Second base is a more flexible position than most in baseball. As Newsweek Sports continues its survey of the Top 10 players at each position in Major League Baseball, second base stands out as a distinct hodgepodge.
Among the best at the position are a handful of versatile fielders who have tried their hand elsewhere on the diamond. Some, like the New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm, even succeeded at other positions before circumstances dictated a move to their current station.
More Top 10 lists from Newsweek Sports: Starting Pitchers | Catchers | Relief Pitchers | Center Fielders | Third Basemen
Still others — Mookie Betts a year ago, for example — were second basemen when 2024 spring training camps opened, only to see circumstances out of their control dictate a move to another position. Some on this list might not be second basemen when the 2025 season ends.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 30: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Gleyber Torres #25 after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank… PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 30: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Gleyber Torres #25 after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park on July 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chisholm is one of the 10 best second basemen in MLB. More Heather Barry/Getty Images
Amid it all are a handful of stalwarts. Jose Altuve has played 1,765 games at second base — first among all active players, 22nd all-time — and two at any other position besides designated hitter. Ozzie Albies and Marcus Semien likewise don’t figure to play anywhere besides second base this season for their current teams.
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This list neglects a couple of players who might wind up spending a majority of their 2025 seasons at second base. Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday came up as a shortstop but is blocked there in Baltimore — for now — while free agent Alex Bregman might move off third base for the first time in five years depending on where he signs.
As it stands today, these are the 10 best second basemen in MLB:
10. Jeff McNeil
Jeff McNeil had a season OPS of .692. Across 147 ABs in the 8-hole? His OPS was .811…pic.twitter.com/QCdhzmZeGW — Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) January 9, 2025
McNeil, 32, is coming off a down season in which he slashed .238/308/.384 in 129 games for the New York Mets. The
MLB Power Rankings: Top 10 Second Basemen
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