As Major League Baseball gears up for the 2026 season, ESPN’s Buster Olney has released his annual rankings of the top players at each position. In his latest survey, he highlights the ten best second basemen, offering insights into their performances and potential impact for the upcoming season. This ranking is focused on current ability and expected performance for 2026, rather than long-term career projections.
The rankings are part of a series that Olney will unveil over the next two weeks, covering one position daily. Following the second basemen, he will assess starting pitchers, relief pitchers, catchers, first basemen, third basemen, shortstops, corner outfielders, center fielders, and designated hitters on the specified dates.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees stands out among the second basemen, having established himself as a dynamic player with impressive statistics. In the previous season, he delivered a remarkable performance, achieving a 30-30 season with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. Despite his strengths, Chisholm faces the challenge of maintaining consistent performance throughout the season, an aspect that could significantly influence his upcoming free agency.
Chisholm’s inconsistency was evident in 2025, where he struggled at times, posting a .151 batting average in April and following it with a .315 average in June and July. Evaluators are eager to see him harness his talent more consistently, as his future contract negotiations may hinge on this season’s performance.
Top 10 Second Basemen for 2026
1. **Ketel Marte**, Arizona Diamondbacks
Marte tops the list, having demonstrated exceptional value with approximately 15 fWAR over the past three seasons, equating to around $135 million. Despite facing personal challenges, including a public apology for disappearing after the All-Star break, Marte’s on-field performance remains impressive, with 28 home runs and a 145 OPS+ in 126 games last season.
2. **Nico Hoerner**, Chicago Cubs
Hoerner excelled defensively last season, earning his second Gold Glove award while leading all second basemen in fWAR. He also contributed significantly to his team’s offense, scoring 89 runs and stealing 29 bases, all while maintaining a low strikeout rate of 7.6%.
3. **Jazz Chisholm Jr.**, New York Yankees
Chisholm’s potential for a lucrative contract is bolstered by his previous achievements, but his performance in all parks must be more balanced. His 2025 home and away splits reveal a stark contrast that teams will scrutinize closely.
4. **Brice Turang**, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang emerged as a breakout star last season, earning recognition in the National League MVP voting. He scored 97 runs and demonstrated increasing power production with 28 doubles and 18 home runs. His defensive metrics did take a hit, but his offensive improvements are notable.
5. **Brendan Donovan**, Seattle Mariners
Donovan’s versatility allows him to play various infield and outfield positions. His offensive contributions included a 119 OPS+ and 32 doubles in 119 games, making him a key player for Seattle, particularly against right-handed pitching.
6. **Gleyber Torres**, Detroit Tigers
Torres accepted a one-year qualifying offer, indicating his awareness of the need for a strong season to secure a multi-year contract. His offensive development is evident in his increased walk rate and decreased strikeout percentage.
7. **Xavier Edwards**, Miami Marlins
Edwards’ transition from shortstop to second base has yielded positive results, evidenced by 12 defensive runs saved. His offensive contributions included 159 hits and a .343 on-base percentage, showcasing his value to the Marlins.
8. **Marcus Semien**, New York Mets
At age 35, Semien remains a strong defender, though his offensive production has declined in recent seasons. The Mets are banking on his experience to bolster their defensive lineup.
9. **Bryson Stott**, Philadelphia Phillies
Stott’s power and speed make him a valuable asset, although he struggled against left-handed pitchers last season. His potential for improvement could see him rise in the rankings.
10. **Ernie Clement**, Toronto Blue Jays
Clement’s postseason performance was impressive, batting .411 in 18 games. His solid defensive skills and ability to handle pressure situations make him an essential player for the Blue Jays in the upcoming season.
Honorable mentions include established players such as Jose Altuve and Luis Arraez, along with younger talents like Jackson Holliday and Brandon Lowe. As the 2026 season approaches, teams will be watching these second basemen closely, not only for their individual contributions but also for their potential impact on their respective clubs’ performances.
