Top 90 Second Base Fantasy Baseball Rankings: January Updates

January 22, 2026

Top 90 second base (2B) fantasy baseball rankings, draft tiers for roto leagues (January updates). Nick Mariano's tiered 2B fantasy baseball draft rankings.

We are getting closer to spring training and the heart of the fantasy baseball offseason. At RotoBaller HQ, we have been producing fantasy baseball content all year long and are back with more positional rankings. Today, we review our MLB teams' updated 2026 fantasy baseball second base rankings and tiers for roto leagues (5x5 category mixed leagues). These January rankings cover the top 90 second basemen for 2026. Second base lacks an elite option, but the position offers plenty of middle-round value as fantasy managers can wait to select a 2B in drafts.

New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the only second baseman in the first tier after hitting 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases last season. There are also several news items, recent transactions, and rumors floating around about trades/signings this offseason involving the second base position, which affect the rest of our rankings. The White Sox acquired second base prospect Luisangel Acuna from the Mets, while Willi Castro signed a two-year deal with the Rockies. After being rumored to be dealt all offseason, Ketel Marte will remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

The second base rankings below are specifically designed for traditional roto leagues, put together by RotoBaller's lead MLB forecaster Nick Mariano. We're also writing fresh articles all throughout the off-season for fantasy baseball prospects, fantasy baseball dynasty, and so much more. Win more in 2026!

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Updated Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings (January)

Fantasy Baseball Second Base (2B) News

Tommy Edman, Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman/outfielder Tommy Edman (ankle) underwent ankle surgery early in the offseason. At the time of the procedure, the expectation was that Edman would be ready for Opening Day. However, The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya speculates that the team's "desire to add (utility infielder) Andy Ibanez seemingly suggests that Edman's availability to start the season is in doubt."

Ibanez signed a one-year, big-league contract with the Dodgers in early January. Edman, who is projected to be the starting second baseman in Los Angeles, posted a .225/.274/.382 slash line with 13 home runs, 49 RBI, 49 runs, and three stolen bases across 377 plate appearances in 2025. If he does indeed miss time to begin the year, the Dodgers would likely turn to a combination of Ibanez, Miguel Rojas, and Hyeseong Kim to fill in at second base.

Luisangel Acuna, Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox acquired second baseman Luisangel Acuna from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday evening. Additionally, the White Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. The 23-year-old second baseman received his first full stint in the big leagues last season, following a brief 14-game stint back in 2024.

Through 98 games with the Mets last summer, Acuna posted a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. While he generated a low .271 xwOBA, he flashed immense speed upside, sitting in the 99th percentile, suggesting he could increase in that department if given a full-time role.

Through 159 games with Triple-A split over the last two campaigns, Acuna has carried a .265/.307/.360 line seven home runs and 48 stolen bases. Managers should expect Acuna to compete for a starting role in the Chicago infield during spring training. If he earns a consistent role, he would have appeal in deeper category formats given his speed production.

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Mookie Betts says he "for sure" plans on retiring at the end of his current contract, which runs through the 2032 season. Betts pointed out that he'll be 40 at that point and will be looking to spend more time with his family at that point. The 2018 AL MVP and four-time World Series champ signed a 12-year monster deal with the Dodgers after being traded from the Red Sox in 2020.

He hit .258 in 158 games last year with 20 homers and a .318 wOBA. While his numbers were down a bit, he should bounce back this season while hitting near the top of a stacked lineup. While he still has several years to go, it looks like he has a clear plan at this point to hang them up after seven more seasons in Dodger Blue, which would give him a 19-year career in the majors.

Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians selected the second baseman with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State. Following the draft, Bazzana was given a brief 27-game taste of High-A to conclude 2024, where he struggled, holding a modest .238 AVG with a .738 OPS. In 2025, Bazzana began the season with Double-A and was eventually able to earn a promotion to Triple-A.

Across 77 games split between the top two levels in the Cleveland system, Bazzana held a .246/.383/.430 line with an .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately, multiple oblique injuries significantly limited his total playing time. While Bazzana figures to compete for a first-half MLB debut, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to begin 2026 at Triple-A.

Matt McLain, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain has added 12 pounds in the offseason as he has focused on getting stronger. The former 17th overall pick has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his two-year MLB career and is eyeing a "fresh start." McLain made his debut in 2023 but missed the entire 2024 campaign due to a rib and shoulder injury.

In 2025, McLain appeared in a career-high 147 games but struggled at the plate, posting a .220/.300/.343 line with 18 doubles, 15 home runs, and 18 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a low .290 xwOBA. This was a stark drop from the promising .290/.357/.507 line he held during his debut campaign in 2023. Managers should keep a close eye on his status during camp, as the young infielder does possess five-category upside when on the field.

Gavin Lux, Tampa Bay Rays

According to Marc Topkin, newly acquired infielder/outfielder Gavin Lux is going to primarily play second base with the Tampa Bay Rays. Lux will likely fill the void left by Brandon Lowe, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier in the offseason. Rays' president of baseball operations Erik Neander sounds confident in Lux being an everyday option at the keystone.

Lux spent most of his time in left field or as the designated hitter during his time with the Cincinnati Reds last season. He did play full-time at second base during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so it's not an unfamiliar position to him.

Last season, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with five home runs and 53 RBI in 140 games with the Reds. The loss of power at the position is significant because Lowe smacked 31 homers with the Rays last season. The front office clearly sees something in Lux, so maybe they can tap into some hidden potential.

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