2026 Positional Power Rankings: Second Base

I think about a few of our PPRs are going to be controversial, however not this one. He would possibly’ve spent a while on the IL final yr, he is perhaps getting into his age-32 season, and the Diamondbacks would possibly’ve put him on the commerce block this winter, however none of that modifications the truth that Marte is one of the best all-around second baseman in baseball. Since 2019, he’s hit .289/.363/.510; he has two seasons of 6.3 WAR and a 150ish wRC+ and two others of a minimum of 4.3 WAR and 120 wRC+. Settle for no substitutes.

And the Diamondbacks have some depth at this place within the alliterative duo of Tim Tawa and Tommy Troy, in addition to the well-traveled Vargas and the often positionless Lawlar. Almost definitely Troy and Lawlar, each latest first-round picks and severe younger skills, will probably be used to fill holes elsewhere on the diamond, however it’s good to have these guys round in case the Cadillac of second basemen goes into the store.

Talking of elite second basemen who bought dangled in commerce talks this winter: These projections in all probability underrate Hoerner barely. Based mostly on his efficiency since transferring to second base in 2023, a full season of Hoerner’s glove produces one other half-win of worth in comparison with what’s predicted right here. However that’s what occurs when a great defensive shortstop takes up residence on the southern aspect of the keystone.

The glove is Hoerner’s calling card, however the Stanford alum has been a bastion of dependable competence on offense. Since 2021, he’s neither posted a wRC+ decrease than 102 nor larger than 109, and he’s stolen a minimum of 20 bases in each full main league season.

Hoerner, who’s performed 150 or extra video games three years operating, shouldn’t want too many days off, however the Cubs are well-covered simply in case. The signing of Alex Bregman relegated Shaw, the incumbent third base starter, to luxurious utilityman standing. He performed second base at Maryland and presumably nonetheless remembers how one can do it. As for Triantos and Cowles, seven plate appearances apiece appears like a great estimate; if both will get extra taking part in time at second base, the Cubs are in actual hassle.

However I assumed Semien was washed! Seems, he can decline fairly a ways and nonetheless be one of many higher second basemen within the league. Semien’s regular routine is to submit a 6-WAR season and end third in AL MVP voting in odd-numbered years, with a change of staff in between. That didn’t occur in 2025, suggesting the streak has ended, however perhaps he stayed in Texas too lengthy. A change of surroundings may jog free another famous person season from the veteran.

If not, that’s superb. With Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette to his proper, Semien gained’t be required to be something greater than a supporting character. He ought to be capable to handle that, and be a gentle hand at a place that bought slightly chaotic final yr.

Talking of: After the Mets traded Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña, Baty and Mauricio are the survivors of final yr’s second base rotation. Baty lastly seemed good on the plate after components of two godawful seasons, and his protection up the center was merely under common, relatively than abominable. Polanco is able to taking part in second as nicely, and would possibly see the odd recreation there if he will get misplaced on his solution to first base.

Chisholm began his profession taking part in second base with slightly shortstop combined in, then did a tour of the entire defensive association, transferring to middle subject, then third base, and now again to the place he began. After taking part in a good 100 video games at second in 2025, it seems like he’ll keep on the place lengthy sufficient to unpack.

Other than Marte, Chisolm might be one of the best offensive second baseman on the market, and his 31-31 marketing campaign makes him probably the greatest power-speed guys wherever. It’s good to see a participant who began out as an aggressive, typically undisciplined hitter mature gracefully into center age. Along with setting profession highs for residence runs in every of the previous two seasons, Chisholm has additionally set new profession highs in stroll fee. He nonetheless strikes out a ton, however the total offensive profile is great.

Caballero endeared himself to Yankee followers shortly in his 40 video games in pinstripes; largely, I believe, as a result of they had been getting sick of Anthony Volpe. In 95 plate appearances after he was acquired from Tampa Bay, Caballero posted a 134 wRC+ and 15 stolen bases. If that weren’t a small-sample mirage, it could make Caballero probably the greatest infielders within the league.

Caballero will stay at quick till Volpe’s busted shoulder heals, after which function a luxurious utilityman till he’s wanted elsewhere. Rosario may additionally see time at second, however as with the Cubs and Hoerner, the extra time Chisholm spends right here, the higher.

