The 20 Third Basemen Who Fundamentally Changed the Position

Last Updated: June 18th, 2026 by Jake Cain

Let’s face it.

It’s hard to compare a guy who played in the 1920’s to a current player playing the 2020’s.

That said, it’s fun to try.

We’ve reviewed all the stats, offensive and defensive, heard from people in our Facebook group and we’ve updated our list of the top 20 third baseman of all time.

We’re counting down from 20, so be sure to scroll to the bottom and see if you agree with our choice as the best of all-time.

How We Made This List

We ranked these third basemen by career production, peak performance, defensive value, awards, longevity, postseason impact, and historical context. Players with substantial time at third base were eligible even if they also starred elsewhere. The countdown preserves the article's original 20-to-1 editorial order, and reasonable readers may disagree.

20. Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria, the third overall draft pick, came in with a lot of hype in 2006, ultimately debuted in 2008, and then proceeded to win Rookie of the Year. But the guy wasn’t just a flash in the pan. He ended up with three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and multiple All-Star selections.

Evan Longoria — Career	Total
G	1986
AB	7306
H	1930
HR	342
RBI	1159
SB	58
AVG	.264
OBP	.333
SLG	.471
OPS	.804
All-Star selections	3
Gold Gloves	3
Silver Sluggers	1
Rookie of the Year	1

Most people remember him with the Rays from 2008 to 2017, but he also spent five seasons with the Giants and finished with Arizona in 2023. Across 16 MLB seasons, he hit 342 home runs and collected 1,930 hits.

He’s definitely behind the likes of Brooks Robinson and Mike Schmidt, who of course are going to appear later on our list. But the guy was really good for a really long time.

19. Dick Allen (HOF)

Dick Allen’s a guy a lot of people forgot about. He won the ’72 MVP with the White Sox, not with the Phillies. Seven-time All-Star. The guy could flat out play.

Dick Allen — Career	Total
G	1749
AB	6332
H	1848
HR	351
RBI	1119
SB	133
AVG	.292
OBP	.378
SLG	.534
OPS	.912
MVP	1
All-Star selections	7
Rookie of the Year	1

He ended up with 351 career homers, batting average just below .300. Really was a model of consistency. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025, but for a long time he was definitely one of those guys on those lists of biggest Hall of Fame snubs.

18. Sal Bando

Sal Bando is a guy you associate with the A’s dynasty of the early seventies, the ’72, ’73, and ’74 three-peat. Bando was an important part of that team, definitely a leader, a team captain type.

Sal Bando — Career	Total
G	2019
AB	7061
H	1790
HR	242
RBI	1039
SB	75
AVG	.254
OBP	.352
SLG	.408
OPS	.760
All-Star selections	4
World Series titles	3

Career numbers overall are somewhat underwhelming on the surface. A .254 batting average, though by today’s standards that’s perfectly fine, and 242 homers. He was often overshadowed by bigger-name teammates like Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Vida Blue. But the guy really was part of the glue that made that team go.

Career Highlights:

Statistics Overview:

17. Buddy Bell

Buddy Bell could flat out flash the leather at third base. His defense was his calling card, and the guy won six Gold Gloves over a span of 18 seasons. Diving plays, strong arm. He even drew some Brooks Robinson comparisons in terms of his ability in the field, which, as you know, is no small feat.

Buddy Bell — Career	Total
G	2405
AB	8995
H	2514
HR	201
RBI	1106
SB	55
AVG	.279
OBP	.341
SLG	.406
OPS	.747
All-Star selections	5
Gold Gloves	6
Silver Sluggers	1

He was definitely a solid hitter too. He racked up over 2,500 career hits over the span of a long career, so he wasn’t just a guy who could flash the glove and couldn’t hit at all.

Of course, the Bells are a rare three-generation family: Gus Bell, then Buddy, then David and Mike. Sometimes he gets overlooked, but if you saw Buddy Bell in person, you know that guy could play.

Career Highlights:

16. Ken Boyer

Ken Boyer was the 1964 National League MVP for the Cardinals, who won the World Series that year. He famously hit a grand slam in game four off Al Downing. Weirdly, he often gets overshadowed by his brother Clete Boyer, who was also a standout defensive third baseman.

