As pitchers and catchers report to spring training complexes across Arizona and Florida, anticipation builds for the upcoming 2025 MLB season. While much of the hot stove chatter revolved around free agent shortstops and ace pitchers, the keystone position of second base quietly features some of the game’s most dynamic talents. Who tops the rankings heading into Opening Day? ESPN’s Buster Olney surveyed baseball insiders to determine the cream of the crop at the position.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the factors weighed by Olney and his panel of experts. Rather than relying solely on past performance, these rankings aim to identify the second basemen poised to deliver the most value in 2025 alone. While track record matters, a heavier emphasis is placed on each player’s skills, surrounding context, and projections in the near term.
The evaluators considered a blend of offensive prowess, defensive wizardry, durability, and the oft-debated “intangibles” that don’t necessarily show up in the box score. Advanced metrics like Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), and Outs Above Average (OAA) painted a statistical portrait, while scouting reports and insider observations added qualitative color.
Honorable Mentions: Established Veterans and Rising Stars
Before getting to the top 10, a handful of notable second sackers merit recognition. Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves looks to rebound after an injury-marred campaign, while the Milwaukee Brewers’ Brice Turang paced practitioners in defensive metrics. Brandon Lowe’s pop makes him a focal point of the Tampa Bay Rays’ attack, and Matt McLain dazzled when available for the resurgent Cincinnati Reds. Their immense talents simply couldn’t squeeze into an absolutely stacked list.
Top 10 Second Basemen for 2025
- 10. Jazz Chisholm, New York Yankees: This electric middle infielder brings speed and power to the Bronx after coming over in a deadline blockbuster.
- 9. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs: A steady hand at second, Hoerner’s defense shines, but elbow surgery recovery raises questions.
- 8. Luis Garcia Jr., Washington Nationals: Despite toiling for a cellar dweller, Garcia’s power-speed combo makes him a key building block.
- 7. Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: An on-base machine whose value would skyrocket with a better supporting cast in St. Louis.
- 6. Andres Gimenez, Toronto Blue Jays: Perhaps the game’s rangiest and most acrobatic defender, even if his bat slipped last year.
- 5. Jonathan India, Kansas City Royals: His on-base skills will supercharge the top of the Royals’ lineup, at second base or elsewhere.
- 4. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros: The 33-year-old’s athleticism may be waning, but his high-contact approach keeps him producing at an elite clip.
- 3. Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox: More on this marquee newcomer to the position in a moment…
- 2. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers: A dip in OBP can’t outweigh Semien’s blend of plus power, slick defense, and durability.
- 1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks: The total package: hits for average and power, fields his position exceptionally, and raises his game when it matters most.
Bregman’s Big Transition
The biggest question mark and potential wild card on this list is Alex Bregman. The perennial MVP candidate spent his entire Astros tenure at the hot corner but agreed to slide to second base to facilitate his monster free agent deal with the Red Sox. Evaluators believe the two-time Gold Glove winner’s defensive excellence will translate, especially since he started as a middle infielder in the minors.
At second base, he will see everything. At third, it was just reaction and instinct… There’s less work mentally at third.
– Ron Washington, Los Angeles Angels manager and infield guru
Bregman’s bat plays anywhere; he owns a sensational .375/.490/.750 slash line over 21 career games at Fenway Park. Whether he hits in front of or behind Rafael Devers in a fearsome Red Sox lineup, expect Bregman to feast with men on base and pitchers laboring. If he seamlessly handles the keystone as most anticipate, he could rapidly climb these rankings as the season unfolds.
Positional Fluidity and the Evolving Defensive Spectrum
One fascinating subplot across this list is how many elite second basemen also moonlight at other positions. Marte and India have extensive experience at the hot corner, while Semien has toggled between shortstop and second throughout his career. Even Altuve reps in the outfield during spring training nowadays. This positional fluidity emphasizes the immense value of defensive flexibility up the middle.
The best possible outcome for the Red Sox is that [Kristian] Campbell comes into spring training and shows he’s ready for the big leagues, and he makes it obvious to Devers – to everyone – that he needs to be part of the lineup.
– A rival evaluator on Boston’s top prospect and infield machinations
If the athletic Kristian Campbell forces his way into Boston’s infield mix with a torrid spring, he could displace either Bregman or Devers. Marte and India may float elsewhere to accommodate younger talents as well. This defensive maneuvering bears monitoring as teams finalize their Opening Day alignments and beyond.
The Future at the Keystone
All in all, the state of MLB’s second base position remains remarkably robust. The entrenched superstars show no signs of slowing down, while rising newcomers infuse the ranks with electrifying skills. As clubs increasingly prioritize defensive prowess and versatility up the middle, the keepers of the keystone stand out as some of the most indispensable players in the game today.
From the silky smooth Marcus Semien to the do-it-all Ketel Marte and the magician Andres Gimenez, second basemen continually dazzle with their gloves and bats alike. Whether franchise cornerstones or critical cogs in championship runs, these stars shine brightly on the diamond. With Alex Bregman joining the fray and phenoms like Kristian Campbell waiting in the wings, the present and future of the position appear exceptionally bright in 2025 and beyond.
