November 30, 2016

Kelly TerBest analyzes three value performances at second base (2B) in 2016 and offers early thoughts on their 2017 outlooks.

Second base is no longer the light hitting position of the past. Eighteen fantasy eligible second basemen hit 20 or more homers this season and four hit 30 or more. The deep field resulted in several late round or undrafted values, and here are three of the best bang-for-your buck second basemen from 2016.

Value Second Basemen in 2016

Jonathan Schoop, Baltimore Orioles

Jonathan Schoop got a little overshadowed by the big sluggers in the Baltimore Orioles’ potent offense this season, but fantasy owners looking for good value at second base were rewarded with a gem in Schoop’s under-the-radar 2016 season. Playing a full season for the first time in his big league career, Schoop hit .267/.298/.454 and blew away career highs with 25 homers, 38 doubles and 85 RBI. He did strike out a lot (137) and didn’t walk much (21). Considering he finished in the top 10 among fantasy eligible second basemen in home runs, doubles and RBI and had an average draft position of #233, fantasy owners will take that trade off for some excellent value.

Schoop won’t fly under the radar in fantasy drafts again next year, especially considering he just turned 25 and is part of a big time offense in Baltimore. A repeat performance is probable and maybe even likely, considering he put up even better numbers in an injury shortened 2015, albeit in about half the number of plate appearances. The evidence for consistency is there and fantasy owners can reasonably treat him like a top 10 second baseman when 2017 draft time comes.

Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is well past his days as a perennial All Star and MVP candidate, but his perceived over-the-hill status caused him to be overlooked in fantasy leagues this year and he ended up being a nice value for those who took a chance on the 15-year veteran. Phillips put up very similar numbers in 2016 as he did in 2015, as this season he slashed .291/.320/.416. The big difference between the two seasons was an improved slugging percentage thanks to 34 doubles - the most he has hit since the 2011 season and the second most he has hit in a single season. He did all this while being drafted at an average position of #253.

Age will continue to play against him going into 2017, as fantasy owners are likely to overlook him again despite two solid seasons a row. Trade rumors are swirling around him this offseason as he may be willing to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt to a contender, which could bode well for his playing time in 2017 as the Reds continue to look to the future.

Jedd Gyorko, St. Louis Cardinals

Not only was Jedd Gyorko a great value pickup for fantasy owners in 2016, he did it while providing eligibility at four positions. He played first, second, third, and shortstop for the Cardinals in 2016. Since he played more games at second base than any other one position, we’ll rank him here. He was one of just four fantasy eligible second basemen to hit 30 or more home runs this season. Gyorko hit a career high 30 bombs along with a slash line of .243/.306/.495 while playing in 128 games. You don’t expect to get this kind of power production and positional versatility from #332 in the draft, but that’s what Gyorko delivered.

Gyorko is expected to put more time in at third base for the Cardinals next season. As long as he continues to back up at second and short and maintain that positional eligibility, he should remain a nice option for fantasy owners looking for infield pop and versatility in 2017.