2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Jose Ramirez vs. Junior Caminero vs. Manny Machado

José Ramírez, Junior Caminero, and Manny Machado headline the 3B position in 2026 fantasy baseball, each offering a different path to early-round profit.

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of game one of a double header at Target Field. | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The top tier of third base in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts is defined by three different paths to first-round value: the five-category consistency of José Ramírez, the power explosion of Junior Caminero, and the bankable production of Manny Machado. Understanding how their category juice, lineup context, and underlying metrics translate to their NFBC ADP is the key to building a championship foundation.

3B1 – Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians (NFBC ADP – 5)

Cleveland Guardians third base Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after he hits a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Another season goes by, and Ramirez delivers winning stats in five categories. He had a step back in run (103), home run (30), RBI (85) production while upping his stolen base output (44 – career high). His success ranked him sixth in FPGscore (8.96) for hitters, down from fourth in 2024 (12.04). Ramirez has been a top-five fantasy bat four times over the past five seasons.

His strikeout rate (11.0%) remains elite for a power hitter while taking fewer walks (9.8%). Ramirez had a five-year low in RBI chances (383) and a regression in his RBI rate (14.9% - 20.5% in 2024). His contact batting average (.324) has been in a tight range over the past four years.

Ramirez brings a high launch angle (19.2) and flyball rate (48.4%), which plays well for his pull swing path (53.9%). His exit velocity (88.9), barrel rate (7.0%), and hard-hit rate (37.0%) are well below the best power hitters in the majors, along with his HR/FB rate (12.3%).

He was at his best against left-handed pitching (.322/26/6/26/17 over 174 at-bats). Ramirez regressed after the All-Star break (.267/49/12/35/15 over 247 at-bats).

Jose Ramirez 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Fantasy Outlook: Hidden in Ramirez’s run and RBI stats is a poor Guardians’ offense last season that ranked 28th in runs (643) and RBIs (621), down from 708 runs and 670 RBIs in 2024. Cleveland lacks supporting foundation bats, which invites fewer scoring chances again this year. The sum of his fantasy stats remains attractive, but his jump in steals masked his regression in runs, home runs, and RBIs. It’s this point: buy the foundation piece (.280/100/30/100/30), with the hope that the Guardians have offensive growth in 2026.

3B2 – Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (NFBC ADP – 14)

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) points after he hit a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

After an injury development season in 2024, Caminero kicked in the fantasy door last year. Home runs (45) drove his fantasy value, leading to winning results in runs (93) and RBIs (110). He came to the plate with 410 runners on base while driving in 15.8% of his chances. His average hit rate (2.025) supports 35+ home runs if given 550 at-bats.

Caminero beat the league average with his strikeout rate (19.1%) while continuing to rank below par with his walk rate (6.3%). His contact batting average (.333) wasn’t an edge. He had a groundball-favoring swing path (46.5%), with minimal line drives (15.5%). Caminero graded well in exit velocity (92.4), barrel rate (14.0%), and hard-hit rate (51.4%).

His best power surge came in August (.262/2012/23/2 over 103 at-bats). He has between six and eight home runs in the other five months, with a floor of 16 RBIs in five months. Caminero had batting average risk on the road (.218/44/23/56/2 over 308 at-bats).

Over four seasons in the minors, Caminero hit .307 with 185 runs, 67 home runs, 217 RBIs, and 20 steals over 1,079 at-bats. He beat the league average with his walk rate (8.8%), with a favorable strikeout rate (18.4%).

Junior Caminero 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Fantasy Outlook: Caminero was the 12th-best hitter last season based on FPGscore (6.45), with half of his positive outcome coming from the home run category (+3.32). His power sets the tone in his fantasy value, but his natural progression and talent suggest some help in steals and a higher batting average.

A switch back to Tropicana Field should be a significant factor in Caminero’s home run total (22 at home and 23 on the road last season). I’ll set his bar at .280 with 100 runs, 35 home runs, 100 RBIs, and double-digit steals.

3B3 – Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (NFBC ADP – 43)

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Last draft season, Machado was discounted (ADP – 40) in the high-stakes market. He ended up returning for game 1 (calf issue) of the season, making him a value in fantasy leagues. His FPGscore (4.50) ranked him as the 26th hitter. Machado finished with his highest at-bat total (615) since 2018. He needs 931 more hits to reach 3,000 for his career.

Over the past two years, his exit velocity (92.5 and 02.9) reached new career-highs in each season. His barrel rate (12.9%) and hard-hit rate (51.5%) are trending higher while maintaining his launch angle (14.3). Despite his positive power vibes, Machado posted a 12-year low HR/FB rate (13.1%). He brings a favorable approach (strikeout rate – 19.3% and walk rate – 8.1%).

His slow output in home runs came over the first two months (.308/39/6/25/7 over 208 at-bats). Machado’s power returned in June and July (.297 with 25 runs, 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, and three stolen bases over 212 at-bats), followed by one home run over 108 at-bats in August. He only hit .215 over his final 195 at-bats.

Manny Machada 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Fantasy Outlook: Based on his stats last year, Machado is priced exactly where he should be in 2025. He brings a balanced five-category skill set with a long resume of success. I view him similarly to Bryce Harper, but his ceiling may not be as explosive. If all goes well, .280 with 95 runs, 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.

Jose Ramirez vs. Junior Caminero vs. Manny Machado 2026 Fantasy Baseball Verdict

Ramírez remains the safest five-category anchor in fantasy baseball, but his ultimate ceiling still depends on Cleveland’s ability to create more run and RBI opportunities. Caminero offers the most category-winning power in the group while Machado continues to profile as the draft-day value who can quietly return early-round production at a discount.