As the fantasy baseball landscape shifts for the 2026 MLB season, second base stands out as an area where waiting might really pay off.
While three key players dominate the position, the talent pool quickly thins, making it one of the more limited infield choices available during drafts.
Smart managers are opting to let Ketel Marte, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Bryce Turan go early, focusing instead on reliable players who can be snagged in the mid-to-late rounds.
This strategy isn’t just practical; it’s actually quite smart.
Looking at the second tier, players like Nico Hoerner and an aging Jose Altuve just don’t excite like they used to. There are only a few everyday players projected to hit over 20 home runs or steal more than 25 bases, and many have significant concerns related to age, injuries, or part-time duties.
This reality highlights the benefits of patience. The position’s scarcity turns into a chance to find valuable contributors in rounds 8 to 15 at minimal cost.
Consider Brandon Lowe, who after a bounce-back year with Tampa Bay, has now joined the Pirates. He racked up 31 home runs and 83 RBIs in just 134 games with a .256/.307/.477 line, showcasing his impressive speed. Granted, the Rays do play in a hitter-friendly park, but Lowe’s raw power could really strengthen a roster without the hefty early-round investment, especially since PNC Park is quite friendly to left-handed hitters.
Then there’s Xavier Edwards from Miami, a solid option for speed. The switch-hitter wrote a nice story last year, posting a .283 batting average with 27 stolen bases in 139 games, along with a sharp contact rate. He serves as a perfect category specialist, bringing elite speed without a high draft cost.
If you’re looking for balance, Bryson Stott from Philadelphia had a quietly productive 2025, boasting 13 home runs, 24 stolen bases, a .257 average, and 66 RBIs over 147 games. His disciplined approach at the plate has positioned him as a reliable 15-home run, 20-steal type player, maintaining a steady batting average.
Alternatively, some might completely bypass the position and look for rookie potential, such as Cardinals’ JJ Weatherholt. Just be sure to check league rules since Weatherholt, a natural shortstop, is expected to play second base this season. He brings a mix of power and speed and ranks as the No. 5 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline—he’s certainly worth considering.
By shifting the top three players to the outfield, managers can prioritize rare positions like outfield, shortstop, and starting pitcher with their early picks, then later gather second base value that fulfills specific category needs. In such a restricted position, waiting isn’t merely a tactic; it’s often how championships are won.
Roto Rage Jarad Wilk will rank second basemen and shortstops next week, with corner infielders to follow.
Second Baseman Rankings
1. Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York
2. Ketel Marte, Ali
3. Bryce Turan, Mill
4. Michael Garcia*, KC
5. Nico Hoerner, CHC
6. Luke Keishal, Ming
7. Sedan Raffaella, Boss
8. Jackson Holiday, Bal.
9. Ozzie Albies, Atlanta
10. Jose Altuve, Hou
11. Xavier Edwards, Mia
12. Brandon Lowe, Pitt
13. Bryson Stott, Finance
14. Caleb Durbin*, Boss
15. Matt McClain, Shin
16. Otto Lopez, Mia
17. Jose Caballero, New York
18. Luis Garcia, Was
19. Gleyber Torres, Det.
20. Jorge Polanco, New York
21. Marcus Semien, New York
22. Bar Island Jordan Westberg
23. JJ Weatherholt*^, StL
24. Brendan Donovan, Sea
25. Brett Beatty, New York
26. Lenin Sosa, CWS
27. Ernie Clement, Thor
28. Tommy Edman, LAD
29. Andres Jimenez, Thor
30. Luis Arraez, SF
31. Colt Keith, Detective
32. Brooks Lee, Ming
33. Jeff McNeil, A’s
34. Colonel Willi Castro
35. Chase Maidross, CWS
36. Luisangel Acuña, CWS
37. Jonathan India, Kansas
38. Nolan Gorman, Street
39. Cody Clemens, Min
40. Christian Campbell, Boss
41. Jake Cronenworth, South Dakota
42. Christian Moore, LAA
43. Marcelo Mayer, Boss
44. Luis Rengifo*, Mil
45. Nassim Nuñez, Was
