👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
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 draft 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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jayson Tatum

Cleared to Play Wednesday
Neemias Queta

Returns Against Miami
De'Anthony Melton

Ruled Out Against Spurs
Kristaps Porzingis

Ruled Out Wednesday
Pascal Siakam

Expected to Suit Up Wednesday
Andrew Nembhard

Sitting Out Wednesday
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Off Injury Report Wednesday
Ty Jerome

to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Caris LeVert

Available Tuesday Against Raptors
Miles McBride

to Suit up on Tuesday
Collin Murray-Boyles

Cleared to Play Tuesday
Marcus Sasser

is Available on Tuesday
Brandon Ingram

Returns Vs. Detroit
Ziaire Williams

Moves into Starting Five
Duncan Robinson

Active Vs. Toronto
Jalen Duren

is Back in Action on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

Available Tuesday
Marvin Bagley III

to Miss Second Straight Game
Ryan Rollins

Good to Go Tuesday
Klay Thompson

is Resting on Tuesday
Kyle Kuzma

Returns Tuesday
Seiya Suzuki

to Begin a Rehab Assignment Soon
Simon Holmstrom

Misses Tuesday's Action
Alexandre Carrier

Out 2-4 Weeks With Upper-Body Injury
Jordan Spieth

a Horse for Course History at TPC San Antonio
Mason Lohrei

Misses Second Consecutive Game Tuesday
Tyler Myers

Unavailable Against Bruins
Robert MacIntyre

Has One Flaw to Overcome at Valero Texas Open to be a Must-Play
Michael Bunting

to Sit Out Tuesday's Game
Maverick McNealy

In Exceptional Form This Season
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well But Still Searching For A Win
Hideki Matsuyama

Playing Well Heading to the Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Heads to Valero Texas Open For Final Tune-Up Before Masters
Nikita Kucherov

a Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Ready for Action Tuesday
Sam Bennett

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Tuesday
Cody Ponce

Diagnosed With ACL Sprain, to Miss "Significant Time"
Tank Dell

Uncertain for OTAs, But Expected to Play in 2026
Alvin Kamara

Saints Still Want to Address Alvin Kamara's Contract
George Pickens

Cowboys Have "Long-Term Plans" for George Pickens
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Not Ruling Out Potential Kyle Pitts Sr. Trade
Jordan James

the "Front-Runner" to be Top Backup RB
A.J. Brown

Patriots Still Not Ruling Out an A.J. Brown Trade
Aaron Rodgers

Planning to Re-Sign With Steelers?
Seattle Seahawks

Mike Washington Jr. Would Fill a Big Need for Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams

Kenyon Sadiq a Good Fit With the Rams?
Green Bay Packers

Packers to "Strip Everything Down" on Offense
Anthony Richardson Sr.

to Stay With Colts?
NFL

Ty Simpson has Visits With Cardinals, Dolphins, Browns
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers Touch Base
Cameron Ward

Mechanical Tweaks are Focused on his Footwork
Jaylen Waddle

to Play the Slot And Outside
Geno Smith

Aaron Glenn Thinks Geno Smith Will Lead Jets to "Promised Land"
Mason Taylor

Jets Expecting a "Hell of a Year" From Mason Taylor
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Valero Texas Open
PGA

Stephan Jaegar Still Looking For Consistency at Valero Texas Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

is Red-Hot Coming to TPC San Antonio
Tony Finau

a Risky Proposition at Valero Texas Open
Ludvig Aberg

Looks to Shake Off Collapse at Valero Texas Open
Jacob deGrom

Cleared for Season Debut on Tuesday
Colt Emerson

Signs an Eight-Year Extension with Mariners
James Conner

Role Threatened in Arizona?
Devin Neal

Dynasty Value Slipping Away?
Josh Downs

Headed for More Targets in 2026?
Mike Evans

Still Has WR1 Upside in New Home
William Nylander

Records Four Points Against Ducks
Macklin Celebrini

Becomes Sixth Teenager With 100-Point Season
Jaden Schwartz

Could Return Tuesday
Jordan Greenway

Available Tuesday
Jake Sanderson

Remains Out Tuesday
Cutter Gauthier

Exits Early Against Maple Leafs
Cale Makar

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Monday
Patrick Rodgers

Needs to Make More Birdies in San Antonio
Sepp Straka

Seeks Opportunity in San Antonio This Weekend
Nick Taylor

Could Again Struggle at the Valero Texas Open
Keith Mitchell

Sets Up Solidly for TPC San Antonio
Jose Altuve

Tallies Four Hits, Two Homers in Big Night
Rickie Fowler

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Valero Texas Open
Nazem Kadri

