It’s always nice to have depth at certain positions in fantasy baseball. There is always depth at pitcher, outfielder, and first base (most of the time), but for the most part second base and shortstop are tough positions to find value at once you’re deep into a draft.
Luckily, 2015 will be different at second base, because there is plenty of depth to go around. As we always say, there is a significant difference from the top of this list to the bottom. However, you cannot go wrong with any of these top 10 2B.
1. Jose Altuve- Fortunately for Altuve, there is no height requirement for being a great hitter. Altuve led the American League in average (.341), stolen bases (56), multi-hit games (69), and hits (225) in 2014. He’s also very disciplined at the plate posting a 13.1 hardest to fan aveage, which was second best in the AL last season. Look for another repeat performance.
2. Dee Gordon- A blossoming hitter, and stolen base freak, there’s no reason to think Dee Gordon won’t at least duplicate last seasons success (64 stolen bases, 12 triples, 176 hits, and 92 runs). Look for him to exceed last seasons stolen base total…at least!
3. Anthony Rendon- Last season Anthony Rendon established himself as an elite 2B.
In 2014 Rendon led the NL in runs (111), finished 4th in doubles (39), 5th in hits (176), and 4th in extra base hits (66). Watch out for a possible slight regression, but otherwise he’s fantasy gold.
4. Robinson Cano- Even though he experienced a small amount of regression during his first season in Seattle, Robinson Cano had a good showing statistically (14/82/.314). Don’t buy into the hype that Cano is a bust since he left the Yankees. Look for a big bounce back in 2015.
5. Jason Kipnis- Huge regression in power last season and an oblique injury that bothered him throughout dropped Jason Kipnis value considerably. Health permitting, Kipnis should be able to rebound in a big way, but it’s probably a good idea to manage your expectations in case he doesn’t.
6. Brian Dozier- Finding a good lead-off hitter is always helpful in fantasy baseball. That being said, it’s even better when you can find one that hits over 20 home runs a season.
Although his average is not very attractive (.242 in ’14), he makes up for it with home runs, RBI, and stolen bases. A solid investment at 2B.
7. Ian Kinsler- Despite age and his 2013 regression, Ian Kinsler experienced a modest bounce back in 2014. Kinsler finished 5th in runs (100), 6th in multi-hit games (55), and 10th in RISP average (.322) in the AL. If Kinsler can remain healthy and maintain plate discipline, he can repeat his 2014 success.
8. Howie Kendrick- Now that he is playing on the other side of town, Howie Kendrick is looking to improve from his disappointing 2014 season. However, Kendrick had a .326 RISP average last season which can be a valuable source of RBI in 5×5 leagues. Expect a slight bounce back, but not a big one. Think 2013, not 2011.
9. Daniel Murphy- Last season wasn’t actually a regression for Daniel Murphy, it just wasn’t as good as his 2013 season. However, his 49 multi-hit games, and solid .280-.290 batting average make him harder to ignore in later rounds.
10. Neil Walker- With career highs in home runs (23), slugging percentage (.467), and OPS (.809) Neil Walker is not to be ignored. Although it might be improbable for Walker to repeat this type of performance, power can’t afford to be ignored in the sometimes power scarce position of 2B.
Check back with us later this week as we continue our fantasy baseball position rankings!
Mandatory Featured Image Credentials: Bryan Green, Flickr
matthewsprayberry
I am a huge fan of my wife's irrational hatred of Paul Giamatti, my wonderful daughter, baseball, old school wrasslin', movies, and friends. Dislikes? People who drive slow in the left lane, TV shows starring George Lopez, Buzzfeed quizzes, and Caillou (Geez that kid is annoying!).
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