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Ranking the top second basemen in MLB approaching Opening Day

By Nick Fustor

Sep 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) is out at second base as Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) throws to first base during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) is out at second base as Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) throws to first base during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Daniel Murphy

While he’ll forever be remembered for his heroics with the New York Mets in the 2015 postseason, Daniel Murphy enters his age-30 season on a new team in the Washington Nationals and pressure to produce.  With a .288/.331/.424 career slash line, Murphy has proven to be a solid offensive piece who’s capable of continuing his production for years to come.

9. Brian Dozier

Brian Dozier may not be the most consistent source of contact among second basemen, but he provided the most pop after posting 28 homers in 2015.  As one of the veterans on an upstart Minnesota Twins team, Dozier did much more than hit for power, though, as he stole 12 bases and scored 101 runs.  His 21 percent strikeout rate was a career-high, but at 28, it’s likely he can gain some plate discipline.  Add in solid defense, and the Twins boast one of the league’s best at the position.

8. Brandon Phillips

While Brandon Phillips has been the subject of many trade rumors, that shouldn’t affect his overall stock heading into 2016.  Despite the demise of his power, Phillips added speed back to his game last season and stole 23 bases, his highest total since 2009.  At 34, Phillips stayed healthy last season and managed to post a respectable .723 OPS, a number that is sustainable as he enters the latter part of his career.

7. Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano may never produce like he did during his prime with the Yankees again, but he’s still a consistent threat at the plate.  Cano’s 2.1 WAR last season was his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2005, which is due in large part to diminished overall numbers.

His .287/.334/.446 slash line and 21 home runs offset a trying start to the season, but are far from what the Seattle Mariners hoped for when signing him to a massive deal a few offseasons ago.  Entering this season, expect Cano to continue a slow decline but still produce enough to warrant contention among the top tier of second basemen in the league.

6. Logan Forsythe

Logan Forsythe came out of nowhere last season to post one of the best all-around seasons by a second basemen in recent years.  His .281 average, .804 OPS and 17 homers were all career-highs, and he also stole 9 bases to boot. With solid defensive numbers, the 28-year-old became one of the best players on a Tampa Bay Rays squad devoid of consistent offensive producers.

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