X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Second Basemen: Top MLB Prospects for Fantasy Baseball

Welcome back, RotoBallers. I've already looked at the top 10 prospects for each MLB team, and now I'll be breaking down impact prospects by position. Today I'm bringing you my top 10 second basemen - MLB prospect rankings for the 2017 fantasy baseball season.

The second base position has seen better days, at least in the minors. Though second base is starting to become loaded with offensive juggernauts like Jose Altuve, Daniel Murphy and D.J. LeMahieu, there are not as many explosive second base prospects coming up through the minors. Some of the second base prospects could potentially have high impacts in the majors (see Yoan Moncada, Ozzie Albies), but many of the other guys considered to be top prospects at the position look to have futures more of as utility guys.

Part of this is because many of the top second basemen in baseball today came up as shortstop prospects. Guys like Brandon Phillips, Ian Kinsler, Javier Baez and Dustin Pedroia all came up as shortstops are eventually shifted over to second base. Even in the minors today, Ozzie Albies has shifted over to second from short and Franklin Barreto is likely going to follow that path as well (though for now, he only qualifies as a shortstop so he will not be listed here). But there are still some pure second base prospects who could have value in 2017 redraft leagues. These guys could all be sleepers in fantasy leagues and could produce for owners who are able to pick them up.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Top 10 Second Base Prospects for 2017 Fantasy Baseball

1. Yoan Moncada (CWS, MLB)
Stats: (from AA) 207 PA, .277/.379/.531, 11 HR, 9 SB, 13.0% BB rate, 30.9% K rate
ETA: Mid-May
This was a very easy choice. The White Sox recently released Brett Lawrie which leaves them with a grand total of zero quality second base options outside of Moncada. I mean really, is Tyler Saladino going to prevent Moncada from reaching the big leagues? I think not. Moncada is an explosive prospect with perhaps the most enticing skillset in the minors. All he needs to do is reduce his strikeout rate and make more consistent contact and he will be promoted by the White Sox. If he receives a promotion, he will warrant ownership in all leagues for his insane upside.

2. Ozzie Albies (ATL, AAA)
Stats: 247 PA, .248/.307/.351, 2 HR, 9 SB, 7.7% BB rate, 15.8% K rate
ETA: Mid-May
Much like Moncada, Albies will determine his own fate by how well he performs in 2017. He is currently blocked only by Brandon Phillips and Jace Peterson at second base and with the Braves in a rebuilding state, they may shift Phillips and Peterson to the bench in order to get Albies some playing time if he earns a promotion. Albies is a true burner who lacks power, but can still drive the ball to the gaps with consistency. If he gets the call up to the big leagues, Albies could provide owners with a ton of stolen bases, runs scored and a high batting average and should be owned in all leagues.

3. Alen Hanson (PIT, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 478 PA, .266/.318/.389, 8 HR, 36 SB, 6.7% BB rate, 16.3% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
Hanson has a chance to open up the season with the Pirates as a utility infielder with a chance for more playing time. While Hanson does not have the strongest bat out there, he is a very fast infield prospect with the chance to steal a ton of bases if given the time. Manger Clint Hurdle recently said Hanson could serve in a utility role like Josh Harrison did back in 2014 and with Jung-Ho Kang’s future in question, the opportunity could emerge for Hanson to receive a fair amount of starts in 2017.

4. Chad Pinder (OAK, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 465 PA, .258/.310/.425, 14 HR, 5 SB, 5.4% BB rate, 23.2% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
Pinder has maintained a track record of being a surprisingly decent power bat for a second baseman. He has posted double-digit home run totals every full season of his professional career and typically brings in a solid batting average to boot. He has issues with plate discipline which could limit his upside, but he only has to compete with Jed Lowrie right now for starting playing time at second base. Until the A’s start seriously considering Franklin Barreto as their 2017 second baseman, Pinder could be a solid sleeper add in deeper leagues.

5. Eliezer Alvarez (STL, A)
Stats: 499 PA, .323/.404/.476, 6 HR, 36 SB, 10.6% BB rate, 19.2% K rate
ETA: Early August
I know, it’s a bit crazy to put someone on here who has not even reached Class-A Advanced yet, but the Cardinals added the speedy second baseman to their 40-man roster. Clearly they have some confidence in his bat and believe he could potentially force his way to their 25-man roster this season. He is blocked by Kolten Wong, Jedd Gyorko and probably Jhonny Peralta, but if he hits well enough and Wong struggles, he could force himself up to the big leagues and leap frog the two veterans. But it is a longshot owners in mixed leagues should not count on unless injuries start coming up in St. Louis.

6. Ian Happ (CHC, AA)
Stats: 274 PA, .262/.318/.415, 8 HR, 6 SB, 7.3% BB rate, 21.9% K rate
ETA: Mid-August
Happ has about as much offensive upside as anyone on this list outside of Moncada and could be a strong fantasy producer if he gets the chance to start. Unfortunately for him, he is currently sitting behind both Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist on the second base depth chart in Chicago. His positional versatility gives him a little bit more of a chance to reach the majors than some of these other guys, but it should be noted that just about everyone on the Cubs can play every position. Happ is going to need some help from the injury bug to have a fantasy impact this season.

7. Wilmer Difo (WAS, MLB)
Stats: (from AA) 451 PA, .259/.318/.354, 6 HR, 28 SB, 7.5% BB rate, 13.1% K rate
ETA: Mid-August
Difo has some fantasy upside as a second baseman with a ton of speed. He could easily steal 30 bases in a single season and it would not take a ton of playing time to do it. The only problem is, he is going to have a tough time finding that precious PT. Daniel Murphy is not going to give up second base without an injury and Difo is pretty much limited to that position right now. If he gets a chance to start, his speed makes him immediately fantasy relevant. But who knows if he will ever get the chance to play on a regular basis.