Torres landed in Detroit earlier than the 2025 season on a one-year pillow contract, hoping to rebuild his popularity after a tricky finish to his Yankees tenure. It began out nice, as Torres hit .281/.387/.425 within the first half and made his first All-Star staff since 2019. However he went chilly down the stretch (.223/.320/.339 after the break). You can blame that on the sports activities hernia he performed via within the second half. I’d. I’ve by no means tried to swing a bat with a gap in my belly muscle wall, however I hear it’s painful.

However, Torres was not assured sufficient in his market to show down the qualifying provide. Thus he stays in Detroit on one other one-year deal.

The names beneath Torres’ on this listing illustrate the truth that it ought to be very simple for somebody to take his job. That’s, if there weren’t questions concerning the different contenders. Is McKinstry truly a great hitter, as he was in 2025, or will he revert to hitting like a pitcher? Báez, like Torres, seemed rejuvenated early however pale badly late (108 wRC+ within the first half, 46 within the second half).

McGonigle got here up idolizing Chase Utley, which is sensible on condition that he’s a stocky, left-handed-hitting center infielder from jap Pennsylvania. That comp seemed formidable throughout his draft cycle, however three years later it seems conservative, if something. Nonetheless, he’s a rookie, and more likely to begin the season at shortstop, not second base.

Thus, Torres stays for one more yr. And that must work simply superb for the Tigers, till they discover somebody higher.

Six months from now, all your folks will probably be climbing over one another attempting to persuade you that they seen Keaschall first. The 2023 second-rounder out of Arizona State was terrific in a 49-game rookie season, hitting .302/.382/.445 and giving Twins followers (a minimum of those that may stand to observe this staff after its commerce deadline fireplace sale) some cause for optimism heading into 2026.

Nevertheless (to invoke a well-known Minnesota poet) it’s one factor to start out it with a optimistic jam, and one other factor to see it via. Keaschall outpaced his xBA and xSLG by 39 and 67 factors, respectively, so job no. 1 will probably be discovering a solution to proceed to hit ’em the place they ain’t.

Behind Keaschall, the Twins will get assist from former Vanderbilt standout Austin Martin, now a utilityman, and a bevy of Quad-A guys: Grey, Arcia, Clemens, and Kreidler. Clemens is a pleasant lefty bench bat; the Twins acquired him from the Phillies final April, the place he was buried on the depth chart, and the second-generation massive leaguer produced 19 residence runs in simply 386 plate appearances. Clemens has his limitations (particularly, not sufficient walks to make a profession .206 batting common palatable), however he affords some punch and positional flexibility to a staff on the rebuild.

Holliday, the previous no. 1 total decide and no. 1 total prospect, bounced again from a horrible (and temporary) rookie season with a mediocre sophomore marketing campaign. Any hope of a traditional, low-stress 2026 season ended when Holliday broke his hamate bone in February. Spring coaching is a writeoff, however he may very well be again within the Orioles’ lineup not lengthy after Opening Day.

Talking of writeoffs, it’s too early to try this to Holliday. Irritating as his first 209 massive league video games have been, he’s nonetheless solely 22, and youthful than the primary faculty shortstop taken in final yr’s draft, Aiva Arquette. There are benefits to breaking into the large leagues whereas nonetheless a larva.

The Orioles, in any other case generally known as the staff with extra shortstops than it is aware of what to do with, are additionally with out Westburg, who took a PRP injection for {a partially} torn UCL in his throwing elbow. That leaves Diamondbacks castoff Alexander within the beginning lineup. Suffice it to say, this isn’t how Mike Elias drew it up. Behind Alexander, there’s Jackson, who had a fairly nifty 48-game rookie season himself (.276/.328/.447), and Estrada, who was so horrible final yr he couldn’t persist with the Rockies.

Brewers followers will in all probability be aggrieved to see their staff this low, however it speaks to how spectacular Turang’s breakout season was. He ended 2024 as a slap-hitting ground-and-pound pace man. A yr later, he’d greater than doubled his profession excessive in residence runs whereas additionally including greater than 30 factors to his batting common and bumping his stroll fee from 8.1% to 10%. It’ll take a projection system a minute to catch as much as that.

Even when there’s some regression with Turang, he’s nonetheless an elite basestealer with legit on-base chops and double-digit residence run energy. That’ll work virtually wherever.

Hamilton’s a typical utility man, and Rengifo is penciled in as Caleb Durbin’s substitute at third base, although he’s able to taking part in second. Within the occasion of a long-term absence from Turang, we may see Williams, a high 100 prospect acquired within the Freddy Peralta deal, get a glance as nicely.

