All articles tagged with #second base
Marcelo Mayer will open the season as Boston’s regular second baseman (in a left-handed platoon) while Kristian Campbell was optioned to Triple-A Worcester amid a crowded roster; Mayer, a former top prospect recovering from injury, is being groomed for a stable big‑leaguer role, and the Sox split time at 2B with IKF/Monasterio in reserve.
Pitcher List’s Scott Chu unveils the Top 30 Second Basemen for 2026 in a standard 12-team daily redraft guide, featuring a foreword by Nate Schwartz, notes on projection-based ranking philosophy, and analysis of lineup context and multi-position eligibility. The top tier is led by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ketel Marte, followed by a mix of steady veterans and risers (Brice Turang, Maikel Garcia, Jose Altuve, Nico Hoerner, etc.), with discussion on steals vs power and risk vs reward across tiers, plus a final table listing the Top 300 players for draft planning.
The piece explains sleepers (ranked higher than their ADP) and busts (likely to underperform) for 2026 fantasy baseball at second base, highlighting two sleepers—Brandon Lowe (PIT) for his proven power and strong hard-contact metrics, and Luis García Jr. (WAS) who could push 20/20 with a new Nationals hitting staff and improving power metrics—then flags three bust risks: Luke Keaschall (MIN) due to inflated ADP vs. projections, Xavier Edwards (MIA) whose value hinges on speed with limited power, and José Caballero (NYY), who has steals upside but weaker overall projection; the article notes other near-term options and advises weighing ADP carefully in 2B drafting.
The Red Sox reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, intended to solidify second base (and provide versatility across the infield) with a strong defensive profile, while Mayer is slated for third base. IKF’s bat is limited, but his defense could stabilize Boston’s infield as the roster — already near luxury-tax thresholds — absorbs the new deal and aims for a deeper, defense-focused lineup in 2026.
The San Francisco Giants signed Luis Arraez to a one-year, $12 million contract, adding a premier contact hitter at second base after a standout run of batting titles with three different teams, including leading the NL with 181 hits in 2025, though he posted a down year by some metrics in that season.
The San Francisco Giants signed infielder Luis Arraez to a one-year, $12 million contract, with Arraez expected to play second base (pending a physical). The deal, which matches a prior projection for value and lets him reach free agency after 2026, boosts the Giants’ 2026 payroll to about $206 million (CBT payroll ~ $232.7 million). It adds a contact-oriented bat to a power-heavy infield and follows Harrison Bader’s recent 2-year signing.
Luis Arraez is weighing one-year and multi-year offers and prioritizing a return to second base. His glovework at 2B has been a defensive liability, which could lead teams to deploy him at DH or in limited 2B duty even as his bat remains strong (2025 line of .292/.327/.392, 104 wRC+). With spring training approaching and the market unclear, a short-term deal could preserve options for a later multi-year contract.
Brendan Donovan remains with the Cardinals as the Red Sox, Mariners and Giants circle, with Boston potentially using him to fill a second-base vacancy if Marcelo Mayer moves to third; Donovan’s versatility is appealing but his defense at second is below average, and Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner is another option requiring a pitcher and a prospect. Boston hopes to resolve the situation before spring training, while St. Louis isn’t under pressure to trade him, potentially yielding a big return if deals materialize.
The Rays acquired Gavin Lux in a three-team trade and plan to use him as their everyday second baseman, focusing his defensive work at the keystone and likely locking Taylor Walls in at shortstop to start the season, with Carson Williams headed back to Triple-A; Lux’s move is aimed at stabilizing the infield around his strengths at second base, while Richie Palacios could see his opportunities reduced.
Baseball’s Hall of Fame faces a rare test for second basemen, with Utley and Pedroia emerging as the strongest candidates on this year’s ballot, while Kendrick and Murphy appear unlikely to gain traction. Since 1962, writers have inducted only five second basemen, underscoring the position’s historical challenge. Utley’s peak era and lifetime 64.6 WAR, plus Pedroia’s MVP-caliber resume (51.8 WAR), anchor their cases, though neither matches the trophy hauls of past inductees. JAWS ranks Utley 12th and Pedroia 20th at the position; Kendrick and Murphy sit outside the top 50. Current voting trackers show Utley around 69% support and Pedroia about 26%, with Kendrick and Murphy far behind. If the pattern holds, Utley currently has the best chance to become the next second baseman enshrined—a milestone for the position’s Hall of Fame narrative.
San Francisco has intensified its pursuit of a proven second baseman, reportedly targeting Cubs’ Nico Hoerner and Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan as upgrades to a weak 2025 group. Donovan appears more attainable given St. Louis’s rebuild, while Hoerner would be a close, high-contact fit; both are 29 next season with defensive versatility. Trade costs could be steep, and Cubs’ win-now posture or Cardinals’ rebuilding push could shape the package. The Giants have payroll room after adding rotation pieces and remain open to other routes (including market shifts from Bo Bichette’s status) to address the position.
The Red Sox signed Nathaniel Lowe to improve their lineup, especially against right-handed pitchers, which may lead to lineup adjustments involving Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez, with strategic use of platoons at first and second base depending on the opposing pitcher.
Ceddanne Rafaela, after hitting a walk-off home run, was rewarded with a new spot in the Red Sox lineup, batting second and starting at second base for the first time this season, as part of the team's strategic lineup adjustments.
The Yankees are shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base to improve their defensive alignment, while Oswald Peraza will play third base. The team is also exploring trade options for third baseman help ahead of the July 31 deadline, with potential targets including Ryan McMahon, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Eugenio Suárez. The situation remains fluid, with the team considering various infield configurations and acquisitions.
Jazz Chisholm is returning to second base for the Yankees in their game against the Mariners, with Oswald Peraza taking over at third, after playing third due to an injury. Chisholm has been a key player this season with a .245/.341/.500 slash line, 15 home runs, and 10 steals.