The Dynasty Guru recently released the annual, consensus rankings of the top 50 fantasy second basemen in dynasty leagues (#1-20 and #21-50), detailing several second base prospects. The following rankings focus upon, and dive deeper into, fantasy second base prospects.

Second base is the land of misfit shortstops. Be they too small, too large, too weak-armed, or too immobile, these players fell down the defensive spectrum and landed at second base. However, this does not mean these players cannot hit or hit for power.

Before delving into the rankings, here is a brief explanation of fantasy tool grades:

A Guide to Fantasy Tools

Publicly-available scouting reports and past production make up a player’s “grades” for each of his skills. Those grades help anticipate a player’s ceiling, which, in turn, helps assess value. For fantasy purposes, only a few grades matter.

Average Hit Tool: The fantasy hit tool is a mixture of contact (batting average) and plate discipline (walk percentage/on-base percentage, or OBP). In a 16-team dynasty league, the average batting average and on-base percentage is approximately .265 and .335, respectively. A well-disciplined player’s fantasy hit tool plays up a grade higher than otherwise expected. A change to a hit tool grade increases or decreases those averages by approximately .015 (i.e., an above-average hitter produces a batting average and on-base percentage of approximately .280 and .350, respectively).

Average Power Tool:  The fantasy power tool weighs realized or in-game power against potential or raw power. In a 16-team dynasty league, the league-average isolated power is approximately .175, which translates to approximately 20 home runs per season. A change to a power tool grade increases or decreases by approximately .025 for isolated power.

Speed Bonus:  The speed bonus only applies to players anticipated to accumulated stolen bases. Each incremental bonus accounts for approximately 10 stolen bases. For example, a player with a speed bonus of 5 likely will accumulate approximately 10-15 stolen bases.

Risk:  Risk considers a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to, fielding, level, opportunity, industry reputation, age, and injury history. In fantasy, fielding is only relevant to the extent it facilitates or hinders opportunity and eligibility.

Without further ado, the 2018 Top Fantasy Second Base Prospects:

2018 Top 32 Fantasy Second Base Prospects

Rank	Player	Opening Day Age	Level	ETA
1	Scott Kingery PHI	23.92	AA/AAA	2018
2	Keston Hiura MIL	21.67	R/A	2019
3	Luis Urias SD	20.83	AA	2019
4	Isan Diaz MIA	21.84	A+	2019
5	Shed Long CIN	22.6	A+/AA	2018
6	Garrett Hampson COL	23.48	A+	2019
7	Nick Solak NYY	23.23	A+/AA	2019
8	Max Schrock STL	23.47	AA	2019
9	Brandon Lowe TB	23.74	A+/AA	2019
10	Kevin Kramer PIT	24.5	AA	2019
11	Esteury Ruiz SD	19.13	R	2021
12	Yunior Severino MIN	18.49	R	2022
13	Luis Garcia WAS	17.88	R	2022
14	Vidal Brujan TB	20.15	A-	2021
15	Travis Demeritte ATL	23.51	AA	2019
16	Eguy Rosario SD	18.6	R/A	2021
17	Daniel Brito PHI	20.19	A	2020
18	Alex Blandino CIN	25.41	AA/AAA	2018
19	Miguel Gomez SF	25.29	AA/MLB	2018
20	David Bote CHC	24.99	AA	2018
21	Luis Arraez MIN	20.98	A+	2020
22	Gabriel Cancel KC	21.32	A	2020
23	Pablo Reyes PIT	24.58	AA	2019
24	Eliezer Alvarez PHI	23.46	AA	2019
25	Andy Ibanez TEX	25	AA	2019
26	Ildemaro Vargas ARI	26.71	AAA	2018
27	Riley Mahan MIA	22.26	A	2020
28	Brett Netzer BOS	21.83	A-/A	2020
29	Jose Miranda MIN	19.76	R	2021
30	Breyvic Valera STL	26.23	AAA	2018
31	Bret Boswell COL	23.49	A-	2020
32	Tristan Gray PIT	22.03	A-	2020

1. Scott Kingery, Philadelphia Phillies

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.92	2018	55	45	10	50
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA/AAA	0.304	0.359	0.53	26	29

With only 8 home runs in 868 professional plate appearances coming into the year, Scott Kingery surprised everyone by hitting 26 home runs last year. Although Double-A Reading is a well-known hitters’ park, he hit for consistent power throughout the Eastern League, blasting 18 home runs in 69 games. Kingery then hit 4 more home runs in his first week of action at Triple-A after his promotion in June.