Scores Twice in Blowout Victory
Anthony Mantha

has Three-Point Performance on Monday
Miguel Vargas

Hits Grand Slam, Drives in Six in Win Over Miami
Tanner Bibee

to Start on Tuesday Against Dodgers
Aliaksei Protas

Won't Play Tuesday
Pavel Mintyukov

Returns to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

Ready to Face Maple Leafs
John Klingberg

to Remain Sidelined Monday
Matt McCarty

Seeking to Play into the Weekend in San Antonio
Brian Harman

Looking to Continue Form From The Players Championship
Steven Fisk

Attempting to String Better Rounds Together at San Antonio
Luke Clanton

Still Having Rough Time Contending at Events
Max Homa

Looks to Get Back on Track at Valero Texas Open
Chase Elliott

Takes Advantage of Pit Strategies for Second Career Martinsville Win
Denny Hamlin

Dominates but Finishes Second at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Bounces Back with Third-Place Finish at Martinsville
Ty Gibbs

Gains his Fourth Top-Five Finish of the Season at Martinsville
William Byron

Scores Another Top-Five Finish at Martinsville
Joe Pyfer

Extends His Winning Streak
Israel Adesanya

Loses Fourth Consecutive Fight
Maycee Barber

Suffers Her First Knockout Loss
Alexa Grasso

Scores Highlight-Reel Knockout
Niko Price

Retires After UFC Seattle Loss
Michael Chiesa

Victorious In His Retirement Fight
Julian Erosa

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Lerryan Douglas

Scores First-Round Knockout Win In His UFC Debut
Alex Bregman

Clobbers First Two Homers in Sunday's Loss at Wrigley
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Records Five Hits, Drives in Four in Win Over Cardinals
Kyle Larson

Is Likely to Pay Off for DFS at Martinsville
Christopher Bell

Could Have Another Top-10 Performance At Martinsville
William Byron

Is A Threat to Win Again at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Martinsville
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Unlikely to See High-Leverage Opportunities in Near Future
Jacob deGrom

Feels "Much Better," Hopeful he Can Start This Week
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

Is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Josh Berry

Could Josh Berry Pay Off for Tournament DFS Lineups At Martinsville?
Carson Hocevar

May be Too Inconsistent to Start in Martinsville DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering for DFS At Martinsville?
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Martinsville
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Martinsville
Tyler Reddick

Should Come Back Down to Earth at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Will Be Strong at Martinsville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking to Rebound at Martinsville
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Showing Progress, Qualifies Fifth at Martinsville
Dylan Cease

Fans 12 in Blue Jays Debut on Saturday
Andrew Vaughn

Needs Hand Surgery, Expected to be Out 4-6 Weeks
Jacob deGrom

"Confident" he Will Make his Next Start
Jacob deGrom

Scratched From Saturday's Start Due to Neck Stiffness
Jeferson Quero

Brewers Calling Up Catching Prospect Jeferson Quero
Deyvison De Los Santos

Marlins Promote Deyvison De Los Santos to Major Leagues
Shea Langeliers

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Kevin Gausman

Picks Up No-Decision But Strikes Out 11 on Opening Day
Tanner Bibee

Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start
Shane Baz

Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension
Joe Pyfer

Set For UFC Seattle Main Event
Israel Adesanya

Returns At UFC Seattle
Maycee Barber

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak To Eight
Alexa Grasso

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Niko Price

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michael Chiesa

Set For Retirement Fight
Lerryan Douglas

Set For His UFC Debut
Julian Erosa

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF