Full Breakdown
2026 MLB Season Preview: Top Second Basemen Rankings
2/21/2026, 12:00:30 PM
Overview of the Rankings
As part of ESPN's annual positional ranking series for the 2026 MLB season, Buster Olney has surveyed industry experts to identify the top ten second basemen. This ranking focuses on players' expected performance for the upcoming season rather than their long-term potential.
Key Rankings and Player Profiles
1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks: Marte remains a premier second baseman, having produced approximately 15 fWAR over the past three seasons, translating to about $135 million in value. Despite personal challenges, including a brief absence from the team, he maintained a strong offensive output 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 with a Gold Glove Award. He scored 89 runs and had a .297 batting average, with a notably low strikeout rate of 7.6%.
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees: Chisholm, a two-time All-Star, had a standout 2025 season with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. However, his inconsistency remains a concern, as he needs to deliver more consistently to maximize his free agency potential.
4. Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers: Turang emerged as a breakout star, scoring 97 runs and hitting 18 home runs while maintaining a solid OPS+ of 121.
5. Brendan Donovan, Seattle Mariners: Donovan's versatility allows him to play multiple positions, and he had a strong offensive season with a 119 OPS+ and 32 doubles.
6. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers: After accepting a one-year qualifying offer, Torres aims to improve his offensive performance to secure a multiyear contract. He recorded a career-high 85 walks last season.
7. Xavier Edwards, Miami Marlins: Edwards transitioned successfully from shortstop to second base, demonstrating solid defensive skills and a .343 on-base percentage.
8. Marcus Semien, New York Mets: Semien remains a reliable defender, although his offensive production has declined in recent seasons.
9. Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies: Stott's ability to hit for power and steal bases is notable, but he struggled against left-handed pitching last season.
10. Ernie Clement, Toronto Blue Jays: Clement's postseason performance solidified his position on this list, as he excelled defensively and made significant contributions at the plate.
Honorable Mentions
- Jose Altuve, Houston Astros: Despite defensive concerns, Altuve remains a potent offensive threat.
- Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants: Arraez aims to return to second base while maintaining his contact-hitting prowess.
- Brandon Lowe, Pittsburgh Pirates: Lowe's power numbers are impressive, but his defensive metrics raise concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN analyst Paul Hembekides noted that Chisholm's free agency value could range from $80 million over two years to $140 million over four years, contingent on his performance consistency. Evaluators emphasize the need for Chisholm to balance his home and road splits to attract broader interest from teams.
Criticism & Opposition
While Chisholm's talent is widely recognized, critics point out his inconsistency as a significant barrier to securing a lucrative contract. Evaluators express a desire to see his abilities translate into more consistent game impact.
Conclusion
The rankings for second basemen heading into the 2026 MLB season highlight a mix of established stars and emerging talents. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the performance of these players will be crucial in shaping their respective teams' success.