Unfortunately, his pace slowed considerably thereafter. His isolated slugging percentage fell from .307 through July 2nd to .122 for the rest of the season, which begs the question: what level of power production is real?  Although Kingery created more hard contact while elevating the ball, the first half power outburst likely is a mirage and dreams of a 30/30 second baseman are far-fetched.

On the other hand, the second part of 30/30 is very attainable. With an incredible career 84% stolen base rate and 26 infield singles last year, Kingery can fly!  In addition, Kingery is an excellent hitter with a line-drive, all-fields approach. He is generally aggressive at the plate, seeking out contact to utilize his speed (though he shows glimpses of patience at the plate). On defense, Kingery is a sound defender with good range, boasting a .984 career fielding percentage.

The presence of Cesar Hernandez and Kingery’s absence from the Phillies’ 40-man roster represent roadblocks to immediate playing time. Likely ticketed for Triple-A to start the season, Kingery is only a Hernandez trade away from joining J.P. Crawford on the new-look Phillies.

Peak Projection: .285/.335/.445, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

2. Keston Hiura, Milwaukee Brewers

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
21.67	2019	60	50	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
R/A	0.371	0.422	0.611	4	2

Despite concerns regarding his arm health, the Brewers selected Keston Hiura ninth overall in the 2017 Amateur Draft. He was lauded as the best bat available after leading NCAA Division I hitters with a .442 batting average, and continued to hit in his debut. He drives the ball on a line to all fields with lightning-quick bat speed. Hiura further pairs his knack to barrel the ball with an advanced approach, generating high on-base ability.

A right arm injury limited Hiura to designated hitter throughout his Junior year and most of his professional debut. Indeed, he only started 3 games at second base with 0 assists. The good news is that reports suggest Hiura fully recovered, and he threw without issue during fall instructional leagues. Nevertheless (and regardless of health issues), it is still unclear whether Hiura possesses the defensive aptitude for second base, and he may end up in left field.

Hiura likely will move quickly through the Brewers’ system, should his arm prove healthy. A potentially elite bat at the keystone, Hiura carries immense upside.

Peak Projection: .290/.360/.470, 20-25 home runs

3. Luis Urias, San Diego Padres

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
20.83	2019	65	35	0	50
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA	0.296	0.398	0.38	3	7

Luis Urias is a professional hitter. The combination of his approach, discipline, and hitting ability is truly special. Urias is a high-contact hitter who routinely slaps line-drives and hard grounders all over the field. A pesky, difficult out, he rarely chases outside the zone and spoils countless pitches, giving him a career .396 on-base percentage with more walks than strikeouts.

With that said, Urias has little power (9 home runs over 1,530 career plate appearances). He also rivals Jose Altuve in size, arguably standing even smaller than his listed 5’9” and 160 pounds. The success of Altuve (and similarly-sized Jose Ramirez) however, is a constant reminder that size does not necessarily matter in baseball. Further, many observers foresee more power to come for Urias (even if this writer is not one of them).

Defensively, Urias appeared in more games last year at shortstop (60) than second base (55) but that will change. He lacks the necessary range for shortstop and his Double-A teammate, Fernando Tatis, Jr., is the likely future at shortstop for the Padres.

Even though Carlos Asuaje and Cory Spangenberg do not represent obstacles, Urias likely will spend the season in Triple-A: he’s just 20 years old, not on the Padres’ 40-man roster, and the Padres are not in a position to compete this year.

Peak Projection: .300/.380/.410, 5-10 home runs

4. Isan Diaz, Miami Marlins

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
21.84	2019	50	55	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A+	0.222	0.334	0.376	13	9

Isan Diaz is currently a three-true-outcomes player, hitting for power (12.6% HR/FB), walking (13.6%), and striking out (26.6%). Utilizing plus bat speed and an upper-cut swing, Diaz creates plenty of loft to enable him to reach his raw power. He can look like a world-beater, blasting home runs in spurts, when everything is working for him. Unfortunately, this was not the case last year.

Diaz struggled for much of the year, despite a promising start in the Carolina League (including 9 homers in his first 51 games). Reverting to a pull-heavy approach, he amassed numerous pull-side groundouts. In addition, Diaz performed poorly in the field with deteriorating range, further cementing his transition from shortstop to second base.

Diaz’s upside is sky high and his power/patience profile is extremely rare at second base, despite his risks. The adjustment process may be slow and painful at times, but Diaz has significant talent and a sweet swing. Just last week, the Brewers traded Diaz to the Marlins as part of the package for Christian Yelich.

Peak Projection: .250/.340/.450, 25-30 home runs

5. Shed Long, Cincinnati Reds

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
22.6	2018	50	45	5	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A+/AA	0.281	0.358	0.477	16	9

Shed Long broke out in 2016, slashing .293/.371/.471 with 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases across Low-A and High-A. Last year, he proved it was not a fluke. Returning to the High-A, Long again dominated the Florida State League with a .312/.380/.543 line and 13 home runs in 62 games. Before his promotion to Double-A in June, only Brandon Lowe (below) outperformed Long in the FSL. Long began his Double-A stint slowly (4 for 45), but finished a strong (28 for 96). Right when Long was taking off in Double-A, he lost most of August due to a wrist injury.

Long is a disciplined and line-drive hitter with surprising power, making the most out of his diminutive 5’8” frame. Long embraces an all-fields approach that skews opposite field, a tendancy that was on full display in Double-A (where he hit an astonishing 45.8% the opposite way).

Initially drafted as a catcher, Long is developing into a solid defensive second baseman. With Dilson Herrera and Alex Blandino likely sharing second base duties in Triple-A, Long will spend the year in Double-A.

Peak Projection: .270/.340/.430, 15-20 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

6. Garrett Hampson, Colorado Rockies

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.48	2019	50	30	15	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A+	0.326	0.387	0.462	8	51

A 2016 third round pick, Garrett Hampson has an impressive first season, leading the Minors with 113 runs and finishing fourth with 51 stolen bases last year. However, his numbers were a bit inflated by his home park at High-A Lancaster- he hit .350/.406/.532 at home in the windy Antelope Valley, and .300/.366/.383 on the road.

Even discounting Hampson’s power production, his performance was still notable. Speed is his calling card and he is not afraid to play it. Over his short professional career (195 games), Hampson attempted 105 steals with a success rate of 82.8%. He also gets on-base to utilize his speed with superb discipline and a high-contact approach, making him an ideal future leadoff man.

After playing almost exclusively at shortstop in 2016, Hampson split time between shortstop and second base last year. Hampson has the range and fielding ability for both positions, but his arm profiles better at second base.

Peak Projection: .280/.340/.365, 1-5 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases

7. Nick Solak, New York Yankees

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.23	2019	55	35	5	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A+/AA	0.297	0.384	0.452	12	14

Nick Solak is an underappreciated hitter. A 2016 second round pick, Solak has consistently hit for high batting averages in college (.346), in the Cape Cod League (.329), and as a professional (.305). At the plate, Solak steadily generates low, hard contact to all fields. On top of his ability to hit for average, Solak also exercises good discipline, walking (11.7%) and limiting strikeouts.

Solak is not just a high average/on-base hitter, however, and can potentially contribute across the board with developing power and solid speed. Last year, Solak elevated the ball more, leading to a rise in power production. He hit nearly as many home runs last year (12) as during his college years and his debut combined. Solak’s approach does not project to create much power, but a 10-15 home run season is not out of the realm of possibilities. In addition, Solak has good speed and instincts, tallying 36 stolen bases in his college career.

