The Boston Red Sox lost a key third baseman when Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season. After spending one year with Boston, Bregman agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs, cementing his status as a top player at his position entering his 11th MLB season. The focus keyword Alex Bregman third basemen highlights his ranking among the best in the league.
MLB Network’s Rankings Place Bregman Third
MLB Network’s show The Shredder rated Bregman as the third-best third baseman in Major League Baseball. The leader in that category is José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians, while Max Muncy was ranked second despite limited playing time—averaging just 111 games per season over the past four years.
Bregman Surpasses Several Top Contenders
Bregman’s position at No. 3 places him above well-known players such as Matt Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, and seven-time All-Star Manny Machado, who found himself ranked fifth. Additionally, Junior Caminero, who managed 45 home runs last season, is ranked sixth and could move up if he maintains that level of performance.
Other Notable Third Basemen and Team Changes
Bo Bichette, primarily a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, appears at No. 7 in the rankings despite never having played third base in the majors. With rumors surrounding the Boston Red Sox possibly pursuing him for second base, Bichette is expected to take on third base with his new team, the New York Mets. The list continues with Isaac Paredes at No. 8, who could be a potential trade target for Boston, followed by Eugenio Suárez at No. 9 after signing with the Cincinnati Reds. Austin Riley rounds out the top ten despite the setbacks caused by injuries in his recent season.
Bregman’s Consistency and Impact on the Field
Though Bregman has not hit more than 26 home runs or batted above .275 since 2019, his overall offensive contributions remain strong. He has maintained an OPS+ of at least 113 every year of his career. A two-time World Series champion, Bregman combines solid defense with a disciplined approach at the plate, producing 3.5 wins above replacement (WAR) in 114 games last season.
Implications for the Season Ahead
As Alex Bregman begins his tenure with the Chicago Cubs, his ranking as the third-best third baseman reflects both his skill and value to the team. With strong comparisons to other elite players like José Ramírez and Matt Chapman, Bregman is positioned to make a significant impact in 2024. His steadiness at the plate and in the field suggests the Cubs can rely on him as a cornerstone moving forward.
The Shredder's #Top10RightNow at 3B!
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/GfnxZDjvj6
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 5, 2026