Ken Boyer — Career	Total
G	2034
AB	7455
H	2143
HR	282
RBI	1141
SB	105
AVG	.287
OBP	.349
SLG	.462
OPS	.811
MVP	1
All-Star selections	7
Gold Gloves	5
World Series titles	1

It’s kind of crazy to have two brothers be elite at the same position at the same time. But 282 homers in the era in which he played was a whole lot of homers. He kind of gets lost in the sauce a little bit after the steroid era, where some of those numbers got inflated. But the guy was known to be an exceptional defensive third baseman, made 11 All-Star Games across seven seasons, hit .287, which was nothing to sneeze at, and had plenty of power for the position.

15. Home Run Baker (HOF)

Home Run Baker was part of the famous $100,000 infield that won three World Series with the A’s, but we’re talking about back in the Deadball era. At this time people would lead the league with 10 to 12 homers, and he led the AL four straight years in homers, peaking out with twelve in a season, which at the time was enough to earn you the nickname Home Run, apparently. Connie Mack sold him to the Yankees after the 1914 season, but Baker refused to report and spent 1915 playing semipro ball before joining New York in 1916. He was later overshadowed by the legend of Babe Ruth. In his thirteen seasons he put up numbers that were elite for the time and got him into the Hall in 1955.

Home Run Baker — Career	Total
G	1575
AB	5984
H	1838
HR	96
RBI	987
SB	235
AVG	.307
OBP	.363
SLG	.442
OPS	.805
World Series titles	3

14. Graig Nettles

Graig Nettles was a cornerstone of the Yankees during his time, known for elite defense and power. He ended up with a couple of Gold Gloves and 390 homers for his career. He led the American League in homers in ’76 and was definitely one of the premier power-hitting third basemen of his era.

Graig Nettles — Career	Total
G	2700
AB	8986
H	2225
HR	390
RBI	1314
SB	32
AVG	.248
OBP	.329
SLG	.421
OPS	.750
All-Star selections	6
Gold Gloves	2
World Series titles	2

Most people who saw him say that only winning two Gold Gloves is kind of a travesty, as he was considered one of the best defensive third basemen of the era. He also made a legendary play in game three of the 1978 World Series with a diving catch that’s often regarded as one of the best plays in World Series history.

13. Edgar Martínez (HOF)

You may not think of Edgar Martinez as a third baseman, and fair enough, but he definitely started his career there before moving over to become a DH thanks to injuries in the early 90s. Five times Silver Slugger and a seven-time All-Star, but he didn’t have a lot of time in the postseason, which leads some people to think down about his career.

Edgar Martinez — Career	Total
G	2055
AB	7213
H	2247
HR	309
RBI	1261
SB	49
AVG	.312
OBP	.418
SLG	.515
OPS	.933
All-Star selections	7
Silver Sluggers	5

But if you’re watching him play, the guy was a .312 career hitter with an on-base percentage of .418. Ultimately, he got into the Hall of Fame on his credentials primarily as a DH in 2019, which kind of opened the door and ended the debate of whether guys who serve primarily as a DH should be in the hall. We’ve got him on this list based on the fact he played third and his hitting prowess alone.

12. Scott Rolen (HOF)

Scott Rolen is one of the most decorated third basemen of all time in terms of his eight Gold Gloves. In the late 90s and early 2000s he was known as the best third baseman of a generation, particularly on the field. But that’s not all.

Scott Rolen — Career	Total
G	2038
AB	7398
H	2077
HR	316
RBI	1287
SB	118
AVG	.281
OBP	.364
SLG	.490
OPS	.854
All-Star selections	7
Gold Gloves	8
Silver Sluggers	1
World Series titles	1
Rookie of the Year	1

He could hit too. He got into the Hall of Fame in 2023 and ended up with 316 career homers and over 1,200 RBIs. Not monstrous offensive stats, but in his prime he was definitely one of the best all-around third basemen in the game. He had a really nice stint with both the Phillies and the Cardinals.

11. Paul Molitor (HOF)

Paul Molitor, often remembered for his remarkable hitting and versatility on the field, boasts a career that solidifies his place among the greatest third basemen of all time. Molitor excelled not only as a third baseman but also made significant contributions as a designated hitter, indicative of his adaptability and focus on offensive production.