A bat-first second baseman with mediocre defensive skills, Solak will have slightly more pressure to perform than others. He’s set to return to Double-A this year and could provide the Yankees an internal second base replacement for Starlin Castro as soon as 2019.

Peak Projection: .285/.345/.395, 5-10 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

8. Max Schrock, St. Louis Cardinals

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.47	2019	55	35	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA	0.321	0.379	0.422	7	4

Max Schrock sees Nick Solak’s career batting average and raises it by nearly twenty points, to .324!  A consummate hitter, Schrock makes extremely high contact, limiting swinging strikes to just 5.2% and strikeouts to a measly 9.2%. His contact is also often hard, regularly hitting line-drives all over the field.

Despite some pull-side power, Schrock is unlikely to hit many home runs or extra-base hits. Additionally, Schrock only has average speed and is not much of a threat on the bases. A realistic best case scenario for Schrock is a similar career to Joe Panik. This is not a sexy fantasy package, but it is useful, especially in deeper leagues.

Schrock was traded to the Cardinals in a deal for Stephen Piscotty, thereby changing teams for the second time in two years. With little left to prove in Double-A, Schrock likely will spend the year in Triple-A, with only an under-performing Kolten Wong in his way.

Peak Projection: .290/.345/.390, 5-10 home runs

9. Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.74	2019	55	40	0	40
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A+/AA	0.298	0.375	0.493	11	7

A 2015 third round pick on the strength of his bat, Lowe had a lackluster full-season debut in 2016. 2017 was another story: until his promotion to Double-A in August, Brandon Lowe was the top hitter in the Florida State League, slashing .311/.403/.524. Always displaying a patient approach, with walk rates of 13.4% and 12.8% the last two years, Lowe made more consistent hard, all-fields contact last year.

Lowe’s bat is genuine. However, Lowe’s mobility is questionable, following successive major leg injuries in college. Without much speed or range in the field, Lowe will only find success on the strength of his bat. This year, Lowe will certainly return to Double-A, where he scuffled in just 24 games to end the season.

Peak Projection: .275/.365/.410, 10-15 home runs

10. Kevin Kramer, Pittsburgh Pirates

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
24.5	2019	50	40	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA	0.288	0.369	0.486	6	7

Before he ended his season with a broken hand in July, Kevin Kramer was one of the best hitters in the Eastern League. Previously hitting for very little power as a professional, Kramer completely overhauled his approach last year. His groundball and fly-ball percentages nearly inverted, from 55% and 27% in 2016 to 37% and 40% in 2017. This change corresponded with a doubling in isolated power and more home runs (6) than he previously hit in 778 professional plate appearances (4).

With the change in approach came a slight deterioration in discipline. Further, Kramer’s struggles against left-handed pitching are becoming more and more severe (.672 OPS against LHP versus .958 OPS against RHP). It will be interesting to observe whether he can make further adjustments in his likely return to Double-A this year.

Peak Projection: .260/.340/.395, 10-15 home runs

11. Esteury Ruiz, San Diego Padres

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
19.13	2021	50	50	5	30
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
R	0.35	0.395	0.602	4	26

Acquired by the Padres in the Trevor Cahill deal last July, Esteury Ruiz is an exciting talent. He is a wiry 6’0” with a quick, powerful bat and ample speed, drawing comparisons to Alfonso Soriano. At just 18 years old, Ruiz lit up the Arizona League last year with 34 extra-base hits and 26 stolen bases in just 52 games. However, Ruiz is an aggressive competitor with a penchant to swing-and-miss (24%), whose talent is currently masking much of the risk in his profile. Still, Ruiz has elite upside and even though he is years away from the majors, the time to invest is now.

