
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are excited to announce the opening of the 2025 1st Summit Bank Teachers of the Year Competition. Three nominated teachers will be named Teachers of the Year with a special on-field ceremony on Teacher Appreciation Night, presented by 1st Summit Bank, on Saturday, May
Third Year of Curve Charities Generates Over $84,000 in Donations to Area Non-Profits
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting local youth programs and organizations that promote exercise, health, activity and education for the betterment of youth and community, is pleased to announce recipients of grant money and in-kind services for the 2024 grant cycle. The 2024 grant
CurveFest Returns to Peoples Natural Gas Field on March 1
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the return of CurveFest, presented by Ravine, on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A spring celebration of Curve Baseball at CurveFest will give fans their first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets, and the first 200 fans
Andy Fox Named Altoona Curve Manager for 2025 Season
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve are pleased to announce the 2025 Coaching Staff for the upcoming season in Curve, PA, headlined by new manager Andy Fox. “I am thrilled to welcome Andy Fox and his staff to Curve, PA for the 2025 season,” said Curve General
Curve Charities Gala Set to Return on Saturday, February 8
CURVE, PA –Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization, are pleased to announce the return of the Curve Charities Gala on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Altoona Grand Hotel. The fundraiser features a special appearance from Curve alumnus and former Pittsburgh Pirate Ian Snell as well as a silent auction
Around the Curve | Paul Skenes Wins Rookie of the Year Award
CURVE, Pa. – Paul Skenes has gone from college phenom to rookie sensation in a year’s time, and the accolades are just beginning to pile up. After a dominant campaign that stacks up as one of the best rookie seasons by a pitcher in Major League history, Skenes has been
Around the Curve | Jared Triolo Wins First Gold Glove Award
CURVE, Pa. – In 2022, Jared Triolo took the field in his Altoona Curve uniform to accept his Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Award for his fantastic infield play at Greensboro in 2021. Next season, he will repeat the action in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. Triolo was named the winner
Curve Announce 2025 Game Times and Fireworks Dates at Peoples Natural Gas Field
CURVE, PA – The Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are pleased to announce home game times and fireworks dates for the 2025 season. Game times are subject to change. The 2025 season will once again feature 6:00 p.m. start times for many of the team’s home games
Curve Charities Grant Program Accepting Grant Applications for 2024
CURVE, PA – Altoona Curve Charities, a 501c3 organization devoted to supporting local youth programs and organizations, is pleased to announce that Grant Applications for the 2024 Grant Program are available now to area non-profits that promote healthy living for the betterment of youth and community. The 2024 Grant Program
Curve Announce 2024 Team Awards
CURVE, PA – Prior to their penultimate game of the season on Saturday night the Curve honored four players with their annual team awards. Infielder Kervin Pichardo was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for 2024. Bubba Chandler was named the team’s Pitcher of the Year, Eddy Yean was named
Bowen and Wilson Go Back-to-Back In Finale Win
CURVE, Pa. – Jase Bowen and Eli Wilson banged back-to-back home runs to lead Altoona to a 5-1 win over Richmond in front of 4,330 fans on Sunday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Jaycob Deese started a bullpen day for the Curve and went three innings allowing only one
Curve Fall in Penultimate Game of the Season
CURVE, Pa. – Jase Bowen hit his ninth home run of the season for the Curve on Saturday night, but the Richmond Flying Squirrels snapped Altoona’s three-game winning streak with a 7-2 defeat of the Curve at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The Curve welcomed 7,027 fans to PNG Field on
Third Straight Win Highlighted by Ten Late Runs
CURVE, Pa. – The Curve scored ten unanswered runs to complete a comeback win, 10-3, over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in front of 4,947 fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday night. Trailing 3-0 in the sixth, the Curve scored their first two runs of the night on a
Curve Offense Capitalizes Off Squirrels Miscues
CURVE, Pa. – The Curve picked up a second straight win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Thursday night in front of 3,814 fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez went 1-for-4 in his third game on major league rehab assignment, catching seven innings in the field.
Bowen and Dixon Lead Late Rally Over Squirrels
CURVE, Pa. – Altoona won a wild back-and-forth affair, 8-7, over the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Wednesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez doubled in his first at-bat of the night and scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first. Rodriguez went 1-for-5
Squirrels Fly Past Curve in Series Opener
CURVE, Pa. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels took advantage of four Curve errors to take a 6-2 win over the Curve on Tuesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez went 0-for-3 in his first game on rehab assignment. Rodriguez caught five innings in the field before
Pirates Catcher Endy Rodriguez Scheduled to Rehab with the Curve
CURVE, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that C Endy Rodriguez will begin a rehab assignment with the Curve beginning on Tuesday, September 10. Rodriguez is currently on the 60-Day IL for the Pirates recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Rodriguez is in the Curve lineup for Tuesday night’s game against
Early Offense Ensures Series Split with Yard Goats
HARTFORD, Conn. – The Curve earned a split of their six-game series with the Hartford Yard Goats on Sunday afternoon with a 9-5 win at Dunkin’ Park. Working against Rockies rehabbing right-hander Antonio Senzatela, Altoona plated four runs in the top of the first inning on four hits and a
Curve Offense Fuels Saturday Win
HARTFORD, Conn. – Termarr Johnson hit his second home run with Altoona in his first three-hit game with the Curve on Saturday night in a 4-2 win over the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Park. The game began after a delay of over two hours due to rain in Hartford.
Yard Goats Take Third Game From Altoona
HARTFORD, Conn. – Termarr Johnson recorded his first multi-hit game with Altoona on Friday night, finishing 2-for-4 in a 6-1 loss for the Curve against the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Park. Anthony Solometo allowed six runs on six hits in one inning to take the loss for Altoona. After
Dixon Home Run Lifts Altoona Over Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. – Brenden Dixon hit his eighth home run of the season in the ninth inning on Thursday night to give Altoona a 3-2 win over Hartford at Dunkin’ Park. The game was tied 2-2 entering the ninth inning when Dixon hit a lead-off home run off Zach Agnos
Yard Goats Walk-Off Curve on Wednesday
HARTFORD, Conn. – Nick Cimillo led Altoona’s offense with three hits on Wednesday night, but Hartford rallied to walk-off the Curve in the bottom of the ninth inning, 6-5, at Dunkin’ Park. With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Jack Carey entered for Altoona and walked
Curve Shutout to Open Series in Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. – Sammy Siani and Carter Bins each recorded two hits to total Altoona’s offense in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Park on Tuesday night. The Curve were held to just four hits in the loss, stranding three on-base and striking out six
Cats Walk Curve Into Sweep
CURVE, Pa. – Altoona completed a six-game sweep of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats with a 5-2 win in front of 4,223 fans on Sunday afternoon at PNG Field. It is the first time in four seasons since the adoption of the six-game weekly schedule that Altoona has swept their