Players who love the Road to the Show mode inMLB The Show 22are likely to find a home at third base. Not only can they hit the ball for power, but they get tons of action on the infield and a chance to show off the arm. Playing this spot is a quick way toget called up in RTTS.
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However, there is some serious competition at third base. All those reasons gamers might like to play the position, real-life players are living that dream. InMLB The Show 22, these are the monsters that stand in the way of being the greatest talent at the hot corner in this generation.
Updated on July 17th, 2022 by Hodey Johns:This list first came out before the season started. All-Star week marks the halfway point of the season. So, how did the analysts do? Of course, nobody is perfect. Some players that were expected to do poorly ended up putting together a fantastic first half, so they needed to be added to the list. Others that were well-hyped didn’t quite hit the expectations of the experts, so they had to be dropped. A hot or a cold streak could see even the worst-ranked player make this list or the number one ranked player fall out of favor entirely. This is how things have shaken out so far.
13Evan Longoria - 81 OVR
There is an argument to be made that Evan Longoria’s ratings don’t reflect his talent as a player. He hasn’t made an All-Star game since 2010, but he has been winning Gold Gloves and is consistently competing for Silver Slugger awards.
Longoria’s power is still on the high side and his ability to hit lefties for contact is strong. Defensively, the arm is down at a 40, but his other defensive attributes are all 77+. Down in the zone, there are few hitters that are better than Longoria.
12Ryan McMahon - 83 OVR
McMahon’s stats on the defensive side of the ball are mostly in the 90s. It’s hard for a utility infielder to make superstars change positions, but McMahon is so talented that Kris Bryant made the move to left field. No slight against Bryant, this guy is just that good.
For gamers who are looking to trade for a player or take over an organization, keep in mind that much of McMahon’s usefulness is in his ability to play any infield position. His high discipline and durability set up the Rockies to win ballgames.
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10Matt Chapman - 83 OVR
When players are trying toimprove their character in Road to the Show, defense is too often overlooked. It can send the OVR of a player higher than what the batting statistics would ordinarily warrant. A lockdown third baseman is something many teams will accept, even if the hitting could use some work.
It’s perhaps unfair to put Matt Chapman in this category as his hitting is still average for most MLB players. But the three-time Gold Glove winner (including a win last year) and two-time Plantium Glove recipient appropriately has extremely high defensive attributes.
9Austin Riley - 84 OVR
Last year’s SIlver Slugger among third basemen in the NL, for whatever reason, was not given a spot as a top ten talent among players at that position for 2022. Midway through another strong season, the ratings adjusters have come to their senses and given Riley a spot among the best.
His average is down from last year just a little, but his power is much better. As a league leader in home runs, he’s been given 84+ scores against both righties in lefties when it comes to power. His 98 durability is a feature, especially with how often third basemen land on injured list these days.
8Patrick Wisdom - 85 OVR
Power hitting and defense are what managers want from their third basemen and that is what Patrick Wisdom delivers. Three of his four defensive attributes are in the 80s. Both power categories are elite, capped off by a perfect 99 against lefties.
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As can be expected for many power hitters in 2022, his patience and contact have much to be desired. But the league is shifting to one based on the long ball and Wisdom fits the bill perfectly.
7Brandon Drury - 86 OVR
Whenplaying against friends, it is frustrating to have a player that is in either contact or power. Even if one or the other category is good, pitchers can take advantage by switching pitchers or throwing junk. Brandon Drury doesn’t have any weaknesses against any handedness.
Drury is even more valuable when taking his defense into account. Across all four categories, he’s got at least a 72. Balls hit in that direction aren’t sneaking through to left field.
6Rafael Devers - 89 OVR
Although he won the World Series in 2018, it’s not arguable that Rafael Devers had his best year in 2021, winning a Silver Slugger and getting voted into his first All-Star appearance. He may only be hitting his stride as he leads the league in hits and total bases so far in 2022.
To match his prowess, games will need tolearn how to equip their gearto keep up. Aside from overall above-average hitting in most categories, he’s got a perfect 99 contact against righties and a 95 versus lefties. That’s one way to keep the average elevated.