Peak Projection: .265/.325/.440, 20-25 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

12. Yunior Severino, Minnesota Twins

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
18.49	2022	55	50	0	30
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
R	0.27	0.345	0.42	3	0

The Braves signed Yunior Severino for $1.9 million during the ill-fated 2016 international signing period. As one of the 12 players who became free agents as part of MLB’s punishment, Severino signed with the Twins for $2.5 million in December (more than Kevin Maitan). The reason teams are throwing money at Severino is his alluring hit/power potential. As a 17-year-old switch-hitter, he performed very well (.286/.345/.444) in the Gulf Coast League, despite understandable swing-and-miss issues (29.6 K%).

Peak Projection: .280/.335/.450, 20-25 home runs

13. Luis Garcia, Washington Nationals

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
17.88	2022	55	40	10	30
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
R	0.302	0.33	0.387	1	11

Like Severino, Luis Garcia is a 2016 international signee who held his own as a 17-year-old aggressively assigned to the Gulf Coast League. Sharing shortstop duties with Yasel Antuna, but playing mostly at second base, Garcia may eventually move to shortstop as he is an excellent defender for such a young player. At the plate, Garcia is an aggressive, high contact, all-fields hitter who puts the ball on the ground to take advantage of his speed. Athletic and fleet of foot with the build to grow into power, Garcia is an intriguing prospect.

Peak Projection: .285/.315/.410, 10-15 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

14. Vidal Brujan, Tampa Bay Rays

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
20.15	2021	55	35	10	35
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A-	0.285	0.378	0.415	3	16

A switch-hitter, Vidal Brujan profiles as a future lead-off hitter. Brujan was a top performer in the New York-Penn League last year on the back of exceptional discipline (11.3 BB%, 11.9 K%) and plus speed. Another slight second baseman (5’9”), he is a gap-to-gap hitter with modest pull-side power. Brujan likely will experience his first taste of full-season ball next year in Low-A.

Peak Projection: .275/.350/.380, 5-10 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

15. Travis Demeritte, Atlanta Braves

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
23.51	2019	40	50	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA	0.231	0.306	0.402	15	5

A year after blasting 28 home runs and striking out 175 times (33%) in High-A, Travis Demeritte reduced his strikeouts (134, 26%), but also his home runs (15) last year. The former first round pick always flashed big power with big strikeouts, repeatedly hitting 25+ home runs with 170+ strikeouts. Once thought to be a lock as a three true outcome player, Demeritte is beginning to flip the script. He is still the same patient, line-drive/fly-ball hitter, but he is using more and more of the field and making more contact. Demeritte made real progress despite the appearances of a disappointing season. With Ozzie Albies entrenched at second base, Demeritte split time between second base and third base, and he is a passable defender at both positions.

Peak Projection: .240/.310/.425, 20-25 home runs

16. Eguy Rosario, San Diego Padres

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
18.6	2021	50	40	10	35
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
R/A	0.246	0.332	0.355	1	33

The Padres assigned Eguy Rosario to Low-A to begin the year. At just 17 years old, he was the youngest player to play in the Midwest League last year by over 5 months. He understandably struggled, but he also showed glimpses of his potential (stealing 17 bases in 50 games). He found more success upon a June demotion to the Arizona League, slashing .282/.363/.422 with 16 more stolen bases. A pint-sized, 5’9” sparkplug, Rosario has a line-drive stroke with impressive discipline for such a young player.

Peak Projection: .260/.340/.380, 10-15 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

17. Daniel Brito, Philadelphia Phillies

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
20.19	2020	55	40	0	40
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
A	0.239	0.298	0.318	6	12

Following an impressive season in the Gulf Coast League in 2016, Daniel Brito battled through his first full season. Brito is a 6’1”, 155-pound bean pole who has a lot of room to mature and add strength. Observers praise Brito’s pure hitting talent and dream on his projectable physique. Despite receiving a handful of starts at shortstop, Brito continues to focus on second base, where he is an above-average defender.

