Does anyone ever talk about how great the handyman is? Ever? Well, if you have ever needed one, you understand how valuable they are. It’s amazing what they can do. In the amount of time it takes for me to find the spark plugs in my car, the handyman has fixed a leaking pipe, put new shingles on the roof and replaced the automatic thingamabob to the gas stove. What I’m say is everyone needs a good handyman in their life.
Now you are probably asking yourself, “Self, what does having a good handyman have to do with second basemen and fantasy baseball?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Because when you really think about it, a good second baseman is often an excellent handyman. Craig Biggio and Rod Carew are Hall of Fame second basemen. Biggio, however, started his career as a catcher, playing 428 games at the position. Additionally, he played 258 games as a center fielder and 109 as a left fielder. Carew actually played more games as a first baseman than a second baseman during his career. Jeff Kent, who should be in the Hall of Fame, played more than 100 games at both third base and first base.
Today’s second basemen are the most versatile players on the field. Of the 25 players ranked in this Preseason Edition, there are only five who exclusively played second base last year. One of those players, Keston Hiura, will soon be adding first base to his fantasy eligibility this year. Otherwise, the second baseman on this list can play at least two positions while most are eligible to play at three positions. Then there is Tommy Edman, who is showing off by playing five positions. That ability to play two, three or more positions gives this group outstanding fantasy value.
That is the beauty of second baseman. They may not be as flashy as their neighbor over at shortstop. But second baseman get the job done, not matter what that job is. But like all handymen, some are better than others. So without further delay, let’s get into the rankings.
Tier 1: The best of the Handymen
Note: Age as of Opening Day
| Rank | Name | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozzie Albies | ATL | 24 |
| 2 | Cavan Biggio | TOR | 25 |
| 3 | DJ LeMahieu | NYY | 32 |
| 4 | Whit Merrifield | KC | 31 |
| 5 | Keston Hiura | MIL | 24 |
So I go on and on about handymen, and who tops the list of second basemen: Ozzie Albies, a non-handyman. But who is complaining about that? Sometimes you want an expert, and Albies is that expert. While his 2020 numbers weren’t eye popping, he still had a .466 slugging percentage, his second highest in his four-year career. Cavan Biggio and DJ LeMahieu could be flipped in these rankings. Both players can be used at multiple positions and both players are hitting in loaded lineups. So why is Biggio in the No. 2 spot? Unless you are playing in a re-draft league, give me the younger player whose best years are still ahead of him. That describes Biggio. He has power and speed and if he can draw a few more walks, he will be a help in OBP leagues.
LeMahieu has horrible career home-road splits, but considering he plays 81 games at Yankee Stadium, I’d take him on my team. The surprise name on this list may be Keston Hiura. While he will play first base this season, I like the fact that he will likely deliver more than 30 homers and 90 RBI as a second baseman. And at only 24-years-old, I love his upside.
Tier 2: The Really Good But Have Something to Prove Group
| Rank | Name | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Jose Altuve | HOU | 30 |
| 7 | Ketel Marte | ARI | 27 |
| 8 | Brandon Lowe | TB | 26 |
| 9 | Gleyber Torres | NYY | 24 |
| 10 | Lourdes Gurriel | Tor | 27 |
Jose Altuve is the old man in this tier, and the player with the most to prove. Was 2020 an aberration? Was he trying to prove that he didn’t need a trash can to help him hit? A career .311 hitter, I’m thinking last year was a blip and not an indication of things to come. Ketel Marte slugged 32 home runs and had a .592 slugging percentage in 2019. His follow up campaign in 2020 produced two dingers and a .409 slugging percentage. So, which player will show up in 2021? I’m going with the version closer to 2019.
Two names that may stand out in this group are Gleyber Torres and Lourdes Gurriel. As I said in my Top 25 Shortstop Rankings, I’m not ready to give up on Torres. Firstly, he is only 24. Secondly, he smashed 38 home runs in 2019. In case you are wondering, that is a lot! Thirdly, did I mention he is only 24? As for Gurriel, the surprise for some of you is that he can play at second base in several leagues, including Yahoo. Gurriel has improved each season with the Blue Jays. Now he has to prove he can be the player capable of hitting .300 with 25 homers and 100 RBIs. In a loaded Toronto lineup, I’m betting he reaches those milestones.
Tier 3: Solid Worker Bees
| Rank | Name | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Jeff McNeil | NYM | 28 |
| 12 | Nick Madrigal | CWS | 24 |
| 13 | Max Muncy | LAD | 30 |
| 14 | Tommy Edman | STL | 25 |
| 15 | Ian Happ | Chi | 26 |
Nick Madrigal showed he could make contact last season, hitting .340 in 29 games. You know who never hit .340 in the majors? Me! Hitting .340 is awesome. However, collecting hits was about it because Madrigal’s power numbers were nowhere to be seen as only three of his 35 hits went for extra bases – and they were all doubles. Yeah, we all know chicks dig the long ball. But if you are reading this, my guess is chicks are not your top priority. In other words, sometimes power shouldn’t be a top priority.
Every team needs a guy to save the batting average and OBP, and Nick is your guy to that. Then there is the anti-Nick Madrigal. I present you with Max Muncy. He isn’t going to win the batting title, but what he will do is smash balls over the fence and drive in runs. That is more than good enough for me, because I dig chicks and I dig the long ball. Ian Happ is another outfielder who can be disguised as at second baseman in several leagues. Given a chance to be an every day player now, look for Happ to reach 30 homers and drive in 85 runs.
Tier 4: Rounding out your Roster
| Rank | Name | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Chris Taylor | LAD | 30 |
| 17 | Jake Cronenworth | SD | 27 |
| 18 | Mike Moustakas | CIN | 32 |
| 19 | Nick Solak | TEX | 26 |
| 20 | Tommy La Stella | SF | 32 |
| 21 | David Fletcher | LAA | 26 |
| 22 | Andres Gimenez | Cle | 22 |
| 23 | Gavin Lux | LAD | 23 |
| 24 | Ryan McMahon | COL | 26 |
| 25 | Kolten Wong | MIL | 30 |
This tier of players is a complete grab bag. Yes, you may get lucky and pull out the 2019 version of Danny Santana. But you are just as likely to pull out the 2020 version (and 2018, 2017, 2016 or 2015) of Danny Santana. Chris Taylor has had some great seasons and at times been very pedestrian. Meanwhile, Jake Cronennworth was a 26-year-old rookie last year. That makes me wonder what took him so long to reach the majors.
If you are looking for power from this group, go with Mike Moustakas, because hitting homers is what Big Moose does. While we know what Moustakas will do, I’m not 100 percent sure what Andres Gimenez can do. But my gut tells me he is one player I can see jumping up these rankings as the season progresses. I like the steals he will provide and I think he will reach double-digit home runs. In a dynasty league he is a great stash. Gavin Lux may also shoot up the rankings this season. Highly touted as a prospect, he is slated to start for the Dodgers.