Paul Molitor — Career	Total
G	2683
AB	10835
H	3319
HR	234
RBI	1307
SB	504
AVG	.306
OBP	.369
SLG	.448
OPS	.817
All-Star selections	7
Silver Sluggers	4
World Series titles	1

Paul Molitor is another guy who plays multiple positions, but spent a good amount of time of his 21-year career at third base. Over 3,300 hits, 605 doubles. He won his World Series in 1993 with the Blue Jays and is top 10 all time on the hits list.

Later in his career he was kind of a DH utility guy, which makes him perhaps controversial to have on this list, but the guy could flat out hit. So we’ve got him right where he belongs.

10. Ron Santo (HOF)

Cubs fans love them some Ron Santo. Nine-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove Award winner. He didn’t get elected to the Hall of Fame until 2012 by the Veterans Committee, and unfortunately it was two years after he had passed away. His combination of power and defense gives him a strong case among the best third basemen of his era. Definitely if you were around in that era, he’s one of the best defensive third basemen to ever play the game.

Ron Santo — Career	Total
G	2243
AB	8143
H	2254
HR	342
RBI	1331
SB	35
AVG	.277
OBP	.362
SLG	.464
OPS	.826
All-Star selections	9
Gold Gloves	5

9. Pie Traynor (HOF)

Pie Traynor takes us way back, and when you compare numbers you have to think about different eras. But the guy had a .320 career batting average, over 2,400 career hits, all with the Pirates across a 17-year career.

Pie Traynor — Career	Total
G	1941
AB	7559
H	2416
HR	58
RBI	1273
SB	158
AVG	.320
OBP	.362
SLG	.435
OPS	.797
All-Star selections	2
World Series titles	1

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1948 and got listed on the all-time team in 1969. Traynor had a great defensive reputation for the time, though they didn’t have quite the modern stats we do today to give a fair comparison. But there’s no doubt that compared to his peers, Traynor was a standout.

Career Highlights:

8. Chipper Jones (HOF)

Chipper Jones started out at third base and ended up playing outfield at points in his career, but he was one of the best switch hitters of all time, no doubt about it. A .303 career average, 468 homers, and an eight-time All-Star across his 19-year career, all with the Atlanta Braves, which was even more rare in the free agent era. He literally hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game, which is absolutely unbelievable. He ended up being a first ballot Hall of Famer in 2018 with 97% of the votes. Though his defense at third was not the strength of his case, he was an offensive juggernaut throughout.

Chipper Jones — Career	Total
G	2499
AB	8984
H	2726
HR	468
RBI	1623
SB	150
AVG	.303
OBP	.401
SLG	.529
OPS	.930
MVP	1
All-Star selections	8
Silver Sluggers	2
World Series titles	1

7. George Brett (HOF)

George Brett hit .390 in 1980, then Tony Gwynn came even closer to .400 by hitting .394 in the strike-shortened 1994 season. Sure, it’s fun to think about him losing his mind on the pine tar incident. But when you look at the guy’s numbers, 21 years with the Royals, batting .305, over 3,100 hits, easy Hall of Fame selection, 13-time All-Star. And a fan favorite who was just a gritty, grinding style player that could hit any day of the week.

George Brett — Career	Total
G	2707
AB	10349
H	3154
HR	317
RBI	1596
SB	201
AVG	.305
OBP	.369
SLG	.487
OPS	.856
MVP	1
All-Star selections	13
Gold Gloves	1
Silver Sluggers	3
World Series titles	1

6. Adrián Beltré (HOF)

Adrián Beltré might be a little bit underrated in some circles. The guy ended up playing 21 seasons with teams like the Dodgers, Mariners, Rangers, and Red Sox, and ended up delivering 3,000 hits, five Gold Gloves, and brought plenty of power at the plate.

Adrian Beltré — Career	Total
G	2933
AB	11068
H	3166
HR	477
RBI	1707
SB	121
AVG	.286
OBP	.339
SLG	.480
OPS	.819
All-Star selections	4
Gold Gloves	5
Silver Sluggers	4

He had a plus arm, and his wins above replacement is an eye-popping 93.5. This guy had all the tools, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024 on the first ballot.

5. Pete Rose

Pete Rose was an all-star at five different positions: left field, right field, third base, second base, and first, so we could fit him on a lot of these lists. But Pete played quite a few games at the hot corner, and of course he was known as Charlie Hustle.