Peak Projection: .275/.345/.405, 10-15 home runs

18. Alex Blandino, Cincinnati Reds

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
25.41	2018	45	45	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA/AAA	0.265	0.382	0.453	12	4

A 2014 first round pick, Alex Blandino is now on the cusp of the majors. The only constant in Blandino’s profile since day one is his excellent discipline (13.5 BB%). Before last year, it looked as if he hit a wall after back-to-back poor turns in Double-A. Blandino responded by rediscovering his power, knocking 49 extra-base hits between Double-A and Triple-A. With power back in play, Blandino’s erstwhile one-note profile looks extremely enticing. Now on the Reds’ 40-man roster, he will likely debut this year and could even immediately push for playing time.

Peak Projection: .240/.340/.400, 15-20 home runs

19. Miguel Gomez, San Francisco Giants

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
25.29	2018	50	45	0	40
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA/MLB	0.299	0.321	0.443	8	0

Miguel Gomez rode his bat all the way to the majors last year. He is an aggressive, line-drive hitter with good power, a career .312 batting average. He slashed .305/.330/.458 in difficult Double-A Richmond. Although his bat is the real deal, he has yet to truly find a position. Initially a catcher, then a third baseman, Gomez finally completed his transition to second base last year. Gomez likely will move to Triple-A to continue to hone his defense and he is an injury away from the majors.

Peak Projection: .280/.310/.430, 15-20 home runs

20. David Bote, Chicago Cubs

Age	ETA	Hit	Power	Speed	Risk
24.99	2018	45	45	0	45
2017 Statistics	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	SB
AA	0.272	0.353	0.438	14	5

David Bote followed up his 2016 breakout performance in High-A (.337/.410/.518) with a quality season in Double-A. To cap off his season, Bote starred in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .333/.395/.536 with 4 home runs. In addition to his blossoming power, Bote is a disciplined, all-fields hitter and no longer a detriment in the field. On the Cubs’ 40-man roster, but buried behind Javier Baez, Ian Happ, and Ben Zobrist, Bote likely will toil away in Triple-A this year.

Peak Projection: .255/.330/.410, 15-20 home runs

The Best of the Rest

The 2018 Second Base Sleepers

The following prospects may rise significantly with strong showings in 2018. Each has immense upside, but each is also years away from the majors.

Luis Arraez, Minnesota Twins: Arraez ended his season with a torn ACL only 3 games into the year at High-A. A career .338 hitter, including .347/.386/.444 in Low-A Midwest League in 2016, Arraez can rake. Knocking line-drives and making tons of contact to all fields, Arraez is a potentially elite hitter.

Gabriel Cancel, Kansas City Royals: After a slow start in Low-A South Atlantic League, Cancel had a monstrous second half, hitting .309/.367/.548. An aggressive, line-drive hitter, Cancel possesses rare power for a second baseman, as evidenced by his 46 extra-base hits last year. It will be interesting to see if he can carry his hot finish over to High-A this year.

Jose Miranda, Minnesota Twins: The 73rd overall pick in the 2016 Amateur Draft, Miranda had a forgettable debut but rebounded nicely last year. With emerging power (11 home runs) and an advanced, high-contact approach, Miranda sprays line-drives to all fields. Still only 19 years old, Miranda likely will get his first taste of full season ball this year.

Close to the Show: The 40-Man Roster Second Base Prospect

Expect several of the following players to see time in the majors this year. Injuries or under-performance at the major league level could elevate several to starting jobs.

Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks: Vargas’ nine-year journey to the majors, including playing in independent leagues as recently as 2015, quietly concluded with his debut last year. Despite the unusually long road, Vargas is quite the prospect. He hits liners and hard grounders to all fields with excellent contact rates (4.5 SwStr% and 7.5 K%). In addition, he’s a superb, rangy defender.

Breyvic Valera, St. Louis Cardinals: Valera was the highest-contact hitter in the Minors last year, swinging and missing at a miniscule 2.9% of total pitches. As such, Valera is adept at limiting strikeouts (7.2%) and puts a ton of balls in play to all fields. A line-drive hitter, Valera hit for far more power than any other time in his career, leading to a short cameo with the Cardinals.

