We’re less than six weeks away from Opening Day, and spring training is about to get going in both Arizona and Florida as teams get ready for the start of the season. It’s time for fantasy baseball prep as well, and whether you prefer season-long leagues, DFS contests or DraftKings Best Ball, DK Network will have you covered throughout the upcoming season. To get our coverage underway, we’re working our way through some of the potential players who are ready to take the next step in fantasy production in the coming year, and in this post we’re focusing on potential 3B breakouts to watch for this spring.
Earlier in this series, we examined AL SP Breakouts, NL SP Breakouts, AL OF Breakouts, NL OF Breakouts, Catcher Breakouts, 1B Breakouts, and 2B Breakouts. Let’s head to the hot corner as we look at some possible top 3B breakouts.
Josh Jung, Texas Rangers
The Rangers had a rough 2024 as they tried to defend their 2023 World Series title. One of many things that didn’t go their way was that Jung only played 46 games. He had somewhat of a breakout in 2023 in a career-high 122 games, but he still ranks outside the top tier of 3B heading into 2025. If he can return healthy and get back to his ’23 form, he could be one of this year’s 3B breakouts.
Jung hit 23 home runs in 2023 with a .266 batting average, .201 ISO and .334 wOBA. He only lasted four games in 2024 before being hit by a pitch on his right hand as he swung at it. Jung had started the season 7-for-17 with two walks, a double, a triple and two home runs. He underwent surgery right away but dealt with discomfort near the surgical site as he worked his way back. Ultimately, he was unable to return to the active roster until the end of July. The issue returned at the end of the year, forcing the Rangers to shut him down just before the team’s final road trip for another surgery.
He actually had OK numbers when he was available in 2024, but he continues to have awful injury luck. Even in 2023, he missed time with a fractured thumb, although he did return to play every game in the postseason. In case Jung can’t stay heathy, the Rangers added Jake Burger in a trade from the Marlins and also have super-utility option Josh Smith coming off a strong 2024.
If he’s healthy, though, Jung definitely has a high enough ceiling to be one of this year’s 3B breakouts. He has mashed against lefties throughout his career and has also been better at home than on the road. His batting average could improve if he settles in for a full season in the MLB, and his power upside is enough to keep a close eye on his form and health this spring training as he looks to lock himself back in at a key lineup spot for Texas.
Connor Norby, Miami Marlins
The Marlins acquired Norby from the Orioles at the Trade Deadline last year along with Kyle Stowers in exchange for Trevor Rogers. He was one of many Orioles infield prospects, but the move to Miami opened up a huge opportunity for him to jump into a large role right away.
He made the most of his chance, hitting .247 in 36 games with the Marlins with eight doubles, seven home runs, a .329 wOBA and three stolen bases. Norby has dual position eligibility after bouncing back and forth between 2B and 3B with Miami, and he could actually carry a little more value at a thinner 2B position this season. However, he is also a great late-round add as one of this year’s potential 3B breakouts.
Norby actually tailed off a little bit toward the end of the season after hitting .329 with six homers and a .439 wOBA in his first 18 games with the Marlins. He quickly earned a spot in the top three in the batting order and finished the season there as well. If he’s in such a great lineup spot, he has a high ceiling.
He’ll need to make some adjustments and continue to make hard contact, but he has great power and speed upside. He has been streaky at times, but he’s a nice grab at his current value since he should get plenty of playing time and lots of opportunity to continue to grow this season.
Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs traded away Isaac Paredes in their deal to acquire Kyle Tucker from the Astros, which opened up a big opportunity at 3B. Rumors had them in the mix for free agent Alex Bregman, but when Bregman inked with the Red Sox, it left that space at 3B for Shaw.
The Cubs drafted Shaw out of Maryland with the No. 13 overall pick in the MLB Draft. He played 38 games with the team in 2023 but established himself as one of the organization’s best bats with a .284 average, 21 homers, 71 RBIs and 31 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A last season. The plan all winter was that Shaw would have the first chance to claim the everyday spot at 3B after his impressive 2024.
In his prospect profile on FanGraphs, Shaw is described as a “5-foot-9 stick of dynamite who plays with all-out effort.” He should quickly become a Cubs’ fan favorite based on his profile and brings enough power and speed to make a meaningful impact right away if he earns the job.
While he could be one of this year’s 3B breakouts, he is no sure thing to even start the season in the majors. He was slowed by a left oblique issue when the Cubs held their first full-squad workout, but Manager Craig Counsell downplayed the injury and described Shaw as day-to-day. If Shaw gets healthy and continues his trajectory, he will definitely be a young option to watch at the hot corner this spring.
