Full Breakdown
Ranking MLB's Top Second Basemen for 2026
2/21/2026, 12:28:07 AM
Overview of the Rankings
As Major League Baseball (MLB) gears up for the 2026 season, ESPN's Buster Olney has released his annual rankings of the top players at each position. This year, the focus is on second basemen, with a particular emphasis on their performance for the upcoming season rather than their career trajectories. The rankings are based on evaluations from industry insiders and statistical analysis.
Top Second Basemen for 2026
1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Marte remains a standout player, having accumulated approximately 15 fWAR over the past three seasons, translating to about $135 million in value against a $40 million contract. Despite personal challenges, including a brief absence from the team, he delivered a strong performance with 28 home runs and a 145 OPS+ in 126 games.
2. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs
Hoerner led all second basemen in fWAR last season, showcasing his defensive prowess and earning his second Gold Glove Award. He scored 89 runs and stole 29 bases while maintaining a .297 batting average with a notably low strikeout rate of 7.6%.
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees
Chisholm is recognized for his explosive potential, having achieved a 30-30 season with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. However, his inconsistency, particularly in road games, raises questions about his future contract value as he approaches free agency. His home/road splits highlight the need for improvement in his overall performance.
4. Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang emerged as a breakout star, scoring 97 runs and hitting 18 home runs last season. His offensive production and improved exit velocity indicate a promising trajectory, although his defensive metrics saw a decline.
5. Brendan Donovan, Seattle Mariners
Donovan is versatile, capable of playing multiple positions, and had a solid offensive season with a 119 OPS+. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset.
6. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers
After accepting a qualifying offer, Torres aims to enhance his offensive performance to secure a multiyear contract. He demonstrated improvement in his on-base skills, accumulating 136 hits and a career-high 85 walks last season.
7. Xavier Edwards, Miami Marlins
Edwards transitioned successfully from shortstop to second base, achieving 12 defensive runs saved and a .343 on-base percentage in 139 games.
8. Marcus Semien, New York Mets
Semien remains a high-end defender, though his offensive production has declined in recent seasons. His experience will be crucial as the Mets focus on improving their run prevention.
9. Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies
Stott's power and speed are notable, but he struggled against left-handed pitching last season, which could impact his role moving forward.
10. Ernie Clement, Toronto Blue Jays
Clement's postseason performance was impressive, and he is expected to take over the second base position, where he excelled defensively.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rankings highlight the top performers, there are concerns regarding Jazz Chisholm's consistency, particularly in away games. Evaluators emphasize that his ability to balance his home and road performance will significantly impact his free agency prospects.
Official Statements & Responses
Buster Olney notes, "Chisholm probably needs to balance his home/road splits to draw heightened interest from teams other than the Yankees. Again: Consistency. Teams will pay for it." This sentiment underscores the importance of consistent performance for players seeking lucrative contracts.
Conclusion
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the rankings of second basemen reflect a mix of established stars and emerging talents. The performance of players like Jazz Chisholm will be closely monitored, as their ability to deliver consistent results could shape their future in the league.
