Where does the Cubs' Matt Shaw fall in a ranking of NL Central third basemen?

I didn't realize how weak the third base position was in the National League Central until digging in for this piece. As of right now, Nolan Arenado is still a Cardinal and remains the best third baseman in the division. There's almost no chance he'll a remain in St. Louis all year - if he even makes it to Opening Day without being traded. Every team in the division, including the Chicago Cubs, will enter the 2025 season with a question mark at third. Let's dive in.

1. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

Arenado is still a good player - maybe not quite worth his contract but still the best third baseman in the NL Central for now. Fielding and putting the ball in play continue to be his main strengths. The issue is that his power has really gone downhill the last two season, mainly due to a marked decrease in launch angle (from 21 to 16 degrees in three years). Wherever Arenado goes, he will be a plus WAR player as he continues his march to the Hall of Fame.

Who plays third after an Areando trade? Maybe Brendan Donovan? Maybe Thomas Saggese? Regardless, the Cardinals are going to struggle this year as they start their rebuild before handing things over to Chaim Bloom next winter and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.