Pete Rose — Career	Total
G	3562
AB	14053
H	4256
HR	160
RBI	1314
SB	198
AVG	.303
OBP	.375
SLG	.409
OPS	.784
MVP	1
All-Star selections	17
Gold Gloves	2
Silver Sluggers	1
World Series titles	3
Rookie of the Year	1

Pete’s the all-time hit leader with 4,256, breaking Ty Cobb’s record in 1985. It’s one of those records that may simply never be broken. He was a guy that you loved if he was your teammate based on how hard he played, and he was just a winner on so many great Reds and Phillies teams. Played for a long time, and was still knocking base hits well into his forties. MLB’s 2025 policy change made Rose eligible for future Hall of Fame consideration, but he remains unelected.

Career Highlights:

Notable Achievements:

4. Wade Boggs (HOF)

Wade Boggs is one of the purest contact on-base percentage guys in the history of baseball. A .415 on-base percentage is elite by any standard. He ended his career with a .328 batting average, which was absolutely insane, and just over 3,000 hits, including five batting titles. When he was playing with the Red Sox he wasn’t a power hitter by any standard, but he could get on base, was a smart player, and of course was famous for eating chicken before every game as part of his superstition.

Wade Boggs — Career	Total
G	2440
AB	9180
H	3010
HR	118
RBI	1014
SB	24
AVG	.328
OBP	.415
SLG	.443
OPS	.858
All-Star selections	12
Gold Gloves	2
Silver Sluggers	8
World Series titles	1

He finally got a World Series ring with the Yankees in ’96 and then ended up with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he eclipsed 3,000 hits and ended his career.

Career Highlights:

3. Brooks Robinson (HOF)

I can already hear some of you taking objection with having Brooks Robinson third on this list. Most baseball fans would say he’s the greatest defensive third baseman of all time. Most Cincinnati Reds fans would say he was the primary reason the Orioles beat the Reds in the 1970 World Series, as you seemingly could not get a hit past the third baseman, also known as the human vacuum cleaner.

Brooks Robinson — Career	Total
G	2896
AB	10654
H	2848
HR	268
RBI	1357
SB	28
AVG	.267
OBP	.322
SLG	.401
OPS	.723
MVP	1
All-Star selections	15
Gold Gloves	16
World Series titles	2

He played over 2,800 games at third base, which was the most ever at the time. And he could hit: .267 average, 268 homers, over 1,300 RBIs, which are solid, good numbers, but not elite. Obviously, given those numbers plus his defense, he certainly could make the case that he should be number one on this list. But I digress.

Statistical Snapshot:

2. Eddie Mathews (HOF)

Taking it all the way back to Eddie Mathews, 512 career homers. One of the few at this position to hit that mark, putting him in rarefied air. He also finished with 2,315 hits and an .885 OPS, reflecting his offense and overall longevity.

Eddie Mathews — Career	Total
G	2391
AB	8537
H	2315
HR	512
RBI	1453
SB	68
AVG	.271
OBP	.376
SLG	.509
OPS	.885
All-Star selections	9
World Series titles	2

His 12 All-Star Game appearances across nine seasons show he wasn’t just a few years in his prime. The guy was at the top of his game and made one of the most feared tandems in history when he was teammates with Hank Aaron in Milwaukee.

In fact, Aaron’s greatness sometimes overshadows Mathews when talked about in Braves history of that era. But there’s no doubt he was a legendary player.

Career Highlights:

Notable Achievements:

1. Mike Schmidt (HOF)

Michael Jack Schmidt tops out our list and it’s hard to argue with. 12-time All-Star, 548 homers, 10 Gold Gloves. The guy could absolutely do it all. He won the MVP three times in the 80s, which not many position players have done.

Mike Schmidt — Career	Total
G	2404
AB	8352
H	2234
HR	548
RBI	1595
SB	174
AVG	.267
OBP	.380
SLG	.527
OPS	.907
MVP	3
All-Star selections	12
Gold Gloves	10
Silver Sluggers	6
World Series titles	1

Outside of Brooks Robinson, you could make the case that he’s the best defensive third baseman of all time, in addition to being one of the greatest power hitters ever, not just for a third baseman, but for anybody.

Keep reading

• The 24 Second Basemen Baseball Won’t Stop Arguing About
• 24 Shortstops Who Defined the Position
• Who Are Baseball’s 20 Greatest Second Basemen?