Ranking the top 25 second baseman in fantasy baseball [UPDATE]

March 24 update: Not much news at second base this week. The most notable move for me was dropping Cavan Biggio just a couple of spots, from No. 7 to No. 9. I would still want him in drafts, but it looks like he will indeed be batting seventh in the Blue Jays’ lineup.

March 9 update: White Sox rookie Nick Madrigal made his spring training debut Monday. He got a late start as he was still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Madrigal and his high-average bat remain at No. 14 in these rankings.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted recently that rookie Gavin Lux could see regular playing time early on this season. Lux, one of the top prospects in the game, would still have to contend with Chris Taylor, but Roberts’ words have persuaded me to move Lux up to No. 20, one spot beneath Taylor. Yes, that’s a full-on hedge.

The player pool at second base isn’t as alluring as what shortstop boasts, but it’s not as shallow as a kiddie pool either. There’s a clear-cut trio at the top of fantasy baseball rankings. DJ LeMahieu, Ozzie Albies and Whit Merrifield should all be gone by the end of the fourth round. But beneath them, you have burgeoning stars such as Cavan Biggio and Keston Hiura, a proven producer looking for a rebound year in Jose Altuve, and some intriguing mid-tier players who could provide power and speed, such as Dylan Moore and Nick Solak. Definitely prioritize second base in drafts, but don’t panic if you can’t land one of the elite options.

Offseason transactions

No marquee second basemen changed teams during the winter. Instead, the biggest transaction news concerned a player who didn’t move. LeMahieu re-signed with the New York Yankees in January, putting his name on a six-year deal. The 32-year-old won a batting title in 2020 and has compiled a 145 OPS+ through two seasons in the Bronx. He should continue to put up big numbers with the help of that short right-field porch in his home park. The right-handed LeMahieu hit to the opposite field 43.3% of the time last season, the highest rate in the MLB.

Notable injuries

White Sox rookie Nick Madrigal is getting a little bit of a late start to spring training after undergoing shoulder surgery in October. He’s still experiencing some soreness, but he should be on the field soon. The delay shouldn’t impact his average draft position.

Top 25 2B rankings