For fantasy owners, second base is typically known for its paucity of power and anemic offensive output. The tables turned in 2016, however, with 19 of 21 keystoners hitting double-digit home runs, punctuated by Brian Dozier’s herculean 42-homer outburst. Additionally, thirteen 2B scored at least 80 runs, eleven had at least 70 RBIs, and 10 had at least 10 SB.
Shallow league owners should have no problems finding a decent starter among this year’s crop of infielders. However, the players listed below could provide value by outperforming their current average draft position (ADP).
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Dee Gordon (2B – MIA) ADP 46
It was only two years ago that Gordon was a first-round talent. His PED suspension last season, combined with a paltry .268/.305/.335 slash line, has depressed his value so far in 2017. Modest contact rate regression along with a low BABIP (.319/career .342) suppressed his production in 2016.
However, all is not lost. Gordon posted his best walk rate since 2013 (5.2%), kept his strikeout rate at a career norm (16%), and still flashed game-changing speed (30 SB, 345 PA). Expect a batting average increase into the .280s, and with a full slate of at-bats at the top of Miami’s lineup, there is a good chance for Gordon to outperform his current ECR ranking as the eighth best 2B off the board. There is potential for 80+ runs and 50 SB here.
Dustin Pedroia (2B – BOS) ADP 143
The “Laser Show” doesn’t seem to be getting any fantasy love this season. Considering he slashed .318/.376/.449 while putting up 15 HR, 7 SB, 105 R, and 74 RBIs, and the fact that 2B was especially strong last season, Pedroia’s numbers don’t jump off the board as they might have in previous seasons. However, he will hit atop a potent Boston lineup, and both his hard-contact rate (31.9%) and line drive percentage (24.2%) were career highs last season.
All of this bodes well for his production moving forward and mitigates against significant regression. Health permitting, expect him to flirt with a .300 BA, score close to 100 runs, and chip in around ten home runs and stolen bases in 2017.
This puts him squarely in the top 10 at his position, though he is being drafted as the 14th best 2B off the board presently. Don’t let age bias (33) influence you; the veteran second baseman still has significant fantasy relevance.
Neil Walker (2B – NYM) ADP 249
Currently the twentieth-best bat at the keystone coming off the board, Walker returned to 2014-level power levels (.195 ISO) in 2016 before succumbing to a back injury that ended his season prematurely. So far in spring training, he is healthy, and his career high walk rate last season (9.2%) bodes well for maintaining a healthy batting average and on-base percentage (career .339). If everything breaks right, there are 25 HR here with a healthy dose of counting stats hitting in the middle of the Mets lineup.
The veteran is a free agent at the end of the season, so he has every incentive to perform in 2017. At his price, Walker should easily outperform his ADP. Invest.
Joe Panik (2B – SF) ADP 318
Panik missed 23 games due to concussion symptoms in 2016. He also experienced a sharp decline in batting average (from .312 to .239) and batting average on balls in play (BABIP, -85 points) from his stellar 2015 season. Even so, the lefty was one of only two qualified hitters last season (along with Ben Zobrist) to walk more than he struck out (9.5% to 8.9%, respectively).
While his home ballpark will severely limit his home run output, and he’s never been a burner on the base paths (eight career stolen bases), he can provide a solid .300+ batting average balance for other low average/high power bats in your lineup. More than 300 picks in, there are worse options to plug in your middle infield slot.
Kolten Wong (2B – STL) ADP 327
A prototypical “post-hype sleeper,” Wong limped out away from 2016 (361 PA), posting a .240/.327/.355 slash highlighted by a three-year decline in isolated power (ISO). However, all is not lost…yet. Wong figures to be the starting second baseman for the Cardinals come Opening Day, and both his walk and strikeout rates have trended in the right direction three years in a row. While expecting much more than 10–12 home runs might be wishful thinking, his stolen base success rate portends 15–20 SB potential if he gets the green light.
Wong seems motivated this season, for what it’s worth. There’s value here this late in the draft, especially if you deploy him at the middle infield position.
Raul Mondesi (2B – KC) ADP 389
For the deepest leagues, Mondesi could be a nice end-game flier. Currently, in a four-man battle for starting keystone duty (along with Christian Colon, Whit Merrifield, and Cheslor Cuthbert), the young switch-hitter is making his presence known in Spring Training, going nine for 17 with 1 HR and 2 RBIs since March 7. Given the fact that the 21-year-old has options remaining, he is unlikely to start the year with the big club.
However, he has an enticing power/speed profile (9 HR and 33 SB in 480 PA across four levels in 2016) that could merit a call-up in the second half if the Royals stay in contention. Take a wait-and-see approach for now, but be ready to place a claim if you need a cheap speed option later this season.
KEEPER/DYNASTY LEAGUES
Ozzie Albies (2B/SS – ATL) ADP 460
Albies (elbow) is currently awaiting clearance from doctors to resume baseball activities. There’s little chance that he breaks camp with the club, as the 20-year-old has only accumulated a scant 250 PA at Triple-A. However, he has game-changing speed, good contact skills, and strike zone judgment.
Recently-acquired veteran Brandon Phillips (with a full no-trade clause) complicates Albies’ path to playing time. So, unless injury strikes—Phillips has put up at least 500+ AB in every year since 2006 except one—Albies will develop in the high minors. However, when he does get the call, the young switch-hitter will contribute in batting average and stolen bases as the Braves’ table-setter of the future.
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Joseph Pytleski is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joseph, check out his archive and follow him @shoelessjoep.
