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

Daniel Jones

Added to Colts' Injury Report With Calf Issue
Andrew Wiggins

Unavailable For Friday's Matchup With Chicago
Indiana Pacers

Garrison Mathews Will Join the Pacers
Joe Burrow

Logs Second Straight Full Practice on Thursday
Dante Exum

Will Miss the Rest of the Season
Keegan Murray

Is Available For His Season Debut Thursday
Tyrese Maxey

Listed as Probable for Thursday
Domantas Sabonis

Will Not Play Thursday Against Memphis
Joel Embiid

Listed as Out for Thursday
Aaron Rodgers

Seen at Practice on Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Moving Around Well on Thursday
Bucky Irving

Will be on a Snap Count When he Returns
Jaxson Dart

Could Clear Concussion Protocol Thursday
Lamar Jackson

Returns to Thursday's Practice
Josh Jacobs

to Do Individual Drills on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Not Expected to Play This Season
Chris Godwin

Attending Thursday's Practice
Bucky Irving

Continues Practice Attendance
Rasmus Andersson

Bags Three Points Wednesday Night
Morgan Geekie

Nets Two Power-Play Goals Wednesday
Joe Burrow

Bengals Haven't Ruled Out Joe Burrow for Week 12
Connor McMichael

Posts Three Assists in Wednesday's Win
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Place Alexander Romanov on Injured Reserve
Lars Eller

to Miss Thursday's Action
Nic Dowd

Out on Thursday
Adam Lowry

Inks Extension With Jets
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Likely Out on Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Questionable for Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

at Risk of Missing Another Game
Paolo Banchero

Misses Fourth Straight Game
Kawhi Leonard

Remains Out Against Magic
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Ruled Out for Two Weeks
Tyler Herro

Targeting Return on Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Limited in Practice on Wednesday
Jerami Grant

Available Wednesday Night
Jalen Brunson

Returns From Two-Game Absence
Jalen Smith

Available to Play Wednesday
Tre Jones

Downgraded to Out
Shaedon Sharpe

Misses Wednesday's Game
Dereck Lively II

Cleared for Action Wednesday
Daniel Gafford

Available Wednesday
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Lamar Jackson

Absent Due to Ankle Injury
Conor Garland

to Return on Thursday
Thomas Harley

to Miss Road Trip
Eetu Luostarinen

Out Week-to-Week After Barbecue Accident
Curtis Lazar

to Miss at Least Three Games
Vladimir Tarasenko

Misses Third Consecutive Game
Mikael Granlund

Remains Out Wednesday
Charlie McAvoy

Out Indefinitely After Facial Surgery
Joe Burrow

to Potentially Return in Week 12?
Aaron Rodgers

Out on Wednesday, Hopes to Practice Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Not Seen at Wednesday's Practice
Dak Prescott

Lands on Injury Report Ahead of Week 12 With Hip Injury
Rhamondre Stevenson

Targeting a Return in Week 12?
Isiah Pacheco

Returning to Practice on Wednesday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars "Optimistic" About Brian Thomas Jr.'s Week 12 Status
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Connor Bedard

Continues Tear With Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Pots Hat Trick in Tuesday's Win
Jake Guentzel

Records Eighth Career Hat Trick
Sammy Blais

Injured Versus Blues
Alexander Romanov

Injured in Tuesday's Win
Ryan Hartman

Considered Week-to-Week
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble
Grayson Rodriguez

Shipped to Angels
Taylor Ward

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels
Shota Imanaga

Accepts Cubs Qualifying Offer
Brandon Woodruff

Returning to Milwaukee in 2026
Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce-Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
Matt Murray

to Miss Six Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed
Valentina Shevchenko

Wins Unanimous Decision At UFC 322
Sean Brady

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Michael Morales

Remains Unbeaten
Leon Edwards

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Leon Edwards

Carlos Prates Becomes The First Man To Knock Out Leon Edwards
Beneil Dariush

Suffers Brutal First-Round Knockout Loss
Beneil Dariush

Benoit Saint Denis Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds
Josh Naylor

Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Contract
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Not Dealing With Long-Term Injuries
CFB

Virginia Tech Close To Naming James Franklin As Head Coach
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful vs. Arkansas On Saturday
Edwin Díaz

Blue Jays Interested in Signing Edwin Diaz?
Jacob deGrom

Named AL Comeback Player of the Year
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Wins NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
Aroldis Chapman

Named AL Reliever of the Year
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Named NL Reliever of the Year

RANKINGS

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