Close to the Show: The High-A and Above Second Base Prospect

The road for prospects is long and winding. These prospects are one step closer, already reaching High-A, and in some cases, beyond.

Pablo Reyes, Pittsburgh Pirates: Reyes continues to fly under the radar despite three straight solid seasons, culminating with a .274/.356/.410 in Double-A last year. Reyes is a disciplined, high-contact hitter with excellent on-base ability and limited strikeouts. He’s also far from punchless, possessing moderate pull-side power and hitting liners to all fields. Despite his plus speed, Reyes struggles stealing bases (61% success rate the last two years). He’s also an excellent defender who saw time at second base, shortstop, and center field last year and profiles as a high-end utilityman.

Eliezer Alvarez, Philadelphia Phillies: The Cardinals skipped Alvarez past High-A following his 2016 breakout in Low-A (.323/.404/.476 with 36 stolen bases). Last year did not go so well in Double-A. Alvarez struggled to a .231/.324/.341 line with a 32% strikeout rate until a high-ankle sprain in May sidelined him for two months. Upon his return, he showed enough signs of life (.263/.317/.421 with a 22% K%) the Phillies traded Juan Nicasio for him in September. Despite a terrible year at the plate and in the field (16 errors in 49 games started), Alvarez still has a promising bat and athleticism.

Andy Ibanez, Texas Rangers: The Rangers signed Ibanez for $1.6 million in 2015 from Cuba. Initially well-regarded for his defense instead of his bat, Ibanez flipped the script, then flipped it again. After an impressive year at the plate in 2016 (.285/.355/.449), Ibanez stagnated in Double-A last year, posting a nearly identical league-average performance. Meanwhile, Ibanez make significant defensive strides, showing improved range and only committing 5 errors in 70 games started. Should Ibanez continue to make progress defensively and clear the Double-A hurdle, he will be ready to contribute in the majors as soon as 2019.

The 2017 Second Base Draftees

Besides Hiura, the 2017 Amateur Draft included many intriguing second base prospects. Here are the most interesting options.

Riley Mahan, Miami Marlins: The first second base prospect selected after Keston Hiura in the 2017 Amateur Draft, Mahan has exciting power potential. He blasted 15 home runs and 41 extra-base hits in 66 college games. Concerns, however, surround his ability to make contact, his aggressive approach at the plate, and his defense.

Brett Netzer, Boston Red Sox: A 2017 third round pick, Netzer is a well-regarded hitter with a pretty, line-drive swing. Additionally, he employs a disciplined, patient approach with moderate power. In his debut, Netzer advanced all the way to Low-A and performed well (.286/.355/.341), despite hitting for little power (0 home runs) and expanding the zone (21% K%).

Bret Boswell, Colorado Rockies: Despite underperforming in college, Boswell has an interesting power bat, amplified by his new organization. After hitting 11 home runs in his college career, Boswell matched that total in just 54 games in the Northwest League. Boswell’s remarkable debut (.293/.339/.515) more than exceeded expectations for the 8th round pick and firmly places him on the fantasy prospect map.

Tristan Gray, Pittsburgh Pirates: The MVP of the New York-Penn League All-Star game, Gray pleasantly surprised in his debut last year. Hitting for power (.216 ISO) with strong discipline (13.6 K% and 8.1 BB%) while impressing at both second base and shortstop, Gray is quite the find in the 13th round.

The Elsewhere-Eligible Second Base Prospect

Either destined for second base but currently playing shortstop, or no longer playing second base but previously played there, these notable prospects will be on upcoming lists. Here’s where they’d rank were they on this list.

Brendan Rodgers, Shortstop, Colorado Rockies – Ahead of Kingery

Bo Bichette, Shortstop, Toronto Blue Jays – Behind Rodgers, ahead of Kingery

Willie Calhoun, Outfield, Texas Rangers – Between Hiura and Urias

Franklin Barreto, Shortstop, Oakland Athletics – Between Hiura and Urias, behind Calhoun

Lourdes Gurriel, Shortstop, Toronto Blue Jays: Between Brito and Blandino