Second base is the rainy day of baseball positions. Nobody really looks forward to them, they aren’t revered and celebrated a whole lot (except for a weird niche group of people.) They’re easy to forget about as soon as the next bright, sunny day rolls in. But without them, our crops die and the world burns down. A great second baseman can make a world of a difference in the infield, despite being largely overlooked for the sexier shortstops of the world. Most great superheroes are nothing without their sidekicks, and that can be the case in the middle infield.
It’s also a position near and dear to my heart. In my long amateur career, I spent most of my time playing second, mostly because I was too slow to play outfield and unathletic to play short. So far, we’ve looked at my top third basemen and shortstops. This time, since it’s currently down-pouring outside, we’ll look at second base. See what I did there? With the rain thing? Please don’t leave the post – I’ll stop now.
So what are we looking for? Main concern here is consistency – games played, contact numbers, high level defense, things like that. Power numbers are a bonus, but not the main concern here. With that out of the way, let’s look at our honorable mentions.
First: Jeff McNeil. He’s certainly made waves since coming onto the scene in 2018, being the “high average” guy on the Mets. But 2021 was a massive nosedive, so he lands here. Next, Jazz Chisolm. Speaking of burst on the scene, Jazz has made his presence know in the national spotlight. Certainly one of the most fun players in the league, and one of my favorite young talents, he needs to seriously tighten up in the field and at the dish to crack this list anytime soon. Our final HM is Jean Segura. It was really, REALLY hard to leave Jean off the top 10. Honestly, I’d hear and probably accept the argument he should be on it. Fields well, consistent, gets on base. There just feels like there’s something missing in the last few years. I can’t explain it, it just feels like the other guys are slightly better. Sorry, Jimmy Cigs. Now for the top 10:
10) Ryan McMahon: He filled in at third quite a bit once Nolan left, but with the Rockies signing Bryant, McMahon will likely stay put at second this season. Above average size for a second baseman, McMahon still fields well and sprays the park. His average is a little on the low end, but his utility and reliability the last few seasons keep him here for me. He’s also still young at 27, and seemingly getting better, which is probably why the Rockies just locked him up, as well.
9) Jorge Polanco: the Twins will certainly have quite an exciting middle infield this year in Polanco and Correa. His defense isn’t stellar, but he more than makes up for it with his bat. Last season he went 30+ on bombs and doubles, while still grabbing 10 bags. He drives runs in and lead the Twins in WAR last season. At 28, it’s not like he’s old, either. Keep an eye out for this middle infield duo in Minnesota this season.
8) Brandon Lowe: This one hurt to have to do. I’m a big fan of Brandon Lowe, but someone needed to be here. Remember when I said consistency? That to me is one of the things Lowe lacks. His power numbers are off the charts, but there are months where you look at him and have to wonder what is going on. He defends well and has good utility in the field, and that bat can be a huge asset. Cut down the strikeouts, stay healthy, and we may have a budding superstar.
7) Jonathan Schoop: One of the models of consistency in the league, especially at second. I thought he was older than 30, because it really feels like he’s been around forever. A true career second baseman, he’s really just been tucked away on mostly bad teams his whole career. He doesn’t miss much time to speak of, gets a ton of hits, can still give you 20+ bombs and doubles, all while having one of the higher fielding percentages of anyone on this list. A truly rock solid, underrated player.
6) Whit Merrifield: Base Hit Whit. Given for a good reason: he gets a shit load of them. He might be a little older, currently 33 and only broke into the bigs at 27, but that’s not stopping him from playing every single game in the last three seasons. The man just keeps showing up and hitting. Not a homerun guy, but can still easily go for 40+ doubles. His average may have dipped in 2021, but that didn’t stop him from making the All Star Game for the second time. Let’s not forget his glove, which just so happens to be among the best of anyone at the position. Whit’s still here.
5) Jonathan India: Possibly controversial, I just couldn’t help myself. India is electric, and if his Rookie of the Year worthy 2021 is any indication, this kid is going to be one of the best for a while. He had a pretty solid average at .269, snuck some power numbers in there for 20+ bombs and 30+ doubles, and even took 10+ bags. Solid defense to boot, and only missing 12 games. That’s just about everything you can ask for in your second baseman, let alone in his first season.
4) Ozzie Albies: One of the best since he’s been in the league, Albies shows no signs of stopping. He’s become one of the defining players of these last few great Braves teams, which is rare for a second basemen to be able to do. He’s played just about his whole career in tandem with Dansby Swanson, making for one of the more dynamic young middle infields in all of baseball. Consistently producing contact and power numbers, he’s been healthy his whole career, he steals bases, All Star, Silver Slugger, ELITE defender – there’s almost no holes in his game. Look for another monster season for the 25 year old.
3) Marcus Semien: His first season as a full time second baseman was one for the books: All Star, third place in MVP voting, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, 45 home runs, just under 40 doubles, solid average, 100+ RBI… There’s not much else to say. Semien has always been pretty good, but he’s tapping into something completely different lately. Another season like that, and we’ll seriously need to re-evaluate this list.
2) DJ LeMahieu: Despite his above average height for the position, this to me is the perfect second baseman. Fielding? Check – one of the best of any second baseman, maybe ever at a career .991 FLD% playing second. Health? Check – has stayed in the lineup his whole career. Contact? Check – has hit WELL over .300 numerous times, and a down year for him is a great year for most. He gets hits, he scores runs, he plays defense, he’s clutch, and has done all of the above for over a decade. He’s just about defined the position in my eyes, and even beat the Coors Field Bump allegations (albeit playing for the Yankees in that small park.) He’s a pros pro, and still one of the best.
And 1) Jose Altuve: This Short King is also the King of Second. While LeMahieu may “define” the position, Altuve has perfected it. Yes, I hated him as much as everyone else during the scandal controversy, and yes I do think it should impact how we look at him as a player. But come on – the guy is still the best, and has been for many years. I’m willing to look past the scandal – after all, if you think the rest of the league doesn’t have their own ways of circumventing the rules, message me personally because I’m selling a bridge that you might be interested in. Everything every player does on this list, Altuve does better, and then does like ten more things. There are no holes in his game when looking at it purely from an on field perspective, cheating or not. Altuve is the best in the game at second base.
So there makes three lists. Still quite a few to go, but some exciting ones to look forward to. Stay tuned.
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