Fansided

Fantasy baseball 2020 tiered second basemen rankings

By Bill Pivetz

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees in action against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2019 in New York City. The Indians defeated the Yankees 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees in action against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2019 in New York City. The Indians defeated the Yankees 8-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

These six second basemen can put up big numbers but their floor is just a little lower than the two at the top of the rankings.

DJ LeMahieu, NYY

I talked about LeMahieu in my first baseman rankings. His multi-position eligibility and high contact rate with his newly found power make him a great starter at any position. Because of the depth at this position, he’ll be drafted as a second baseman instead of first or third.

Keston Hiura, MIL

In just half of a season, Hiura hit .303 with 19 home runs, 49 RBIs and nine steals. According to Roster Resource, he’s slated to be the starter and hit fourth in the Brewers lineup. With Christian Yelich back and Ryan Braun hitting behind him, Hiura should be fine.

He should be a lock to hit .280, 30 home runs and 85 RBIs as the cleanup hitter. Though, with just a half-season under his belt, Hiura isn’t the safest pick in this tier of second basemen. But, if you’re looking for a high upside guy, Hiura your man.

Jonathan Villar, MIA

Villar had his best power season last year with the Brewers. He hit a career-high 24 home runs and 73 RBIs while keeping his batting average over .270. But that was in Miller Park. He’ll be playing in Marlins Park this season.

Marlins Park ranked 28th in home runs last season, according to ESPN Park Factors. Villar will get close to 20 home runs but the batting average will take a hit. The only solace you can take in drafting Villar is that he’ll give you 40 steals.

Whit Merrifield, KC

Merrifield is one of the few second basemen that can hit over .300. But, that’s about all he does well. He doesn’t hit over 20 home runs or drive in a lot of runs but the latter is more about team context and Merrifield’s performance.

His speed has also dropped greatly. He stole 45 bases in 55 attempts in 2018 and 20 in 30 attempts last season. However, with everyone hitting for power, having someone hitting over .300 with speed is always a good pick.

Ketel Marte, ARI

Marte went from hitting 22 home runs and .263 in his first 402 games to hitting 32 homers and .329 in 144 games last season. Even with the humidor in Chase Field, he was able to hit .347 with 13 home runs at home.

Marte split time between the outfield and second base. With Starling Marte joining the team, Ketel will primarily play second base this season. As the No. 2 hitter, Marte is a lock for 25 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .292 average.

Ozzie Albies, ATL

Albies almost made it to the top tier but he doesn’t stand out in any single category. He’s good for 25 home runs, 83 RBIs, 10-15 steals and a .290 batting average. If he had a bit more power or speed, he’d have a higher ADP.

However, looking at the Braves, Albies will have plenty of chances to drive in and score runs. The top of the order is Ronald Acuna, Albies, Freddie Freeman, Marcell Ozuna and Nick Markakis. Hitting second in that lineup for 160 games will give good results.

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