As our position by position series moves around the diamond, we turn to second base and the top players at the position.
1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Cubs fans may disagree, but Marte stands as the best second baseman in the game. His blend of power and defense makes him one of the most valuable players at the position. He has been both a Silver Slugger and an All Star in each of the last two seasons and has hit at least 20 home runs in three straight years.
2. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs
Hoerner has a strong argument for the top spot but just falls short of Marte. A two time Gold Glove winner, he is among the game’s best defenders. He led NL second basemen in outs above average and defensive runs saved with 15 and 17, respectively. His .297 average, plus his speed and defense, make him one of the most complete players at the position.
3. Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang hit 28 doubles and 18 home runs last season and continued to play at an elite defensive level. His 2025 season represented a breakout, even after a strong 2024. He won a Gold Glove in 2024 and, while he was edged out by Nico Hoerner last season, he remained among the best defensive second basemen. His seven defensive runs saved ranked sixth at the position.
4. Brendan Donovan, Seattle Mariners
Now in Seattle, Donovan is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Cardinals, earning an All Star reserve nod while slashing .287/.353/.422. He is a consistent hitter, with a career low average of .278, a figure that stands above many at the position. The power is modest, but he can be counted on for around 10 home runs per year. He also adds plus defense, committing only four errors last season.
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees
Chisholm delivered a standout 2025 season for the Yankees. In his second year in New York, he recorded a 30-30 season with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, earning both Silver Slugger and All Star honors. His Home Run Derby appearance did not do much for his reputation, but he remained a plus defender, posting eight outs above average at second base.
6. Xavier Edwards, Miami Marlins
Edwards transitioned from shortstop to second base and the results have been strong. He recorded 12 defensive runs saved and nine outs above average in 2025, placing him among the top defenders at the position behind Nico Hoerner. He also produced at the plate, tallying 159 hits with a .283 average. He has been a bright spot on an otherwise struggling team.
7. Marcus Semien, New York Mets
Semien might be the best hitter in this group. His 45 home runs in 2021 are the most ever in a season by a second baseman. He has not topped 30 since, but he still provides steady power with at least 20 each year. A two time Gold Glove winner and three time All Star, he could be in line for a resurgence in New York this season.
8. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers
Torres, like much of the Tigers’ roster, enjoyed a resurgence in 2025. He was one of the best second basemen in the league at the All Star break before cooling off down the stretch. He finished with a .256/.358/.387 slash line, but his value came from improved plate discipline, posting 136 hits and a career high 85 walks while lowering his strikeout rate from 20.5 percent in 2024 to 16.1 percent in 2025.
9. Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies
Stott is one of the more underrated players on this list. He offers a blend of power and defense, but his production dips against left handed pitching, as shown by his .225/.287/.575 split in 2025. He projects for a steady, moderate season in Philadelphia, which fits his profile as a solid, reliable contributor. That places him at No. 9 on this list.
10. Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles
Holliday struggled early after his 2024 debut but took a step forward in 2025. He finished with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs while slashing .242/.314/.375. The production lags behind others on this list, placing him at No. 10, but at just 22 years old, he has considerable upside and should continue to improve with experience.
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