In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, few positions scream “value later” quite like second base heading into the 2026 MLB season.
Though the top of the position boasts three strong options, the drop-off afterward is steep, making it one of the shallowest infield spots on draft boards.
Smart managers are passing on the early-round premium for Ketel Marte, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Brice Turang, and are instead pouncing on proven producers who slip into the middle and late rounds.
The strategy isn’t just viable, it’s optimal.
Even the secondary tier, with names like Nico Hoerner and an aging Jose Altuve, doesn’t light the fire we once saw at this position. Only a handful of everyday starters project for 20-plus homers or 25-plus steals beyond the top three, and many come with major caveats — such as age, injury history or part-time roles.
That’s why waiting pays dividends. The position’s shallowness actually creates opportunity: strong, category-specific contributors routinely slide into rounds 8-15 at a fraction of the cost.
Take Brandon Lowe, now with the Pirates after a resurgent 2025 at Tampa Bay. The lefty mashed 31 homers with 83 RBI in just 134 games, posting a .256/.307/.477 slash and elite exit velocities. Yes, the Rays playing at a minor league ballpark helped, but he is a pure power bat who can anchor your middle infield without an early-round price tag, and PNC Park actually caters to left-handed bats.
For speed, Xavier Edwards in Miami is a steal. The switch-hitter posted a .283 average with 27 steals in 139 games last year, offering elite contact (14.2 percent K rate) and on-base skills in a full-time role. He is the ultimate category specialist who won’t cost more than a late-round pick but delivers stolen base upside that rivals the elites.
And for the perfect middle-ground? Bryson Stott in Philadelphia quietly delivered a balanced 2025: 13 homers, 24 steals, .257 average and 66 RBI in 147 games. His plate discipline and lineup protection give him a high floor as a reliable 15/20 guy with batting average stability.
You could even punt the position altogether and draft some rookie upside with Cardinals second baseman, JJ Wetherholt. Check your league rules, but Wetherholt, a natural shortstop, is expected to start at second base this season. He has both power and speed, and is listed as the fifth overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He is definitely worth a shot.
By letting the top three fly off the board, you can allocate early picks to scarce positions like outfield, shortstop or starting pitching. Then load up later on a second base value that matches your categorical needs. In a shallow position like this, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s how championships are built.
Roto Rage Jarad Wilk ranks second basemen and shortstops. Next week: corner infielders.
SECOND BASE
1. Jazz Chisholm Jr., NYY
2. Ketel Marte, Ari
3. Brice Turang, Mil
4. Maikel Garcia*, KC
5. Nico Hoerner, CHC
6. Luke Keaschall, Min
7. Ceddanne Rafaela, Bos
8. Jackson Holliday, Bal
9. Ozzie Albies, Atl
10. Jose Altuve, Hou
11. Xavier Edwards, Mia
12. Brandon Lowe, Pit
13. Bryson Stott, Phi
14. Caleb Durbin*, Bos
15. Matt McLain, Cin
16. Otto López, Mia
17. José Caballero, NYY
18. Luis Garcia, Was
19. Gleyber Torres, Det
20. Jorge Polanco, NYM
21. Marcus Semien, NYM
22. Jordan Westburg, Bal
23. JJ Wetherholt*^, StL
24. Brendan Donovan, Sea
25. Brett Baty, NYM
26. Lenyn Sosa, CWS
27. Ernie Clement, Tor
28. Tommy Edman, LAD
29. Andrés Giménez, Tor
30. Luis Arráez, SF
31. Colt Keith, Det
32. Brooks Lee, Min
33. Jeff McNeil, A’s
34. Willi Castro, Col
35. Chase Meidroth, CWS
36. Luisangel Acuña, CWS
37. Jonathan India, KC
38. Nolan Gorman, Stl
39. Kody Clemens, Min
40. Kristian Campbell, Bos
41. Jake Cronenworth, SD
42. Christian Moore, LAA
43. Marcelo Mayer, Bos
44. Luis Rengifo*, Mil
45. Nasim Nuñez, Was
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy, catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Ch. 87) weekdays from 6-8 p.m. and dominate your drafts with the Fantasy Alarm Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide.