Stott is an excellent defender and one of the vital environment friendly high-volume basestealers within the recreation, however he has annoyed onlookers over 4 seasons with the Phillies. He’s bought nice plate self-discipline and phone abilities, and at 6-foot, 200 kilos, he isn’t a small man. However Stott has struggled to hunt his pitch and get his cash’s value out of his swings.

He took a giant step ahead in that respect in 2025; after an anemic first half, he hit .294/.368/.487 after the break. Something like that type of beefed-up offensive efficiency could be welcome to the Phillies, who’ve expertise up and down the lineup, however have struggled to search out constant manufacturing from the underside half of the order.

Sosa has quietly turn out to be probably the greatest fifth infielders within the league; by all rights he ought to be beginning someplace a minimum of as a platoon man. Moore is completely acceptable minor league depth. The hype round Miller is big; not solely has his bat tailored to the professional recreation, his protection and baserunning are on a stage I didn’t foresee in any respect when he was in highschool. He’s the Phillies’ finest place participant prospect in 15 years, although when he breaks in, it would in all probability be elsewhere on the diamond.

It’s not usually you see a presumptive main league debutant within the high 10 in these rankings, however Wetherholt shouldn’t be your common prospect. He was within the combine for the no. 1 decide when he got here out of West Virginia in 2024; people weren’t certain he’d stick at quick, however he was a great athlete total and a particular line drive hitter.

So it got here to be; final season was Wetherholt’s first full skilled marketing campaign, and in 109 video games throughout Double- and Triple-A, he hit .306/.421/.510 with 17 residence runs, 28 doubles, and 23 stolen bases in 26 makes an attempt.

Wetherholt falling to the Cardinals at seventh total was a present, and he’s the type of participant who makes you’re feeling OK about buying and selling Brendan Donovan.

St. Louis doesn’t lack for depth right here. Urías has been a precious utility participant and part-time starter for each Baltimore and Houston. Fermín has put up some good minor league numbers and posted a .377 OBP in 70 massive league plate appearances in 2025; if nothing else, he can take a stroll. Saggese, himself a former prize prospect, struggled badly in his first prolonged style of main league motion in 2025. He ought to nonetheless get a minimum of semi-regular motion because the rebuilding Cardinals determine what they’ve in him.

I like Edwards rather a lot; he was a 2.5-WAR participant final yr, even with an ISO of .070. His mixture of plate self-discipline and phone ability is particular, and if he can do, like, 50 extra push-ups per week, he may flip right into a famous person. Even the present zero-power model of Edwards is an effective participant. He doesn’t strike out, and he walks fairly a bit for a man with so little energy. In a 70-game marketing campaign in 2024, he hit .328/.397/.423 because of some ridiculous batted-ball luck, however he additionally stole 31 luggage in 35 makes an attempt in lower than half a season.

Sanoja bought into 120 video games final yr, taking part in six defensive positions. If he performs that a lot in 2026, I’m certain the Marlins would need him to lift his OBP from .287. Nonetheless, he doesn’t strike out a lot and has sufficient pop to hit six dingers in about half a season’s value of at-bats; you might do worse for a utilityman.

Acosta got here to Miami within the 2024 commerce that despatched Jake Burger to Texas. He bought a really temporary style of main league motion in 2025 (19 video games, wherein he posted a 91 wRC+), however might be a depth piece at this level. There are different guys who match higher within the Marlins’ long-term center infield plans, together with Aiva Arquette, however Acosta’s already on the 40-man roster, so why not give him a shot?

McNeil finds himself again in California, the place he was born and performed his faculty baseball. Paradoxically, this was a salary-dump commerce that concerned one of many league’s least expensive franchises taking over an undesirable contract from one of many league’s richest groups.

McNeil’s time in New York had run its course; he performed 5 positions final yr, plus DH, because the Mets tried to piece collectively a lineup that was heavy on guys who ought to be taking part in first base. He’s now not the freakish bat management man who made two All-Star groups and gained a batting title in 2022. However he’s nonetheless a good participant; he posted a .335 OBP in 2025, with a strikeout fee of 11.9%. That’s a minuscule determine these days. And he matches nicely, alongside Wilson, as contact hitters in a lineup that’s in any other case populated by guys who swing from their heels. I believe he’ll do nicely in Sacramento.

