MLB Projections: Top 10 Second Basemen for the 2020 Season
Today, ‘Call to the Pen’ is going to examine the top 10 second basemen in baseball using the “Steamer” MLB projections system.
As analytics increasingly continue to take on a larger role in the game, it has become harder to pin down a player to a specific defensive position. As such, some players that you might expect to see in these MLB Projections, beginning with second basemen, could appear at another position.
So be forewarned. Just because a player doesn’t appear here, he may appear at another position… maybe.
With that being said, let’s get to it!
#10 – Luis Arraez, Minnesota Twins
Luis Arraez is a prime example of a versatile player that is difficult to pin down to a specific defensive position, which is what makes him so valuable to the Twins. Last season, he played in five different defensive positions, not including 5 games at DH.
You’d think that for any player, this would be hard to juggle, especially a rookie player. Well, don’t tell that to Arraez.
The 2019 MLB season was Arraez’s first in the bigs and boy did he deliver. In 92 games, he slashed .334 / .399 / .439 and still only managed to place 6th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.
How does the “Steamer” MLB projections system foresee the 2020 season to look like for this 22-year-old second basemen? Well, he’s projected to lead all 2B in AVG (.312) and OBP (.370). In other words, he’s a lock at the position and the Twins are lucky to have him.
MLB Projections: Top 10 Second Basemen in 2020
#9 – Adalberto Mondesi, Kansas City Royals
Adalberto Mondesi is one of those rare talents that managed to see big-league time at the young age of 20. He didn’t, however, get to play full-time until the 2019 season, his fourth MLB season.
In that time, the son of slugger Raul Mondesi established himself as the complete opposite of his dad. While Raul could post a 30/30 season at will, Adalberto won’t. Instead, he’ll trade in a couple of home runs for speed.
During the 2019 season, Adalberto stole 43 bag, 2nd in the league. What’s more, he led the league in triples with 10.
#8 – Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
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Brandon Lowe started the 2019 season with a bang. Through 63 games, he slashed .293 / .350 / .560, establishing himself as one of the best hitters in the American League. Soon after, however, Lowe was sidelined with an injury for more than 2-months.
Upon returning, Lowe struggled to maintain a strong presence at the plate and in the end, he finished the season slashing .270 / .336 / .514. Which actually isn’t all that bad.
#7 – DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees
Last season, DJ LeMahieu made some noise in the AL MVP voting. In the end, he fell short, placing 4th behind Mike Trout, Alex Bregman, and Marcus Semien.
As a member of the New York Yankees, however, there was no player more valuable the DJ. He filled in at multiple positions seamlessly and did everything he could, literally to keep the Yanks alive in the postseason against the Houston Astros.
LeMahieu did just turn 31, however, and should start to see a touch of a decline at the position, which is why he lands in the 7-spot in this ranking. Don’t be surprised if he continues his elite production next season, though. Given that he can focus on second base next year, he may be able to surprise some folks.
MLB Projections: Top 10 Second Basemen in 2020
#6 – Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs
Javier Baez being ranked 6th in this projection was, perhaps, the most surprising thing. Entering his 7th big-league season, Baez has done nothing but continue to improve. So much so that in the last 2 seasons combined, Javy has slashed .286 / .321 / .544. What’s more, he has averaged 32 HR and 98 RBI.
Next season, as the Cubs look to rebuild, fans will have someone like Baez to look to for hope. Having finished 2nd in the MVP voting in 2019, he’ll have to continue to improve in order to make the Cubs at least a little competitive.
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#5 – Jeff McNeil, New York Mets
One of the shining lights at the second base position last season was Jeff McNeil. It’s safe to say that nobody expected McNeiil to have the type of season he had last year. In fact, he slashed .318 / .384 / .531 and was selected to his first All-Star game.
What’s more, McNeil also fits the description of versatility, as we mentioned at the start. In 2019, he played four positions, including LF, RF, 2B, and 3B with great efficiency.
#4 – Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
Yoan Moncada was a top prospect out of the Boston Red Sox system who was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for ace pitcher Chris Sale in 2017. In his first three seasons, he struggled to live up to expectations, but then suddenly in 2019, he arrived.
Last season, Moncada slashed .315 / .367 / .548 all the while hitting a career-high 25 HR and 79 RBI. Moving forward, Moncada will look to continue to improve and become the focal point of a team that is projected to be extremely competitive in the AL Central.
MLB Projections: Top 10 Second Basemen in 2020
#3 – Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
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Ozzie Albies is perhaps the first player on this list to strictly call himself a second baseman. In three seasons, Albies has only played second base, nothing else. What’s more, he plays the position at an elite level, ranking third in DRS (8) behind Yolmer Sanchez and Kolton Wong – who probably should’ve been ranked in the top 10.
Perhaps that is why Albiez is ranked third. We already know he is an elite defender, and given that, he can truly focus on continuing to improve offensively, which he has.
In the 2019 season, Albies set career highs across the board, literally…
- Career-high stats set in 2019
- 189 H
- 43 2B
- 8 3B
- 24 HR (tied with 2018)
- 86 RBI
- 15 SB
- .295 AVG
- .500 SLG
Truly extraordinary, but not better than…
#2 – Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
I struggle with ranking Houston Astros hitters high on these lists given recent allegations. However, who doesn’t absolutely love Jose Altuve?
Since Ichiro Suzuki, Altuve has without a doubt been the best hitter in the game. In fact, in 9 years, Altuve has amassed 1568 hits, exceeding 200+ hits in a single-season 4x. His career slash line, .315 / .364 / .463 is extremely remarkable and Hall of Fame-worthy.
Over the last two seasons, however, Altuve has been battling injuries. In 2019, he posted his lowest batting average since 2013, which raised some alarms. What’s more, defensively, he posted a -2 DRS, which is also troubling.
In 2020, however, Altuve is looking to rebound. I wouldn’t be surprised if he returned to the prominent hitter he used to be.
#1 – Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Ketel Marte emerged as a force during the 2019 MLB season and is looking to stay there in 2020. In all, he posted career-highs in…
- Runs – 97
- Hits – 187
- 2B – 36
- HR – 32
- RBI – 92
- AVG – .329
- OBP – .389
- SLG – .592
All the while, he appeared in his first All-Star game and placed 4th in the MVP voting, behind Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich, and Anthony Rendon.
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I think it’s safe to say that after posting such a season, it’ll be difficult to look back for Marte. I’m assuming this is why he’s ranked so highly… and I agree that he should be.