Top Free Agent Second Basemen for 2026 Fantasy

2. Willi Castro (SHB)

2025 Stats: 11 HR | 33 RBI | 58 R | 10 SB | .226 AVG | .679 OPS | .302 wOBA | 92 wRC+ | .286 BABIP

Age in 2026: 28 (Turns 29 in April)

Skills: Super utility player; capable of contributing in all offensive categories.

Risks: High K%; defensively poor; landing spot could affect playing time

Landing Spot Projections: Nationals, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Rays, Mariners

Fantasy Impact, and Draft Approach: 

Castro is another player we’ve touched on before, this time in our shortstop article. He was having a solid season in Minnesota, then fell off a cliff following a trade to the Cubs. It’s important to note that his BABIP with the Cubbies was an atrocious .222, dragging his season-long BABIP to his lowest since 2021. For context on how unlucky Castro’s stint went, Eugenio Suarez’s league-worst BABIP among qualified batters on the season was .243 and .227 after his own trade to Seattle.

When not having all-time bad ball luck, Castro’s been a solid contributor in R and SB with some pop, run production, and a decent AVG. He still holds growth upside in many fantasy categories and the right park and lineup fit with ample playing time could give the former All-Star a chance for a massive bounceback, giving him late-round draft steal potential. Keep your eyes on where he lands and his planned role so you know to pounce or fade.

3. Luis Rengifo (SHB)

2025 Stats: 9 HR | 43 RBI | 55 R | 10 SB | .238 AVG | .622 OPS | .275 wOBA | 73 wRC+ | .281 BABIP

Age in 2026: 28 (Turns 29 in February)

Skills: Switch-hitter that can provide pop and speed

Risks: Injury history (Bicep, wrist ‘23; Wrist ‘24); low production in R and RBI

Landing Spot Projections: Mariners, Rays, Giants, Athletics, Rockies

Fantasy Impact, and Draft Approach: 

Luis Rengifo had a down season in 2025 after an injury-shortened 2024. He posted his lowest AVG, wOBA, and wRC+ since 2021 despite playing in a career high 541 innings across 147 games. The extra time did allow him to post double-digit steals for the second straight season while tying his career high in R and almost getting to double-digit dingers for the third time in his career. The path is there for a bounceback of 10+ HR, 50+ R, 50+ RBI, 10+ SB, and a .255+ AVG given his age, he’ll just need to stay healthy.

For fantasy purposes, Rengifo can be looked at as a late-round dart throw if you think his best is yet to come and he’s an everyday player. Coming from the Angels, playing just about anywhere else will land him either in a park more fit to his contact-first approach or a better lineup. If instead you believe we’ve seen his peak and/or he won’t stay healthy, let someone else draft him or keep an eye on him if he makes it to waivers.

4. Thairo Estrada (RHB)

2025 Stats: 3 HR | 21 RBI | 14 R | 1 SB | .253 AVG | .655 OPS | .284 wOBA | 66 wRC+ | .281 BABIP

Age in 2026: 29 (Turns 30 in February)

Skills: Solid combo of contact, speed, and power

Risks: Injury history (Wrist, hand ‘23; Wrist ‘24; Wrist, thumb, hamstring ‘25); defensively poor

Landing Spot Projections: Mariners, Rays, Giants, Athletics, Rockies

Fantasy Impact, and Draft Approach: 

Thairo Estrada was an appealing fantasy 2B option in 2022 and 2023 with the Giants, where he posted back-to-back seasons of 14 HR, 20+ SB, 60+ R, and a .260+ AVG. However, the latter season would see the first in a long line of crippling wrist and hand injuries, costing him 20 games vs. ‘22 and limiting him to 135 G across ‘24 and ‘25, before a hamstring strain put his latest season to an end. It also hasn’t helped that Estrada holds an ugly -9 DRS since moving exclusively to 2B in ‘24.

There are a lot of ifs that would make Estrada worthy of a late-round flier in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts. If he can stay healthy, if he can improve his defense, if his next team gives him everyday playing time, if he gets in a better lineup, then he can be that roster-worthy player again. Right now, it’s best to keep him in mind as a potential waiver add if he goes undrafted, but monitor anyway and be ready to upgrade him as a sleeper target if the stars align.

