Who Is MLB’s Best Second Baseman? Buster Olney’s Top 10

Let’s break down ESPN analyst Buster Olney’s ranking of the top 10 second basemen heading into the 2026 MLB season. He focuses on projected performance—metrics like fWAR, OPS+, and on-base skills drive his outlook for who’ll lead the position next year and why.

Top 10 Second Basemen for 2026

Olney’s approach is all about what’s coming in 2026, spotlighting players whose ceilings look ready to match or even surpass their recent numbers. Here’s how the top tier shakes out as we look ahead, with offense, baserunning, and defense all factoring in.

Ketel Marte — No. 1 overall

Marte lands at the top after three big seasons. His 2025 stats—about 15 fWAR, 28 homers, and a 145 OPS+—really highlight his all-around value.

He keeps showing off his versatility at second and continues to make an impact with the bat. The ranking does mention an off-field incident, but it’s really about what he does between the lines and his upside for 2026.

• 2025 line: ~15 fWAR, 28 HR, 145 OPS+.
• Defensive value: athleticism and range at multiple positions bolster his overall package.

Nico Hoerner — No. 2

Hoerner grabs the second spot after leading all second basemen in fWAR and picking up a second Gold Glove. He hit .297 and stole 29 bases, plus he kept his strikeouts to just 7.6%—that combo of contact and speed should keep him producing in 2026.

• Offense: .297 average with 29 stolen bases.
• Defense: top-tier Gold Glove-caliber work at second base.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. — No. 3

Chisholm comes in third after a flashy 30-30 season that put his power-speed combo on full display. His tools are loud, but Olney wonders if he can bring that same impact every single game.

His defense holds up, too, so there’s plenty to like for 2026.

• 2025 profile: 30 HR, 30 SB season demonstrating rare speed and power synergy.
• Question: consistency to consistently exploit his ceiling over a full year.

Brice Turang — No. 4

Turang broke out with 18 homers and 24 steals, plus a 121 OPS+ and better exit velocity. Olney points out his defense slipped, though, so his glove needs to bounce back in 2026 if he’s going to reach that next level.

• Offensive burst: 18 HR, 24 SB, 121 OPS+.
• Defensive caveat: defensive metrics decreased, a swing factor for 2026.

Brendan Donovan — No. 5

Donovan gets on base, drives in runs, and can move around the diamond if needed. He hit .315 against righties last year, which should keep him in the lineup and boost his value at second and elsewhere.

• On-base prowess: strong OBP upside against right-handers.
• Positional flexibility: potential to shift if the team needs him elsewhere.

Gleyber Torres — No. 6

Torres accepted a qualifying offer and responded with better plate discipline, more hits and walks, and fewer strikeouts. That mix of improvement and the chance for more growth makes him a steady option at second in 2026.

• Plate discipline: career highs in hits and walks, reduced K-rate.
• Finance: returns on a team-friendly deal if he keeps advancing.

Xavier Edwards — No. 7

Edwards’ switch to second unlocked some impressive defensive numbers in limited time, plus he put up a .343 OBP. His early career leans on elite speed and mature plate discipline, so he could stand out even more if he gets regular playing time in 2026.

• Defensive upside: standout metrics in small samples at second.
• On-base potential: .343 OBP signals plus-impact potential with more reps.

Marcus Semien — No. 8

Semien still plays great defense, but Olney points out his bat has cooled off. If he can get back some of his old power and average, he could climb again—but right now, defense alone won’t be enough in 2026.

• Defensive reputation: elite range and awareness at second base.
• Offense: decline dampens overall impact, limiting upside unless rebound occurs.

Bryson Stott — No. 9

Stott brings power and speed, but his struggles against lefties keep him from moving up. If he can even out those splits, maybe he takes on a bigger role in 2026.

• Tool kit: power and speed play well in modern lineups.
• Lefty splits: improvement against left-handers would raise his ceiling.

Near-misses and veteran contenders

Olney also spotlighted several near-misses and veteran stalwarts who weren’t in the top 10 but still have a shot in 2026. Among them are:

• Jose Altuve — veteran impact and track record.
• Luis Arraez — elite on-base skills that could translate to a stronger 2026 profile.
• Jackson Holliday — top prospect with long-term upside, not yet a full-time fixture.
• Brandon Lowe — power upside with variability in health and consistency.
• Luke Keaschall — young asset with growing profile at the position.
• Ozzie Albies — high-end defense and upside, health remaining a question.
• Chase Meidroth — another rising name with tools that could influence 2026.

The group’s a mash-up of proven vets and breakout hopefuls. Some of these guys might just shake up second base by 2026.

Marte’s all-around game, Hoerner’s contact and defense, Turang’s power-speed—there’s a lot to watch. This position can sneak up and decide divisional races, honestly.

If you’re a fan or messing around with fantasy, it’s probably smart to keep an eye on spring stats and lineup shuffles. One of these names could land in the perfect spot for a breakout, and wouldn’t that be something?

 
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