8. Willie Calhoun (LAD, AAA)
Stats: 560 PA, .254/.318/.469, 27 HR, 0 SB, 8.0% BB rate, 11.6% K rate
ETA: September
No you did not misread any of that stat line. Yes, he hit 27 home runs and yes, he only struck out 11.6 percent of the time. His batting average was not great, but that was more the result of bad luck than lack of talent (.242 BABIP). The problem he faces is the same that so many before him face: no clear path to playing time. With Logan Forsythe and Chase Utley at second base, Calhoun will need an injury to occur to see any time in the big leagues. He would become a serious force with his power potential if he becomes a full-time second baseman in the majors, but it likely will not happen this season.

9. Carlos Asuaje (SD, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 597 PA, .321/.378/.473, 9 HR, 10 SB, 8.2% BB rate, 13.7% K rate
ETA: Early May
Admittedly, Asuaje is not the most exciting prospect out there. But like I said earlier, most of the second base prospects are going to be utility guys. Asuaje is a solid hitter who controls the strike zone well and manages to make consistent contact. He does not have much power and he is not going to steal more than 10-15 bases in a given season, but if he starts on a regular basis, he could provide owners with a solid batting average and a few steals. He could be a solid depth piece in deeper leagues when he is promoted.

10. Andy Ibanez (TEX, AA)
Stats: 340 PA, .261/.318/.391, 6 HR, 5 SB, 7.4% BB rate, 13.8% K rate
ETA: Late July
We’ve essentially reached the end of the second base prospect list. Ibanez is a solid hitter, but he has roughly the same skillset as Asuaje, only with a much tougher path to the majors. He is not going to pass Rougned Odor and if Odor gets hurt, Jurickson Profar is probably the next guy up at second base. If everyone gets hurt, Ibanez could be a solid own, but odds are he has little to no impact in 2017.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Kesselring

Expected to make Season Debut Tuesday
Shayne Gostisbehere

Could Return Tuesday
K'Andre Miller

Expected to Remain Out Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Close to Returning
Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Daniel Gafford

Remains Out Versus OKC
Dereck Lively II

Out on Monday Evening
Josh Giddey

Set to Suit Up Monday
Jaylen Brown

Available Against Pelicans
William Nylander

Questionable for Tuesday
Caris LeVert

Sidelined Again on Monday
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Third Straight Game
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Jalen Johnson

Available Versus Chicago
Kristaps Porzingis

Back on Monday Night
Dylan Strome

Ruled Out for Tuesday
Marcus Sasser

Unavailable Monday
Zion Williamson

Ruled Out on Monday Night
Brad Marchand

Won't Play on Tuesday
Alexey Toropchenko

Returns to Blues Lineup
Jake Neighbours

Unavailable Versus Penguins
Robert Thomas

Out on Monday
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Jaxson Hayes

Sidelined Again on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Marcus Smart

Out Against Portland
Gabe Vincent

Sidelined on Monday
Chet Holmgren

Available for Monday Night Tilt
Jaylen Brown

Questionable for Monday Night
Yves Missi

Back in Action Monday Night
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Zion Williamson

Questionable Monday vs. Celtics
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

to Miss Monday's Tilt
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

Won't Suit Up Monday
Caris LeVert

Considered Questionable on Monday
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
Tony Pollard

Reportedly Available for Trade
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Not Planning on Trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Justin Fields

Jets Non-Committal on Justin Fields as the Starter Going Forward
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Cam Skattebo

Out for the Season With Dislocated Ankle
Nick Schmaltz

Stretches Point Streak to Seven Games
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Kirill Kaprizov

Records Three Assists in Losing Effort
William Eklund

Has Three Points in Sunday's Win
Brock Boeser

Totals Three Points Sunday
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Warren Foegele

Exits Early Sunday
Ilya Mikheyev

Exits With Injury Sunday
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Quinn Hughes

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Tucker Kraft

Dominates With 143 Yards, Two Touchdowns on Sunday Night
Troy Franklin

Explodes for Two Touchdowns Against Cowboys
J.K. Dobbins

Breaks 100 Yards Again but Doesn't Find the End Zone
Bo Nix

has a Season-Best Four Passing Touchdowns
Jalen Hurts

Matches Career High With Four Touchdown Passes in Week 8
RJ Harvey

R.J. Harvey Breaks Out With Three Touchdowns in Week 8
Marvin Mims Jr.

Enters Concussion Protocol
Tua Tagovailoa

Throws Four Touchdowns in Win
Breece Hall

Records Three Touchdowns
Patrick Kane

to Remain Out on Tuesday
Spencer Rattler

Benched in Week 8
Brett Pesce

Ruled Out for Road Trip
Jason Dickinson

Expected Back on Sunday
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery
CFB

Utah QB Devon Dampier Listed as Questionable on Big 12 Injury Report
San Francisco Giants

Tony Vitello Named New Manager of the Giants
Francisco Lindor

has Elbow Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Spring Training
PGA

Alex Noren is a Smash Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Maverick McNealy

Look Out For Maverick McNealy This Week in Utah
Justin Lower

Unlikely to Flip The Script at Bank of Utah Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Looking for Repeat Performance in Utah
CFB

Behren Morton Will be Listed as Questionable on Wednesday
Max McGreevy

a Longer Shot to Contend in Utah
Jackson Suber

on the Bubble for the PGA in 2026

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP