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Every MLB Team's Greatest Second Baseman of All Time - All 30 Franchises. Read Every MLB Team's Greatest Second Baseman of All Time - All 30 Franchises
Every MLB Team's Greatest Second Baseman of All Time - All 30 Franchises
The second base position has been occupied by some of their greatest players in the sport’s history, especially from a defensive perspective. Read ahead as we highlight the greatest second baseman of all time for all 30 MLB teams. Will you agree with our selections?
Arizona Diamondbacks
Ketel Marte
One of the few current-day players on this list will represent the Diamondbacks. Marte stands alone when looking at power production from the keystones in France’s history. Marte is the only primary second baseman in team history to hit over 100 long balls. Marte has been a two-time All-Star and was a Silver Slugger during the 2024 campaign.
Athletics
Eddie Collins
Eddie Collins is regarded as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history. Collins spent the first nine seasons of his career playing for the Philadelphia Athletics. After a stint with the White Sox, Collins returned to the Athletics for the final four seasons of his career. During his time with the A’s, Collins was named MVP once and finished within the top-3 two other seasons. He holds the franchise record for total hits among second basemen.
Atlanta Braves
Ozzie Albies
While Bobby Lowe was in close consideration of taking this spot, the switch-hitting second baseman will hold the spot. Albies has spent his entire career with the Braves. The infielder recently surpassed the 1,000-hit mark. Through nine seasons in Atlanta, Albies has been named to three All-Star teams, is a two-time Silver Slugger, and won the World Series in 2021. Albies has also hit 20+ HRs in four campaigns.
Baltimore Orioles
Brian Roberts
Brian Roberts spent all but one season of his 14-year MLB career with the Orioles. During his 13 years with the Orioles, Roberts would tally the most hits and home runs by a second baseman in team history. Roberts finished his time in Baltimore with 1,452 hits and 92 home runs. Roberts was named to two All-Star teams and finished 18th in AL MVP voting during the 2005 campaign.
Boston Red Sox
Bobby Doerr
Bobby Doerr is the only second baseman in team history to eclipse the 2,000-hit mark. Doerr spent all 14 seasons of his professional career with the Red Sox. During this stretch, Doerr was a nine-time All-Star and finished within the top 10 of MVP voting twice. Doerr was eventually named to the Hall of Fame and finished his career with a cumulative .288/.362/.461 slash line.
Chicago Cubs
Ryne Sandberg
The Rhino will represent the Cubs on this list. Sandberg spent all but one of his 16 MLB seasons with the Cubs. During his time on the North Side of Chicago, Sandberg established himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star and a nine-time Gold Glove winner. Sanberg won the NL MVP award during the 1984 campaign when he led the sport in WAR.
Chicago White Sox
Nellie Fox
Nellie Fox was one of the greatest contact hitters in the game’s history. Fox struck out just 15 times per season during his illustrious 19-year MLB career. During his 14 seasons in Chicago, Fox led the league in hits four times. He was named to 15 All-Star teams and was a three-time Gold Glove winner. Fox was also awarded the MVP during the 1959 campaign.
Cincinnati Reds
Joe Morgan
Without a doubt, Joe Morgan represents the Reds on this list. Morgan is widely viewed as one of the best second basemen in MLB history. Morgan spent eight seasons with the Reds after 20 in Houston. However, Morgan became a superstar in Cincinnati. During his eight seasons in Cincinnati, Morgan was an eight-time All-Star. He was also named NL MVP in two straight campaigns (1975 and 1976). In addition, he was an elite defender, winning five Gold Gloves.
Cleveland Guardians
Nap Lajoie
After beginning his Hall of Fame career in Philadelphia, Nap Lajoie established himself as a star infielder in Cleveland. During his 13 seasons in Cleveland, Lajoie was one of the top hitters in the sport. Across this stint, Lajoie led the sport in WAR five times and captured three batting titles. In addition, Lajoie posted an elite .338/.389/.452 across his extended tenure in Cleveland.
Colorado Rockies
DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu stands alone when looking at Colorado’s second basemen. LeMahieu is the only second baseman in franchise history to tally over 1,000 hits. During his seven seasons in Denver, LeMahieu held an overall .299/.352/.408 line. He averaged 28 doubles and a 98:47 K:BB on a 162-game average per season. LeMahieu would then join the Yankees, where he would finish within the top-4 in AL MVP voting twice.
Detroit Tigers
Lou Whitaker
Even though Lou Whitaker sits just behind Charlie Gehringer on the all-time hits leaderboard in franchise history, he will narrowly take this spot given his power production. While Gehringer hit just 184 home runs across 2,323 games in Detroit, Whitaker launched 244 during a similar 2,390-game stint. Whitaker wasted little time to make an impact as he won AL ROY in 1978. During his 19 years in Detroit, he was named to five All-Star teams and was a four-time Silver Slugger.
Houston Astros
Craig Biggio
The long-time Astro holds the next spot on this list. Craig Biggio spent his entire 20-year MLB Hall of Fame career with the Astros. While Biggio did see time behind the dish, he was primarily recognized as a second baseman. During his illustrious career, Biggio was named to seven All-Star teams and awarded four Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards. Biggio was a staple in the starting nine during his career, as he led the sport in PA five times and games three times.
Kansas City Royals
Frank White
When looking at Kansas City second baseman Frank White stands alone on the leaderboard. White is the only second baseman to eclipse the century mark in hits and play over 2,000 games with the club. White spent all 18 seasons of his MLB career with the Royals. During this period, White was typically regarded as an elite defender, having been awarded eight Gold Gloves. He was also named to five All-Star teams and won the 1985 World Series.
Los Angeles Angels
Bobby Grich
This was a tough call between Bobby Grich and Howie Kendrick, as both eclipsed the 1,000-hit mark with the club. However, given Grich’s higher power production, he will take the spot on this list. During his 10 seasons with the then-California Angels, Grich launched 154 long balls, the most among second basemen in team history. Grich finished his career with four Gold Gloves, six All-Star appearances, and one Silver Slugger.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Jackie Robinson
The legendary Jackie Robinson holds the next spot on this list. In addition to his profound impact on American society, Robinson was one of the greatest players of all time. During his 10-year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson was a six-time All-Star. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and MVP during the 1949 campaign. Robinson led the sport in WAR three times and stolen bases twice.
Miami Marlins
Luis Castillo
The only second baseman in club history to tally over 1,000 hits in their time with the club is Luis Castillo. Castillo spent the first 10 seasons of his 15-year MLB career with the then-Florida Marlins. During this stint, Castillo was named to three NL All-Star teams and was a three-time Gold Glove winner. He also flashed elite speed on the basepaths, as he led the sport in stolen bases twice (2000 and 2002).
Milwaukee Brewers
Rickie Weeks Jr.
Rickie Weeks Jr. is just one of two primary second basemen in team history to tally over 1,000 hits with the club, the other being Jim Gantner. However, Weeks will slightly take the spot on this list. During his 11 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Weeks flashed high power upside as he launched 148 long balls, the most among second basemen in club history. He hit double-digit home runs in six seasons and was named to the NL All-Star team during the 2011 campaign.
Minnesota Twins
Rod Carew
While Rod Carew sits behind Buddy Myer on the all-time hits leaderboard, Carew will take the spot on this list, given to his numerous career accolades. During his 19-year MLB career (12 with Minnesota), Carew was an 18-time All-Star and captured seven batting titles. Carew enjoyed a career-best campaign during the 1977 season when he led the sport in hits, batting average, on-base percentage, and triples. He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame.
New York Mets
Edgardo Alfonzo
While he did not win any Gold Gloves, Edgardo Alfonzo is widely considered the best offensive second baseman in club history. During his eight seasons in Queens, Alfonzo launched 120 long balls (most among second basemen in club history) and led a cumulative .292/.367/.445 slash line. During the 1999 campaign, Alfonzo enjoyed a remarkable season, as he hit 27 home runs and finished eighth in MVP voting.
New York Yankees
Tony Lazzeri
Both Tony Lazzeri and Robinson Cano have very impressive resumes that warrant a place on this list. However, Lazzeri will likely edge out Cano to earn this spot. Lazzeri was an integral part of the Murderers’ Row lineup of the 1920s-1930s. During his 12-year career with the Yankees, Lazzeri held a stellar .293/.379/.467 line with 169 home runs. He finished within the top 15 in MVP voting seven times during his career.
Philadelphia Phillies
Chase Utley
The long-time Philadelphia infielder holds the next spot on this list. Utley spent the first 13 of his 16 MLB seasons with the Phillies. During his time in Philadelphia, Ultey established himself as one of the greatest players in team history. Utley was a six-time All-Star and was awarded four Silver Slugger awards. He was a part of the 2008 World Series roster and finished within the top 15 in NL MVP voting five times.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Bill Mazeroski
Bill Mazeroski is not only recognized as one of the greatest Pirates of all time, but also one of the greatest second basemen in the sport’s history. Mazeroski spent his entire 17-year MLB career in the Steel City. During his career, the Hall of Famer was named to 10 All-Star teams and was awarded eight Gold Gloves. Mazeroski won two World Series and even hit the walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.
San Diego Padres
Mark Loretta
While Mark Loretta only spent three seasons in San Diego and is more widely known for his time in Milwaukee, Loretta made a significant impact and will take the spot on this list. During his three seasons in San Diego, Loretta held a cumulative .314/.377/.438 slash line with 91 doubles and 32 home runs. During the 2004 season, he enjoyed a career-best campaign, posting an .886 OPS and finishing ninth in MVP voting.
San Francisco Giants
Jeff Kent
Even though Jeff Kent sits third among the three second basemen in franchise history to be in the 1,000-hit club, Jeff Kent’s power production earned him this post on the list. The players above him, Larry Doyle and Robby Thompson, combined for just 186 long balls, while Kent hit 175 himself. During his six seasons in San Francisco, Kent was a five-time All-Star and was named NL MVP during the 2000 season.
Seattle Mariners
Bret Boone
While Robinson Cano and Harold Reynolds have strong resumes as well, Bret Boone will represent the Seattle Mariners. Boone spent seven of his 124 MLB seasons with the Mariners. During these seven years, Boone was named to three All-Star teams. He was awarded three Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers. Boone led the sport in RBI during the 2001 season and finished his time in Settle with a solid .277/.336/.478 line.
St. Louis Cardinals
Rogers Hornsby
Rogers Hornsby was one of the greatest players in St. Louis Cardinals history. Hornsby spent the first 13 seasons of his 23-year MLB career with the Cardinals. As a Cardinal, Hornsby won an MVP and finished second in voting another season. He led the league in WAR nine times and in doubles four times. He would eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Tampa Bay Rays
Brandon Lowe
While Ben Zobrist still holds the franchise record for hits among second basemen in team history, Brandon Lowe is quickly approaching that mark. Through his first 684 games in Tampa Bay, Lowe has tallied 601 hits, just 29 behind Zobrist. In addition, Lowe has flashed much higher power upside, hitting 141 long balls compared to Zobrist’s 69. Lowe has been named to one All-Star team and finished within the top 10 in AL MVP voting twice.
Texas Rangers
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler is the only second baseman in team history to eclipse the 1,000-hit mark. Kinsler spent the first eight seasons of his 14-year MLB career with the Rangers. As a Ranger, Kinsler would be named to three All-Star teams and finish within the top 15 in AL MVP voting twice. Later in his career, (with the Tigers and Angels) he would win his two Gold Gloves.
Toronto Blue Jays
Roberto Alomar
The Hall of Famer spent time on numerous clubs during his 17-year MLB career, but spent most of his time with the Blue Jays. Across five seasons in Toronto, Alomar would tally the second-most hits in franchise history at the second base position, only behind Damaso Garcia. During these five seasons, Alomar would be named to five-straight All-Star teams and win five-straight Gold Gloves. He would also finish within the top-6 in MVP voting three times during this stretch as well.
Washington Nationals
Jose Vidro
Jose Vidro spent 10 of his 12 MLB seasons with the then-Montreal Expos. As an Expo, Vidro would join the 1,00-hit club and is still the only second baseman in team history to achieve this mark. During these 10 seasons, Vidro would be named to three All-Star teams and would win a Silver Slugger during the 2003 campaign. He would finish his time in Montreal holding a .301/.363/.459 slash line.