Gelof simply bought again to Cactus League motion final week after offseason shoulder surgical procedure. If you happen to can bear in mind this far again, he tickled 30/30 tempo as a rookie, however it’s been all downhill since. In 2024, we came upon that, sure, that strikeout fee goes to be a difficulty going ahead. Final yr, Gelof solely performed 30 video games because of a damaged hamate bone, a stress response in his rib, and the aforementioned shoulder surgical procedure. If McNeil falters or declines, Gelof will certainly be nipping at his heels, determined for one more shot.

Ibáñez and Hernaiz are round in case issues go south for McNeil and Gelof on the identical time; I wouldn’t count on both to be particularly productive.

I count on Blue Jays followers will probably be sad to see their staff listed this low, given how excessive Clement’s inventory is after he hit .411 within the playoffs. Definitely, that is going to be a particularly enjoyable second base group.

Clement is a terrific all-around defensive infielder whose versatility has made life a lot simpler on supervisor John Schneider and GM Ross Atkins. When Toronto wanted a 3rd baseman final yr, he performed there. When Toronto signed Kazuma Okamoto this winter, Clement was in a position to slide over to second. Final yr, he made a minimum of six begins in any respect 4 infield positions.

Clement is an excellent contact hitter; final yr, he was among the many 10 finest certified hitters in each Z-Contact% and strikeout fee. However he doesn’t stroll, and he doesn’t hit for energy, and there are limits to how precious a hitter may be if he hits .270 and it’s largely singles.

Schneider, the stocky, bespectacled-and-mustachio’d New Jerseyan, does have loads of pop. He’ll see platoon motion, largely in left subject, however he stood at second base for greater than 100 innings final yr and didn’t produce any mortifying blooper clips.

Jiménez had a ridiculous 2024 season, wherein he bought plunked an astounding 16 instances in simply 210 plate appearances. He solely bought into 18 video games for Toronto in 2025, however I help him in his quest to turn out to be the Panamanian Ron Hunt.

I do know you’re all shocked to see Altuve beginning at second base for the Astros. Altuve made his first Opening Day begin for Houston in 2012, which is so way back J.D. Martinez and Carlos Lee had been on that staff. Again then, the Astros had been nonetheless taking part in within the Nationwide League and carrying their Craig Biggio-era brick crimson uniforms.

Oh, hey, talking of Biggio, Cavan Biggio is in Astros camp on an NRI. He turns 31 subsequent month. There’s in all probability a 100% probability he will get a call-up sooner or later, only for sentimental causes, however he gained’t be Altuve’s major backup.

That’d be Allen, who got here again the opposite method within the Mauricio Dubón deal this winter. Dubón isn’t an excellent hitter, however he seems like Mickey Mantle subsequent to Allen, who hit .221/.284/.251 in 135 video games for the Braves final yr. (Oh, that’s how they completed 10 video games beneath .500.)

Ought to the Astros want even a scintilla of offense aside from Altuve, they’ve Matthews, in addition to Paredes, who’s at the moment the beginning third baseman whereas Jeremy Peña’s finger heals. However as soon as that occurs, Paredes will nonetheless be the fifth man in a four-man infield, and he may see some work at second.

The good ABS-related top inflation reckoning has hit the Mariners onerous. Emerson is listed at 6-foot even, and he’s the tallest of the six guys on the depth chart. Mastrobuoni is barely 5-foot-9, whereas Rivas and Bliss are listed at 5-foot-7. These guys are just like the early astronauts, who needed to be tiny to suit comfortably right into a Sixties house capsule. (Do you know Yuri Gagarin was solely 5-foot-2?)

In 4 seasons with the Cardinals, Donovan (5-foot-11) performed each place besides pitcher, catcher, and middle subject. He spent extra time at second base than wherever else, however the plan is to make use of him at third. That’ll give the 5-foot-10 Younger, Seattle’s 2022 first-rounder, first crack on the beginning job at second.

Younger had a poor begin to his main league profession, ending up just under substitute stage in 77 video games, however he’s bought an extended monitor report of getting on base within the minors, and his 2025 stats had been slowed down by some actually dreadful defensive numbers. That may solely enhance, until he begins utilizing a pewter glove or one thing.

Rivas labored his method into the lineup on and off in 2025, together with within the playoffs, the place he drew 4 walks in 21 plate appearances. That’s not only a blip; he’s put up stroll charges within the excessive teenagers and low 20s all through his minor league profession, however we’ll see if he’s able to contributing elsewhere within the bigs.