5. Dylan Moore (RHB)

2025 Stats: 11 HR | 25 RBI | 35 R | 14 SB | .201 AVG | .642 OPS | .280 wOBA | 103 wRC+ | .256 BABIP

Age in 2026: 33 

Skills: SB specialist with some power; defensively strong

Risks: Age; high K%; poor contact; playing time concern

Landing Spot Projections: Twins, Giants, Angels, White Sox

Fantasy Impact, and Draft Approach: 

Here is where the thinning at free agent 2Bs in regard to fantasy really shows itself. Moore is a solid infielder and great defender with speed and a bit of pop, making him an enticing roster addition for MLB teams. But his age plus the current landscape and market likely means he’s heading toward a bench/platoon role.

With that context in mind, it’s hard to make a case for Moore as anything other than a deep, deep waiver consideration. Especially given his double-digit HR and 15+ SB upside is undercut by his lack of R and RBI production, 30.3% career K%, and team-crushing .206 career AVG.

Why Second Basemen Matter in Fantasy Baseball

While third base and catcher offer power and run production, the middle infield spots like 2B are almost the complete opposite. Exceptions do exist (Brandon Lowe, Ketel Marte, Jazz Chisholm Jr.), but for the most part this position of scarcity has its value placed in a player’s ability to make contact and run the bases. That latter part is what separates it from first base as well.

This is where you can balance your lineup, giving you more leniency to chase HR and RBI elsewhere.

Important Fantasy Stats & Context to Watch For 2B

AVG, SB, and R

Second basemen are valued for their speed and agility on both sides of the field by MLB managers and front offices. As mentioned above, this makes them mainly contact-first hitters who excel at baserunning and, in turn, creates a premiere position to lock up your SB and AVG categories while ensuring a strong R floor.

DRS, Multi-Position Eligibility, and Role Context

This position comes second (pun intended) only to shortstop in terms of defensive importance, thus the high value on speed and agility. Being such good defenders makes them versatile players, which opens up multi-position eligibility and more flexibility to your fantasy roster.

It also makes defensive stats like DRS (defensive runs saved) one you should pay attention to even if it has no direct impact on scoring. Median DRS for 2B was 1 in 2025 and 0 over the last three seasons. If a player dips too far into the negative and doesn’t have an elite bat, it’ll put their role and playing time at risk. This is why poor defenders like Estrada and Castro aren’t guaranteed starting roles when they sign new contracts.

Final Thoughts for Fantasy Baseball 2026

Second base doesn’t have the name recognition other positions do even this late into free agency, but there is value to be had with the players still present. Luis Arraez should be rostered on just about every team, the question will more be when to take him. Willi Castro, Luis Rengifo, and Thairo Estrada, meanwhile, all have the potential to be serviceable dart throws or potential bounceback sleepers.

Track their signings, monitor the fit, and keep an ear out for manager speak on what their role will be both after signing and throughout spring training. You could find yourself a solid draft day value or ensure those late-round picks are better spent elsewhere.

More on Free Agents & Offseason Moves

• Old Faces in New Places
• Top 5 Free Agents
• Top 5 Free Agent Catchers
• Top 5 Free Agent First Basemen
• Top 5 Free Agent Second Basemen
• Top 5 Free Agent Third Basemen
• Top 5 Free Agent Shortstops
• Top 5 Free Agent Outfielders
• Top 5 Free Agent Relief Pitchers
• Top 5 Free Agent Starting Pitchers
• Alex Bregman signs with Cubs
• Tatsuya Imai to Astros
• Edwin Diaz signs with Dodgers
• Shane Baz to Orioles
• Pete Alonso to Orioles

People Also Ask

Who is the best free-agent second baseman for 2026 fantasy? 
Luis Arráez as elite contact specialist. At risk of losing eligibility, however.

Is Luis Arráez still unsigned?
Yes, seeking a multi-year deal.

What is Luis Rengifo's fantasy upside?
High if full-time role and healthy.

Is this a thin 2B free agent class?
Yes, mostly utility players and bounceback candidates.

When will these second basemen sign?
January-February is typical, but could go well into spring training.

What is the multi-position eligibility impact?
Big boost for Castro. Arráez 2B eligibility loss risk major concern.