Top 10 Second Basemen in MLB
We are continuing our series on the best players at each position as we head into the 2025 season of Major League Baseball. This week it is all about Second base.
Second base is one of the more fluid positions in the game. Some players make it a long-term home, but many end up there based on team need or a lack of a true defensive fit elsewhere. It’s often a spot for converted shortstops, utility guys, or hitters the team wants to squeeze into the lineup.
Players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Brendan Donovan have bounced around over the years. Others, like Mike Moustakas and (almost) Alex Bregman, made cameos there as a stopgap. In 2025, we’re ranking players by where they’re expected to play this season, which is why José Altuve (now in the outfield) isn’t on the list.
Let’s dive in.
1. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
ZiPS projects Marte to post the highest wRC+ among all second basemen this season, and it’s easy to see why. He’s coming off a career year with a 154 OPS+ and a third-place finish in NL MVP voting.
Since 2021, only Altuve and Marcus Semien have produced more fWAR at the position. He’s also third in win probability added. Still somehow underrated nationally, Marte was the obvious pick for #1 with Altuve switching positions.
2. Marcus Semien, Rangers
Semien is the definition of a workhorse. He’s missed just one game in the last three full-length seasons and hasn’t played fewer than 159 games in a season since 2017.
Last year’s 100 OPS+ was a step back, but we’re not overreacting. He’s still a top-tier defender, brings sneaky power, and is only two years removed from a 7.7 bWAR season and a third-place MVP finish.
3. Brandon Lowe, Rays
Lowe might not always stay healthy (281 games in three seasons), but when he’s on the field, he mashes. His 126 projected wRC+ ranks just behind Marte.
After a year where he logged time at first base and DH, he’s back to being Tampa Bay’s everyday second baseman. With his power and plate discipline, he could climb higher if he stays on the field.
4. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees
Jazz is back at second — his best and most natural position — after tours at shortstop, third base, and even center field.
Coming off a 4.0 fWAR season, projections peg him around 3.0–3.4 fWAR despite expected missed time. If he plays a full season and continues to flash power, speed, and swagger, he could easily be an All-Star and a Top 3 second baseman.
5. Ozzie Albies, Braves
Albies battled injuries in 2024, but he still has pop (.849 OPS in 2023) and remains a plus defender.
Projection systems aren’t wild about his 2025 outlook, but his ability to make contact and run into power gives him a ceiling that guys ranked lower just don’t have. Health is the key.
6. Brendan Donovan, Cardinals
Quietly one of the best pure hitters on this list, Donovan’s projected wRC+ trails only Marte and Lowe. He’s bounced around the diamond, but in 2025, he’s slated to play mostly at second base.
Great plate discipline, solid defense, and early-season momentum could vault him into the Top 3 by year’s end.
7. Andrés Giménez, Guardians
He doesn’t slug like most of the names above him, but Giménez makes up for it with elite defense and speed — he’s swiped 60 bags over the last two seasons.
After a .638 OPS in 2024, he’s not bringing much at the plate, but ZiPS still projects him to lead all second basemen in fWAR. That says everything about how valuable his glove is.
8. Gleyber Torres, Yankees
He was a punching bag for Yankees fans at times, but Torres can still hit. He posted an .800 OPS in 2023 and walks just under 10% of the time.
Yes, the defense is shaky, but his bat makes him a valuable piece. Now in a new home, Torres has a fresh start to show he’s still got All-Star-level tools.
9. Nico Hoerner, Cubs
He’s basically the NL version of Giménez — elite glove, very little power, lots of contact.
Hoerner doesn’t strike out, runs well, and adds a steady presence to a Cubs infield that will rely on his defense and consistency.
10. Jake Cronenworth, Padres
Cronenworth has slid back to second base full-time in 2025, and while his offensive numbers have dipped since his hot start, he still has a high floor thanks to his approach.
He doesn’t strike out much, walks a fair amount, and brings experience and leadership to the Padres’ young core.
Be sure to check out the other articles in this series:
Top 10 Starting Pitchers in MLB