McLain had an incredible 89-game rookie season in 2023; it could’ve been affordable on the time to say that whereas Elly De La Cruz was the larger expertise, McLain was truly the Reds’ finest younger infielder. Then got here the season-ending indirect pressure, and the shoulder damage that price McLain all of 2024, and a really horrendous offensive efficiency in 2025.

We’re now a 26-year-old who’s going to hit arbitration after the season, and hasn’t posted a wRC+ over 80 in two full seasons. The expertise is clearly nonetheless in there, however it’s taken him a disconcertingly very long time to knock off the rust.

Ought to the Reds want further assist, they will rob Peter to pay Paul, sliding Stewart or Steer over from elsewhere on the diamond. There’s additionally the 22-year-old switch-hitting Arroyo, whose bat in all probability isn’t as much as main league requirements, however you by no means know.

Cincinnati has additionally retained the companies of Garrett “Have Legs, Will Journey” Hampson. I like a random quick man, and so do the Reds, who’ve traditionally been one in every of baseball’s best collectors of pace off the bench. Let’s bear in mind some quick Reds. I’ll go first: Lonny Frey. Hans Lobert. Bobby Tolan…

I don’t suppose Dave Roberts truly lays out a defensive alignment earlier than every recreation. He simply picks the 9 guys he needs within the batting order, writes their names on index playing cards, and tosses them at random on his workplace desk.

That’s a luxurious he has, as a result of a lot of his roster contains gamers who’ve lined up in every single place: Not simply the six gamers on this depth chart, however Mookie Betts and Max Muncy as nicely.

Edman and Hernández are each recovering from accidents in the mean time, although the previous has been taking batting apply and ought to be constructing as much as a return. He’s in all probability the Dodgers’ finest second base choice, a minimum of till there’s a random damage within the outfield and he’s wanted there. Hernández might be nearing the tip of his time as a helpful massive leaguer, however the Dodgers like having him round and he all the time appears to inveigle his method into massive moments within the playoffs. So too Rojas, final yr’s Sport 7 World Sequence hero.

Espinal is well-traveled, having bounced across the infield image in Toronto and Cincinnati. He hasn’t posted a productive offensive season since 2022, however that is precisely the type of man who indicators with a staff just like the Dodgers and wins NLCS MVP.

Honestly, the Dodgers would like to see extra and higher from Kim in 2026. The stature of the membership’s successes within the Asian free agent/posting market upped the hype round Kim to unreasonable ranges final yr, however even with that mentioned, it’d be good to get a full season of starter-level manufacturing from him.

I’m extra pessimistic concerning the Giants’ second base scenario than I’d wish to be. I like Arraez; stylistically, I’d relatively watch a low bat pace man who places the ball in play on a regular basis than yet one more uppercutting swing-from-his-heels hitter. I need the bizarre dude to succeed, and for some time, Arraez did.

However final season, after years of hitting nicely over .300, Arraez’s common dropped to .292. That’d be miraculous for nearly some other hitter, however it’s a nasty signal for a man who brings nothing to the desk however batting common. He doesn’t hit for energy, he doesn’t stroll — virtually actually by no means walks — and whereas the Giants appear decided to throw him out at second base, that’s categorically not the selection I’d make. Arraez was 4 runs under common at first base final yr; I wouldn’t give him a glove of any type until I had a hearth blanket helpful.

So though Arraez does a very powerful factor higher than some other hitter within the league, within the combination he’s not significantly better than Schmitt, who’s as orthodox and white-bread a mediocre infielder as you’ll discover. Koss, who bought his first style of main league motion final yr on the age of 27, hit .264 however with out a lot endurance or pop; DRS loves his glove, however the Statcast-based metrics are lukewarm.

Cronenworth is by some means already 32 years previous, however he’s nonetheless a productive starter at second base, a line drive machine with elite in-zone contact figures. After a pair down years with the bat, the previous Michigan two-way participant goosed his stroll fee to a career-high 13.4% in 2025, leading to a 117 wRC+. That tied the profession excessive he set in 2021. I don’t know if he’s a super second base defender at this level, however you might do worse.

The Padres additionally splashed $15 million over 4 years (plus the posting payment) to pry Track from the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO. The 29-year-old hit .315/.387/.530 in Korea final yr, with 26 homers and 25 stolen bases, and he had a stable begin to his Cactus League marketing campaign (4-for-16 with a house run and three walks) earlier than an indirect damage shelved him after simply seven video games. Track will play someplace when he comes again, however like Cronenworth, he’s a left-handed hitter, which makes a conventional platoon unattainable.

