The ranking of Major League Baseball's second basemen for 2026 reflects a mixed bag, with Ketel Marte reigning supreme due to his consistent high-level hitting. While the position lacks depth, the rankings categorize players into young talents, previously elite players seeking comebacks, and consistent veterans. The panel of experts from Just Baseball voted, considering both current performance and potential. Notable mentions include Brandon Lowe, Luke Keaschall, and Ozzie Albies, pointing to the ongoing challenges at second base. The ranking saw a consensus at the top but varied opinions on other placements.

By the Numbers
  • Ketel Marte led all qualified second basemen with a 145 wRC+ and a .376 OBP.
  • Nico Hoerner averaged 13 runs saved per full season with 55 defensive runs saved (DRS) over 5,900 innings.
State of Play
  • Second base is currently viewed as a weaker position in MLB.
  • Young players like Jackson Holliday and Xavier Edwards are showing potential but still face uncertainties.
What's Next

The landscape for second basemen may shift as players like Gleyber Torres and Jose Altuve strive for improved performances. As younger players adjust and develop skills, future rankings could reflect a resurgence at the position. Injuries and career resurgences could dramatically alter next year's lineup.

Bottom Line

Ketel Marte claims the top spot for 2026 second basemen, demonstrating he's an elite hitter while the position grapples with uncertainty and potential turnaround stories. The emphasis should be on monitoring emerging talents and the performance rebounds of established players as the season unfolds.