When considering candidates to be one of the four faces carved onto a current MLB second baseman Mt. Rushmore, one thing quickly becomes obvious.
Second base is not a position currently overloaded with talent. In fact, the argument could be made to halt the carving at two or three faces because there are not yet more truly deserving honorees.
Finding the faces for the current MLB second basemen on Mt. Rushmore
The kind of immortality that comes with a Rushmore carving requires some criteria for selection. For a second baseman, we have several, beginning with this basic one: The player being considered must be projected to start at second base in 2021.
He ought also to have as many as possible of the following:
- An established reputation, reflecting at least five seasons – ideally 10 – as a regular at second base.
- Significant post-season experience, ideally including at least one World Series ring.
- Recognition as an MVP, Rookie of the Year, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger and/or All Star selection, the more frequently the better.
- A consistent record of excellence in two offensive performance categories, OPS+ and WAR.
- Defensive talent as reflected in a credible Defensive Runs Saved score at second base.
- Although it isn’t an absolute requirement to Rushmore-level status, it also helps if a second baseman is a one-team lifer.
Having laid all that out, it will become evident that we’re going to have to compromise our criteria to flesh out the monument with current faces. There are really only two current MLB second basemen who approach meeting most – never mind all – of our criteria. Those two are Jose Altuve of the Astros and DJ LeMahieu of the Yankees.
Other candidates who ought to get consideration are, alphabetically, Ozzie Albies of the Braves, Cavan Biggio of the Blue Jays, Cesar Hernandez of the Indians, Brandon Lowe of the Rays, Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, Jeff McNeil of the Mets, Mike Moustakas of the Reds, Max Muncy of the Dodgers, Jonathan Schoop of the Tigers and Kolten Wong of the Brewers.
How about Robinson Cano? Having been suspended for all of 2021 for a drug violation, he fails to meet the prime qualification: he Is not projected to play second base for any team in 2021.
Having said that, let’s begin with the two most obvious Mt. Rushmore qualifiers as a second baseman.