Players who love the Road to the Show mode in MLB The Show 22 are likely to find a home at third base. Not only can they hit the ball for power, but they get tons of action on the infield and a chance to show off the arm. Playing this spot is a quick way to get called up in RTTS.
However, there is some serious competition at third base. All those reasons gamers might like to play the position, real-life players are living that dream. In MLB The Show 22, these are the monsters that stand in the way of being the greatest talent at the hot corner in this generation.
13 Evan Longoria - 81 OVR
There is an argument to be made that Evan Longoria’s ratings don’t reflect his talent as a player. He hasn’t made an All-Star game since 2010, but he has been winning Gold Gloves and is consistently competing for Silver Slugger awards.
Longoria’s power is still on the high side and his ability to hit lefties for contact is strong. Defensively, the arm is down at a 40, but his other defensive attributes are all 77+. Down in the zone, there are few hitters that are better than Longoria.
12 Ryan McMahon - 83 OVR
McMahon’s stats on the defensive side of the ball are mostly in the 90s. It’s hard for a utility infielder to make superstars change positions, but McMahon is so talented that Kris Bryant made the move to left field. No slight against Bryant, this guy is just that good.
For gamers who are looking to trade for a player or take over an organization, keep in mind that much of McMahon’s usefulness is in his ability to play any infield position. His high discipline and durability set up the Rockies to win ballgames.
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10 Matt Chapman - 83 OVR
When players are trying to improve their character in Road to the Show, defense is too often overlooked. It can send the OVR of a player higher than what the batting statistics would ordinarily warrant. A lockdown third baseman is something many teams will accept, even if the hitting could use some work.
It’s perhaps unfair to put Matt Chapman in this category as his hitting is still average for most MLB players. But the three-time Gold Glove winner (including a win last year) and two-time Plantium Glove recipient appropriately has extremely high defensive attributes.
9 Austin Riley - 84 OVR
Last year’s SIlver Slugger among third basemen in the NL, for whatever reason, was not given a spot as a top ten talent among players at that position for 2022. Midway through another strong season, the ratings adjusters have come to their senses and given Riley a spot among the best.
His average is down from last year just a little, but his power is much better. As a league leader in home runs, he’s been given 84+ scores against both righties in lefties when it comes to power. His 98 durability is a feature, especially with how often third basemen land on injured list these days.
8 Patrick Wisdom - 85 OVR
Power hitting and defense are what managers want from their third basemen and that is what Patrick Wisdom delivers. Three of his four defensive attributes are in the 80s. Both power categories are elite, capped off by a perfect 99 against lefties.
As can be expected for many power hitters in 2022, his patience and contact have much to be desired. But the league is shifting to one based on the long ball and Wisdom fits the bill perfectly.
7 Brandon Drury - 86 OVR
When playing against friends, it is frustrating to have a player that is in either contact or power. Even if one or the other category is good, pitchers can take advantage by switching pitchers or throwing junk. Brandon Drury doesn’t have any weaknesses against any handedness.
Drury is even more valuable when taking his defense into account. Across all four categories, he’s got at least a 72. Balls hit in that direction aren’t sneaking through to left field.
6 Rafael Devers - 89 OVR
Although he won the World Series in 2018, it’s not arguable that Rafael Devers had his best year in 2021, winning a Silver Slugger and getting voted into his first All-Star appearance. He may only be hitting his stride as he leads the league in hits and total bases so far in 2022.
To match his prowess, games will need to learn how to equip their gear to keep up. Aside from overall above-average hitting in most categories, he’s got a perfect 99 contact against righties and a 95 versus lefties. That’s one way to keep the average elevated.
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3 Nolan Arenado - 94 OVR
It’s impossible to talk about Nolan Arenado without talking about his defense. The man has won nine straight Gold Glove awards and five straight Platinum Glove Awards, given to the single best defensive player in the league. But if that’s not enough, wait until he gets to the plate.
His power and contact are all above average, most notably his power against lefties is a searing 99. With a 96 durability, Arenado is essentially everything a third baseman can be. That perfect reaction timing would be above 99 if such ratings were allowed.
2 Manny Machado - 98 OVR
Manny Machado is still in the prime of his career and anybody stuck behind him on the depth chart should perhaps consider changing positions. The Padres are experiencing a much more successful season in 2022 thanks to Machado.
He’s brutal against lefties. He has perfect scores in both contact and power against them. This complements his bright red zone against them. They’re better off walking him and hoping whoever hits next in the order doesn’t make them pay.
1 Jose Ramirez - 99 OVR
Jose Ramirez joined the 30-30 club in 2018 and has continued to rack up Silver Sluggers and All-Star selections. Over the course of 2022, he’s gone from solid to a maxed-out 99 OVR, tops among all third basemen. He’s leading the league in RBIs and doubles.
Here’s a shocking fact: outside of bunting and contact versus lefties, all of his hitting attributes are above 82. That’s not just above-average, that elite tier in almost every aspect. His aforementioned speed should also not be overlooked when the ball does stay in the park.
MLB The Show 22 is available now for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5.