France is a right-handed hitter, and I suppose the Padres may play him at second base in the event that they wished to. The federal government gained’t prevent from your individual dangerous selections.

I like Meidroth on the White Sox as a result of he’s a bizarre participant, and I discover it greater than slightly insulting when dangerous groups are additionally boring. He’s bought an uncommon mixture of bat-to-ball potential and plate self-discipline, distinct from however associated to Edwards on the Marlins. That makes him compelling, as a result of now all he has to do to really escape is begin hitting the ball more durable.

Thus far, that’s been a nonstarter. He was OK as a rookie, posting 1.3 WAR in 122 video games, however his OBP was larger than his slugging share, which paints a fairly clear image of how a lot energy he’s working with.

Sosa will get motion right here, as a result of he’s been Chicago’s backup in all places for what appears like 100 years. Acuña had a terrific two-week massive league debut in 2024, then bought uncovered badly in prolonged taking part in time final yr (that .040 ISO is ugly). His youth, athleticism, and identify will in all probability land him one other look within the massive leagues someplace.

Antonacci had some nice moments within the WBC; he homered and scored two runs in opposition to Workforce USA. We’ll see if the new streak continues as soon as he’s separated from the paisans.

I don’t know what occurred to Albies. After back-to-back 24-homer, 100-run seasons in 2018 and 2019, I assumed his contract extension with Atlanta was genuinely outrageous. How had the Braves locked up such a great participant at so younger an age for such a pittance? The worst half was a pair of staff choices that allowed the Braves to lock in Albies’ age-29 and age-30 seasons for simply $7 million every. This for a participant whom I’d solely recognized to supply 4-WAR seasons or higher.

The Braves picked up the primary choice this previous winter, however it wasn’t a slam dunk. Albies hit simply .240/.306/.365, for a wRC+ of 87, and his protection (by no means his calling card to start with) was 4 runs under common. There have been fairly a couple of accidents alongside the best way, however I by no means thought we’d get to a degree the place a full season of league-average efficiency could be a reduction.

Atlanta’s damage disaster has thinned out the reserve crop; Dubón, acquired for a utility function, is now the presumptive beginning shortstop because of Ha-Seong Kim’s torn finger ligament. Mateo has by no means been a great hitter, however he was a robust defender and basestealer when pressed right into a beginning function for Baltimore. Properly is like Mateo with out the pace.

I liked the Lowe commerce for Pittsburgh. He strikes out rather a lot, and doesn’t hit for a excessive common anymore, however he slugged 31 residence runs final yr, and is a minimum of theoretically able to taking part in up the center. And the Pirates had been in a position to get him, plus Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery for a pitcher they didn’t want. I perceive why the Rays didn’t need to pay Lowe $11.5 million this yr, however the Pirates had been so hard-up for offense that wage determine seems like a cut price.

Why did the Rays give Lowe up? Properly, he’s getting previous and creaky, and whereas I mentioned he’s “theoretically” able to taking part in up the center, I’m “theoretically” able to climbing Half Dome. Doesn’t imply it’s a good suggestion.

Previous Lowe, the Pirates have Gonzales, who’ll be beginning at shortstop more often than not, a minimum of till Konnor Griffin’s main league profession begins in a manger in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Then there’s Yorke, who can decide up the crumbs throughout the infield till he forces his method into an on a regular basis lineup spot. Maybe by taking Triolo’s job at third.

Brandon Lowe’s substitute, Lux, will in all probability by no means turn out to be the star shortstop the Dodgers hoped he’d be, however final yr, he posted a .350 OBP in 503 plate appearances, which is nice in virtually any context. Even with subsequent to no energy in a hitters’ park, that was nonetheless good for a wRC+ of 102. Sadly, he gave most of that worth again on protection, as he butchered left subject, a place the place 102 is a much less acceptable offensive output than at different positions.

Again on the dust, he’s a greater athlete than Lowe, and most certainly a greater defender and on-base man, although he lacks Lowe’s middle-of-the-order energy. On steadiness, it’s in all probability a minor downgrade, although, crucially for Tampa Bay, Lux is nearly $5 million cheaper this yr.

