2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Second Base

In our third rankings series of the year, we’ll look at second basemen:

2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Legalese, etc.

Each of these rankings will follow the same format. We’ll review the top performers at the position in 2014 and 2013, then reveal rankings based on a tier system. We’ll discuss the position in general and the trends of the position. Lastly, I’ll discuss where the Braves player at the position would rank. To qualify at a position, a player must have 15 games played at the position in 2014. I’ll mention any other positions a player will qualify for as well.

2014 top 10 (in order): Jose Altuve, Dee Gordon, Anthony Rendon, Ian Kinsler, Robinson Cano, Josh Harrison, Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, Neil Walker, Chase Utley, Ben Zobrist, Matt Carpenter, Martin Prado, Justin Turner
2013 top 10 (in order): Robinson Cano, Jason Kipnis, Matt Carpenter, Daniel Murphy, Dustin Pedroia, Jose Altuve, Ian Kinsler, Brandon Phillips, Chase Utley, Brett Lawrie, Ben Zobrist, Martin Prado, Omar Infante, Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick

2015 Second Base: Tier One

Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners – High average with very solid power and consistent.
Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals – Also eligible at 3B. He likely won’t have 2B eligibility next year. Enjoy it while you can!
Jose Altuve, Houston Astros – Very good contact hitter, even if he does regress. Improving Astros lineup should allow him to add more runs/RBI as well.

2015 Second Base: Tier Two

Ian Kinsler, Detroit – Many thought he was on his way out as he left Texas, but he showed he still has fire and a good lineup around him.
Jason Kipnis, Cleveland – Huge struggle last year driven primarily due to injury. Reportedly healthy again and should provide a good power/speed combo.
Brian Dozier, Minnesota – Not going to give you good average, but a solid combo of speed/power.
Ben Zobrist, Oakland – Also eligible at SS and OF. Positional flexibility is nice, but Zobrist is no longer a 20/15 guy, as noted by his finishing out of the top-5 at the position the last two years.
Dustin Pedroia, Boston – Injuries led to lowered production, and the outfield playing time squeeze could mean more days off to get youngster Mookie Betts into the lineup, but still a solid player when on the field.
Neil Walker, Pittsburgh – Consistent, solid production. One of the more underrated fantasy players.
Josh Harrison, Pittsburgh – Also eligible at 3B and OF. Will likely lose 2B eligibility after this year and 2014 may have been his peak, but good combo of power and speed should persist a few more years.
Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Dodgers – New home in the NL fits his overall line drive game. Could rack up a lot of runs/RBI in the Dodger lineup.

2015 Second Base: Tier Three

Daniel Murphy, New York Mets – Also eligible at 3B. Trade rumors may lead to a new home where he doesn’t get the benefit of a team willing to deal with his poor defense at 2B, and his offense doesn’t play as well out of middle infield.
Kolten Wong, St. Louis – Very possible that he jumps two full tiers before 2015. Conservative ranking until he makes that leap.
Aaron Hill, Arizona – When healthy, a very solid contributor. The health is the issue.
Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati – Huge drop off in 2014, but his contract dictates that he plays, so he’ll get at bats.
Chase Utley, Philadelphia – Struggles staying healthy, but good production when on the field.
Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs – Also eligible at SS. His first impression in the majors left many with questions about his future due to his poor strike zone judgement. Ridiculous power if he can harness the strike zone.

2015 Second Base: Tier Four

Dee Gordon, Miami – 2014’s second-ranked second sacker in the fourth tier should tell you all you need to know about how likely he is to repeat.
Jedd Gyorko, San Diego – Low average, high power guy when healthy
Scooter Gennett, Milwaukee – Took over from Rickie Weeks in 2014 and could step farther forward in 2015.
Rougned Odor, Texas – Made a big jump to the majors last year, and while he had struggles at times, he showed he certainly belongs.
DJ LeMahieu, Colorado – Always flashed ability, but couldn’t hold onto a job. Finally got that chance in 2014 and did well with it.
Marcus Semien, Oakland – Also eligible at 3B. He has solid 15/15 ability and will likely play SS for the A’s.

2015 Second Base: Braves Fantasy Review

Most Braves fans know that their top-rated prospect Jose Peraza is the future at the position for the team. Right now, it’s hard to imagine Peraza breaking camp with the team. Alberto Callaspo and Jace Peterson will likely man 2B until Peraza is ready. While I didn’t go deep enough to have Peterson on my list, Callaspo was #27 and Peraza #29 on my list. Callaspo is one of those guys that will likely not hurt you if he’s on your team, but he won’t really help you much. Peraza will bring average and speed to his owners once he arrives in the majors.

2015 Second Base: Position Review

The top three are certain this year, but there are some solid young players that could jump up this list in a hurry. Second base seems to be a position in transition. Guys like Utley, Phillips, Pedroia, and Zobrist are aging to the point of losing productivity while guys like Wong, Baez, Odor, Peraza, Devon Travis, and Joe Panik are on the rise. Keep your eyes on these young guys because they could make huge jumps in 2015.