Top 10 OBP Third Base Prospects
Next up are the Top 10 Third Base Prospects. These were really tough to do considering the Top 6 prospects on this list really aren’t that far apart. It wouldn’t surprise me if any one of them turned out to be the best player of them all. For now, however, I’ve ranked them as such for the reasons explained in the write-ups. So give it a read and let me know what you think in the comments!
10. Justyn-Henry Malloy - Age 23.346 - Tigers
Height: 6’1“ Weight: 212lb Bats: Right Throws: Right
The former 6th-round pick by the Braves has always produced and put up nice numbers in his pro career. Traded away to the Tigers in last year’s off-season for Joe Jiménez, Malloy was sort of converted back into a third baseman by the Tigers. That being said, he still got his fair share of time in the corner OF spots which may end up being his destination in the major leagues, but we’ll still call him a 3B prospect for ranking purposes, as he put in a lot more time there in ‘23.
Malloy came in at #29 in my Top 30 OF Prospect Rankings in last year’s pre-season rankings, and I was really wanting to see a jump in his power numbers in 2023. Malloy did deliver such even if we still are desiring a little bit more. He only had a 2.9% HR rate in 2022, and he raised that number up to 3.8% in 2023, hitting 23 HR in 611 PA. Still, I would love to see that HR rate climb above 4%, especially because he really doesn’t hit a ton of extra base hits.
One area that Malloy really excels is his ability to get on base. He walked at a ridiculous 18.0% pace last season, in route to a .417 OBP. He does strike out a smidge above average at 24.9%, which is likely to climb a bit more once he reaches the major league level. As long as he keeps it under 30%, those issues can be overlooked to an extent if he’s getting on base at a .370+ clip.
The Tigers are shaping up to have a lot of roster battles in Spring Training, but it’s clear that the addition of Mark Canha complicates Malloy’s path to the opening day roster. With that said, he still has a chance to make the roster as the starting 3B, or a reserve IFer & OFer who can platoon with Kerry Carpenter at DH or Zach McKinstry at 3B. Though, he’s going to have to beat out a few other guys that may be ahead of him in the pecking order. If he fails to make the opening day roster, he’ll be one of the first up when an injury occurs. For his peak projection, I have him at .275/.375/.460 (.835 OPS) with 20ish HR.
ETA: Early 2024
9. Curtis Mead - Age 23.097 - Rays
Height: 6’0“ Weight: 171lb Bats: Right Throws: Right
The Aussie has seen his stock fall a bit due to legitimate concerns over his HR power, but the fact remains he’s still a very good hitter with solid plate