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MLB: Ranking the Top 30 Second Basemen for the 2017 Season

By Greg Goldstein

Sep 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) runs out an RBI single in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) runs out an RBI single in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) connects for a base hit during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) connects for a base hit during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Dee Gordon (Miami Marlins)

0.8 WAR 79 G 346 PA .268 BA .305 OBP 7 2B 1 HR .335 SLG .641 OPS 55 SO 18 BB 16.8% Hard Contact

24. Starlin Castro (New York Yankees)

1.2 WAR 151 G 610 PA .270 BA .300 OBP 29 2B 21 HR .433 SLG .734 OPS 118 SO 24 BB 31.2% Hard Contact

23. Derek Dietrich (Miami Marlins)

2.4 WAR 128 G 412 PA .279 BA .374 OBP 20 2B 7 HR .425 SLG .798 OPS 84 SO 32 BB 27.9% Hard Contact

22. Cesar Hernandez (Philadelphia Phillies)

3.3 WAR 155 G 622 PA .294 BA .371 OBP 14 2B 6 HR .393 SLG .764 OPS 116 SO 66 BB 26.0% Hard Contact

21. Josh Harrison (Pittsburgh Pirates)

1.8 WAR 131 G 522 PA .283 BA .311 OBP 25 2B 4 HR .388 SLG .699 OPS 76 SO 18 BB 27.7% Hard Contact

Interestingly enough, there are two Marlins players in this portion of the MLB second baseman list. However, the one that is slated to be more of a bench player is actually rated higher than the incumbent starter. I see Derek Dietrich as a better overall player than Dee Gordon for a few reasons. Firstly, Dietrich has much more of an all around offensive profile. He’s not going to be a 20 home run guy if given a starting job, but he has the capabilities to offer a little power to a lineup, while profiling as a steady hitter in terms of batting average. I was impressed with his on-base skills as well and he was really getting significantly better contact than Gordon. Gordon is one of the fastest players in MLB and this is a major reason why he’s not lower on this list. However, Gordon is more of a slapstick type of hitter, which I don’t really favor over the likes of Dietrich.

Cesar Hernandez broke out for the Phillies last season, hitting for both average and walking at a sizable clip. Like many second baseman, he’s not much of a power threat, but after watching him last year, I’m convinced that he’s got the hitting tools to be an everyday MLB player. The Phillie has speed as well, which should help him put pressure on infielders on chopped balls and tougher plays.

Starlin Castro is a more of a known commodity than Hernandez or Dietrich. He can hit for above average power for the position being that he’s a lot more physical than the second baseman that I have mentioned thus far.

Surprisingly a former all-star, Josh Harrison is a key piece to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he just isn’t explosive enough with the bat to warrant a higher spot on this list. He’ll hit for average, but the slugging percentage is going to be subpar. He is one of the more exciting players to watch on the basepaths, though.

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