MLB's top 10 second basemen for 2018

To be among the top second basemen in today’s game requires being adept at more than just one or two facets of the game. You cannot just get on base regularly or steal a ton of bases. At the same time, it takes more than just elite glove work or the ability to hit the ball over the fence habitually. Today’s top-tier second sackers bring a lot to the table, and many do the heaviest lifting for their respective clubs.

While reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve’s shadow (ironically) looms large over the position, the competition at the top is strong. Brian Dozier has established himself as one of the most well-rounded players in the game in Minnesota, while Robinson Cano’s consistency has endured and keeps Seattle inching toward an ever-elusive postseason berth. Meanwhile, the future of the position continues to impress, as Jonathan Schoop, Javy Baez and Whit Merrifield move along their growth curves.

The scene is solid among the top second basemen in the game. Let's dissect the top 10 at the position headed into the spring of 2018.

10. Jed Lowrie, Athletics. The journeyman’s strong 2017 effort went largely unnoticed in the abyss of Oakland, but it was an impressive output all the same. His 49 doubles were the second most in the AL, while his 4.0 WAR was a career best and checked in sixth among MLB second basemen.

Combined with his always solid glove play and ability to shift to third base if needed, Lowrie could be a popular in-season trade target if he can remain at this level for another year.

9. Javy Baez, Cubs. Baez is one of the most enticing and exciting players in the game, and there is so much more to come. On the heels of a breakout showing as a major part in propelling the Cubs to the 2016 World Series, he became a mainstay in the everyday lineup wherever Joe Maddon could work him in. This included over 70 games at both shortstop and second base, along with time at both corner infield slots and in right field as well.

Regardless of where he carried his glove, Baez continued to grow at the plate, raising his OPS by nearly 60 points from the year before in about the same amount of games played. He also topped 20 homers, 20 doubles, 75 runs scored and 75 RBI while reaching double digits in stolen bases for the second straight year as well. While he continues to gain greater plate discipline, he will begin to see even better pitches to work with.

8. Whit Merrifield, Royals. A year after being a surprise AL Rookie of the Year finalist for the Royals as a utility man, Merrifield affirmed himself at second base in his sophomore season. He slashed .288/.324/.460/.784 on the year, while leading the AL in stolen bases with 34. The most encouraging outcome regarding his overall potential, however, came in the big surge in power he showed. After connecting for only two long balls in 322 plate appearances as a rookie, Merrifield knocked out 19 on the year in less than 300 more at-bats. He may be a sleeper candidate for a 30/30 season in the future.

7. Scooter Gennett, Reds. Perhaps 2017's biggest and most unlikely breakout was Gennett's, who transformed himself after being released from the Brewers in March. Maybe it was the motivation of the release, or maybe it was making his way back to his hometown. Whatever the case, Gennett became a different man, raising his slugging percentage nearly 120 points on the back of a 27-home run breakout. This genesis was highlighted by a four-homer, 10-RBI night in June. All in all, he led all NL second basemen in home runs and RBI.

6. DJ LeMahieu, Rockies. LeMahieu’s greatest value is not one specific overwhelming impact; rather, it is his remarkable ability to stay consistent. His .310 average in 2017 marked the third consecutive year he topped .300. Over past two seasons, his split line sits at a surprisingly strong .328/.394/.450 with an average of 30 doubles, 100 runs scored and 65 RBI. Combine that with his elite defense at second — LeMahieu led the NL in fielding percentage, range factor and double plays turned at second en route to his third Gold Glove — and you have one of the most underrated players in the game.