Third base has long been a position of feast or famine in fantasy baseball, but the 2026 draft landscape offers a fresh wave of value from young, versatile infielders. With veterans dominating the top tiers (according to our player rankings and recent fantasy baseball ADP) and a thin middle class, savvy managers are turning to rising talents deeper in their drafts where it may be easier to find value at a position often predicated on power. 

In addition to later-round value, there are also a few names to become acquainted with should you be looking for addition roster flexibility. Multi-position eligibility can go a long way with regard to your roster construction and how you attack the position on draft day. Three favorites, each with multi-position eligibility and paths to everyday at-bats, are sliding as far as the 200s in ADP but carry breakout potential that could make them league-winners. Let's break down their 2026 expectations and why they're steals at current prices.

 

 

Addison Barger -- More Power Coming

Barger enters his age-26 season as one of the Blue Jays' most intriguing pieces, having carved out a regular role in 2025 with a .243/.301/.454 slash line, 21 homers, and 74 RBI over 135 games. His postseason heroics, highlighted by a pinch-hit grand slam in the World Series, only amplified the hype. Now ticketed primarily for right field after Toronto's offseason moves, Barger retains 3B eligibility in most formats, giving drafters dual-position flexibility.

Expectations for 2026 center on sustained power in a hitter-friendly lineup. While our projections continue to get wrenched, we can look at Steamer and ZiPS projections which peg him for 18-25 homers, 60-70 runs, 65 RBI, and a .242-.251 average in 450-500 at-bats. That sounds about right, though the power could tick up even more. His elite bat speed (93rd percentile) and hard-hit rate (top-25) suggest the pop is real, even if strikeouts linger around 24%. Speed is limited (4-6 steals projected), but his .319 wOBA against righties makes him a platoon-proof middle-round anchor. At ADP 200, often the 17th-19th round in 12-team leagues, Barger is a screaming value. Comparable 3B/OFs like Matt Chapman go 50-60 picks earlier despite similar profiles. In a thin third base pool, grab him and watch as he delivers 20+ homers on the cheap. He's the archetype of a post-hype sleeper who's finally ready.

 

 

Caleb Durbin -- Speed at the Hot Corner

Traded from Milwaukee to Boston in the offseason, Durbin is poised for a full-time gig at third base (with 2B eligibility) in Fenway Park's bandbox. His 2025 rookie campaign in Milwaukee was quietly excellent: .256/.334/.387, 11 homers, 53 RBI, 60 runs, and 18 steals in 136 games. He slashed .278/.352/.424 after a slow April, flashing elite contact skills (88% rate, 9.9% K%) that scream .260+ average potential.

The 25-year-old's game is built for stolen bases and gap power, with 20-25 steals and low-double-digit homers in the cards. Our projections are being updated following the recent trade, but others like Steamer see 11-15 homers, 65 runs, 55 RBI, and a .256-.267 average in 490 at-bats. The Green Monster could boost his doubles (projected 22-26) and overall production, while Boston's run environment elevates his counting stats. Defense at the hot corner is solid, and his versatility keeps him in the lineup.

Drafting around 225 (early 20s rounds) is highway robbery for a five-category contributor like Durbin. He's cheaper than similar speedsters like Maikel Garcia (ADP ~80) but projects for comparable steals with better average. In deeper leagues, Durbin's floor as a .260/20-SB guy makes him a must-stash for benches or as a middle infield play. If he clicks in Boston, he's a top-150 overall hitter by June. 

 

 

Miguel Vargas – Late-Round Power

Vargas finally showed his Dodgers prospect pedigree in 2025, hitting .234/.316/.401 with 16 homers and 60 RBI in 138 games—his first extended look. Traded to Chicago, the 26-year-old's now entrenched at 3B (with 1B eligibility), and improved plate skills (9.8% BB, 17.6% K) plus better barrel rates point to more.

Projections call for 15-18 homers, 65-75 runs/RBI, 6-8 steals, and a .235-.244 average in 500+ at-bats. We're a little conservative with ours, but we do see growth. Other projection models such as THE BAT X, love him (.244/.321/.433, 23 HR). The White Sox's young core should create better opportunities, and Vargas's gap power fits a rebuilding squad.  At ADP north of 250 (late 24th-25th round), he's dirt-cheap for a corner bat with 20-HR upside. Cheaper than peers like Alec Bohm (ADP ~235) despite similar tools. Stash him on benches or as a utility flier; if he clicks, he could be a league-winner. 

Final Thoughts:

These three aren't guaranteed stars, but at their ADPs, they're the epitome of draft-day value in a shallow third base landscape. Target Barger and Vargas for power, Durbin for speed. Mix them into your middle infield or corner spots, and you'll outpace the field. In 2026, the hot corner belongs to the young guns.

 

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