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Washington Nationals: Ranking The Third Basemen In 2017 NL East

By Frank Ellis

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) hits a two run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) hits a two run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Martin Prado (MIA)

2016 Stats: .305/.359/.417, eight home runs, 75 RBI’s, and two stolen bases in 153 games

Prado’s spot on the diamond is very safe for this year. He is a consistent veteran bat and the Marlins will most certainly rely on him to provide some leadership this year. He has been with the Marlins since 2014 and has not posted a batting average under .280 since. The lineup in Miami is actually looking pretty strong this year and once again it will likely grow in 2017.

Expect Prado to hit second or third in the lineup this year. That spot positions him around three great hitters. Dee Gordon at lead off, Christian Yelich at the spot that Prado is not in and the powerful Giancarlo Stanton batting cleanup. This will give Prado tons of opportunities to score and drive in runs.

Some may wonder why Prado isn’t even higher on this list. Honestly, based on past performance alone, he could easily slot in at two on this list as well. The two things he doesn’t prove are youth/upside and power. He will be 34 by the end of the 2017 season and he has never had a season over 15 home runs in his career.

Those two things are what separate numbers one and two on our list, the youth and the power. Although he does lack those two things Marlins fans can expect another solid year out of Prado.

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