This continues my series where I come up with my own top 10 ranking for each position in baseball, moving on to the top 10 second basemen. If you missed any of the previous issues of this series, follow the links below.
Top 10 Second Baseman
- Jose Altuve
- Marcus Semien
- Andrés Giménez
- Jeff McNeil
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- Ozzie Albies
- Brandon Lowe
- Nico Hoerner
- Brendan Donovan
- Ketel Marte
—
The top spot on this list isn’t even debatable. Altuve is a machine; he’s now an eight-time All-Star and has finished in the top five for the AL MVP three times, winning once. There isn’t a better second baseman in baseball, and Altuve has shown no signs of relinquishing the top spot anytime soon.
After that is where things get interesting. Spots 2-4 could be shuffled however you like. They are each coming off fantastic 2022 campaigns and are a step ahead of the rest of the second basemen in the game heading into 2023. I give Semien the slight edge because he’s been one of the best in the business for longer, but it wouldn’t shock me if McNiel or Giménez had a better season.
Jazz Chisholm is one of the most exciting players in the game, and so is Ozzie Albies. I know Albies is coming off a forgetful 2022, but that was mostly due to injury. There’s no reason to suggest he won’t bounce back in 2023 as long as he can stay on the field.
The same can be said for Brandon Lowe, who also only played in 65 games last year. However, in the two seasons before that, he finished in the top 10 in the AL MVP race. He belongs on this list.
With Swanson now in Chicago, Nico Hoerner moves to second base. The two should combine to make the best defensive middle infield in baseball.
Brendan Donovan had a stellar rookie campaign, finishing behind Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider in the Rookie of the Year race. In any other season, he probably would have won the award.
Ketel Marte rounds out the top 10. He had a down 2022, but he’s among the best offensive players at the position. I would understand if someone wanted to swap him out with Gleyber Torres, but I would rather have Marte.
—
Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.