We’ve got Lux in a platoon with Williamson, who came to visit from Seattle within the Donovan deal. Williamson is an effective defender, however the type of hitter whose at-bats you skip so you may seize a comfortable pretzel. In different phrases: We’ve got José Caballero at residence, besides, wait, we don’t, as a result of we traded him to the Yankees. Meet the brand new José Caballero, then.

Partitions is able to manning second when he’s not beginning at quick; past him, it’s a collection of interchangeable Quad-A utility guys.

García has been a minimum of a semi-regular starter for the Nationals at second base since 2020, when he gained the job at age 20. This yr, he’s taking reps at first base, which I believe will probably be a catastrophe (García posted a wRC+ of 91 final yr), however that’s an issue for one more PPR submit.

The 5-foot-8 Nuñez has been OK (.238/.329/.343) in 90 video games and 170 plate appearances throughout components of two main league seasons. He was a prolific basestealer within the minors (he purloined 70 luggage in simply 123 video games in 2022), and he’ll take a stroll, however there’s not a lot there in the best way of energy or common. And to my eternal frustration, you continue to can’t steal first base.

Tena got here to Washington within the Lane Thomas-for-Alex Clemmey-and-friends commerce of 2024. At 5-foot-10 and 195 kilos, he’s considerably much less diminutive than Nuñez, however there’s nonetheless little in the best way of pop in his bat: He hit zero residence runs in 169 main league plate appearances in 2025. In all probability an OK utility infielder, however the type of participant who solely begins usually on a last-place staff.

I believe that we’re going to have the ability to inform rather a lot about how this season went for the Guardians primarily based on how the taking part in time shakes out at second base. Rocchio is a barely-above-replacement-level infielder who wouldn’t be getting starter minutes on a staff that had invested a dime into second base since Jason Kipnis left. Schneeman is Rocchio, however solely left-handed-hitting.

Brito was the no. 32 prospect within the Guardians’ system within the newest replace; he may provide Cleveland yet one more second base choice with an 80 wRC+.

The true prize right here is Bazzana, a stocky left-handed hitter who does nothing however scald the baseball to the pull aspect. He hit .407/.568/.911 his junior yr at Oregon State, with 28 residence runs in opposition to 37 strikeouts. On the energy of that efficiency, Cleveland chosen him first total, making him the primary Australian to have that distinction. Bazzana was alleged to be a quick riser, however he bought sidelined by an indirect pressure final summer time, and his total efficiency has not fairly lived as much as the draft place. (Wetherholt, Chase Burns, Nick Kurtz, and Konnor Griffin all went later within the High 10, although Bazzana was actually seen as a robust decide on the time.)

Eric and Brendan dropped Brian Dozier’s identify of their part on Bazzana within the Guardians’ prospect listing. I like that comp rather a lot. He may not be the unholy terror he was in faculty, however the instantaneous he arrives in Cleveland, he’s going to be the second-best Guardians infielder of the previous 5 years.

Mayer has the within monitor on this beginning job, though his rookie season was not what the previous no. 4 total decide would’ve hoped: a .228/.272/.402 slash line with a 30.1% strikeout fee in 44 video games earlier than a wrist damage ended his season. If at first you don’t succeed…

The key competitors for taking part in time was alleged to be Gonzalez, who was quietly terrific in 96 video games for Boston final yr (.305/.343/.483). The protection was solely OK, however the bat performed. Sadly, Gonzalez simply underwent arthroscopic shoulder debridement, and even now that his joint has been de-gunked, it’s going to take months for him to return to play.

Kiner-Falefa, Monasterio, and Sogard are helpful backups, however not the type of participant a contender needs to depend on an excessive amount of. (The Purple Sox presumably realized this by watching final yr’s playoffs, in the event that they weren’t conscious already.) Durbin and Rafaela are each able to taking part in second, however are penciled in to start out elsewhere.

So too Campbell, who was alleged to be Boston’s second baseman of the longer term, with a long-term contract to match. His rookie season, sadly, was a nightmare on each side of the ball, and Campbell is at the moment re-training as an outfielder.

I can not sufficiently appraise Julien’s future with out asking a query that will get Davy Andrews’ most infamous musical composition caught in my head.

For one wonderful yr, we had been teased with the imaginative and prescient of a French-Canadian man with a 15% stroll fee, however Julien hit .208/.299/.324 over his last two seasons in Minnesota. The trigger appeared hopeless.

However inasmuch as Colorado is the employer of final resort for ballplayers on the decline, I can’t consider a greater place for an excessive TTO man like Julien. Particularly now that the Rockies are a minimum of enthusiastic about putting in a contemporary entrance workplace.

Final yr, Ritter hit .303/.405/.610 with 16 homers in 55 video games at Triple-A, however solely .241/.296/.337 with one homer in 60 main league video games. That final step is a doozy, isn’t it? He’ll chip in someplace, together with often at second. So too Castro, Julien’s former Twins teammate. A pair feisty seasons in Minnesota led many to marvel if Castro was a poor man’s Ben Zobrist, however an offensive dip in 2025 made him look extra like a wealthy man’s Reid Brignac.

Amador is on Colorado’s 40-man roster however not on the projected 26-man. Maybe that has one thing to do along with his profession .176 batting common regardless of taking part in his residence video games in Coors Subject.

There was a time when you might squint at Massey and see a mean common, however you actually needed to need it. He’s by no means posted a .300 OBP in a season of 200 or extra plate appearances, he’s a profession .243 hitter, and he’s neither an excellent athlete nor a standout defender. He did hit 14 residence runs in simply 356 plate appearances in 2024, although.

However that energy went away in 2025, and if he performs now as he did then (.268 OBP, 57 wRC+, -0.4 WAR), even the Royals will lose endurance shortly. The hope, I suppose, was that Massey would flip right into a left-handed-hitting India, who’s additionally simply common throughout the board, with mid-double-digit pop. Besides he’ll draw a stroll, and he will get a free further 30 factors of OBP as a result of he will get hit by 15 pitches a season.

I don’t a lot consider in Tolbert’s bat, as he walked simply as soon as in 57 plate appearances in 2025, and slugged simply .323 in his most up-to-date full minor league season. However he went 21-for-23 in stolen bases final yr, having reached base simply 18 instances on his personal and 28 extra instances as a pinch-runner. Willie Wilson could be proud.

Assuming that is the Josh Smith I believe it’s, he hit .251/.355/.366 final yr, which involves a wRC+ of a good 100. The protection wasn’t nice, however that’s nonetheless 1.8 WAR. “Competent” is probably the most glowing reward I can muster.

Freeman’s one other man who struggled to cross the chasm between Triple-A and the main leagues. He hit .336/.382/.549 in 97 minor league video games in 2025, however simply .228/.258/.342 in 36 main league video games. Even accounting for the truth that Triple-A performs like Coors Subject within the Steroid Period today, that’s a giant drop-off. He’ll in all probability get one other look as soon as he recovers from a stress response in his again.

Duran, who’s the second-best present main league infielder named Ezequiel, failed to achieve .300 in any of the triple slash classes final season. Haggerty has largely been an outfielder within the majors, although he did characteristic in a complete of eight innings at second base for the Rangers in 2025. Wade is the utilityman’s utilityman, with six main league seasons of a minimum of 100 plate appearances and none of greater than 160 plate appearances.

Moore actually must seize this place and make it his personal. He was the no. 8 total decide in 2024 after a star profession at Tennessee beneath Tony Vitello. As you would possibly now, Vitello is understood for producing balls-out, dinger-crushing gamers with massive emotions and a good greater motor. And even by that customary, Moore stood out as notably hair-on-fire.

The Angels, as is their customized, moved Moore shortly, and he stored his head above water till his 53-game main league cameo, wherein he hit .198 and struck out 33.7% of the time. Having a full season of main league spring coaching ought to do him good, to say nothing of the truth that he hasn’t spent greater than two months at one stage since he turned professional. We don’t understand how he’ll do the second time across the league as a result of the final league he went round twice was the SEC.

The gamers who will probably be holding down the fort for Moore give a great indication of the place he would possibly find yourself if he doesn’t cease placing out. Frazier and Taylor have been good superutility gamers previously, however not the latest previous. Properly, perhaps more moderen than the time when stylish contrarians mentioned perhaps Grissom, and never Michael Harris II or Spencer Strider, was one of the best participant within the 2022 Braves’ rookie class. I wouldn’t say that Peraza, who hit .164 with even worse secondary numbers in 2025, was ever a “tremendous” utility man. However he can maintain a glove and stand on the dust.

Madrigal, the previous no. 4 total decide and probably the greatest contact hitters in latest faculty baseball historical past, finds himself on the backside of the pile.

Please, Christian, simply be good. Considering the choice is making me unhappy.