With the new MLB season just around the corner, now is the time to take a closer look at the best second basemen of 2024. We can tell you right away that the competition for the best second basemen of 2024 is fierce. At least one or two of these players have already been considered among the greatest second basemen in MLB history.
Ranking of the best second basemen in MLB baseball in 2024
Of course, history will inevitably take care of itself. Right now, we're focused on the 2024 second baseman.
This means that we are only interested in key players who are preparing for a big season. After reading, feel free to debate, but here is our ranking of the best second basemen in 2024.
10. Bryson Stott
Although somewhat overlooked in Philadelphia's lineup, Bryson Stott has emerged as a quality cornerstone player. The 2023 season was his first full season in the major leagues, and he responded by batting .280 with an OPS of .748.
With nearly 50 extra base hits during the season, he has managed to secure the job at second base long-term. Whether he will continue to move up the ranks is another question, but Stott is certainly a top-10 starter right now.
9. Andres Jimenez
Things have been a bit up and down for Andres Giménez over the past two seasons. However, the 25-year-old still has enough upside to be among baseball's best second basemen. His impressive numbers in 2022 declined last season.
However, Jimenez is more than capable of returning to his age. He's also an accomplished fielder who won back-to-back Gold Gloves and Platinum Gloves last year. His defense is important and helps distinguish himself from the group.
8. Gleyber Torres
It looks as if the old Gleyber Torres is back. Keep in mind he's only 27 years old, so it's not hard to envision him regaining his form from the magical 2019 campaign when he had 38 homers and an OPS of .872.
Over the past two seasons, Torres has hit 56 doubles and 49 home runs. For a player of his age who is at the top of his game now, these are strong numbers. If he can build on that, Torres is poised for another strong season in 2024.
7. Marty Kittle
After being named NLCS MVP last season while helping the Diamondbacks reach the World Series, Ketel Marte is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He's been among the second tier of MLB second basemen for several years, and he's still only 30 years old.
Marty's biggest flaw is that he often experienced a dip in his production after a busy year. We could see a negative year for Marte in 2024, especially after such a short offseason for him. On the other hand, he is capable of hitting over .300 and giving Arizona an OPS of .900 or higher, so we can't forget the upside he possesses.
6. Jose Altuve
Age has helped knock Jose Altuve down a few pegs compared to the top baserunner in the major leagues. He turns 34 in May and wasn't a star last season thanks to a long stint on the IL.
Obviously, this is still a concern for him heading into 2024. However, if Altuve is healthy, he is capable of hitting .300 and having an OPS of .900 or better. If he can do that, the Astros will certainly take him.
5. Xander Bogaerts
A radical change in San Diego's outfield has now led to Xander Bogaerts being listed among the top second basemen in MLB. He's obviously getting paid as a shortstop, so the Padres may not get their money's worth.
But Bogaerts is also a five-time Silver Slugger winner at shortstop. Despite a disappointing offensive campaign during his first year with the Padres, Bogaerts would instantly become one of the best second basemen in baseball. The 31-year-old has to get back on track with the bat as he settles into a new defensive position.
4. Luis Arraez
Only one player in the history of baseball can claim to have won batting titles in different leagues in consecutive seasons, and that is Luis Arraez. Of course, his power numbers will never compare to other second basemen in baseball. But that's easy to overlook for a guy who hit .354 last season and posted an OPS of .862.
The guy will only turn 27 in April, so he's only entering his prime. If he can continue to hit .350 and keep his OPS above .800, it's hard not to place Arraez among the best second basemen in baseball.
3. Ozzy Albies
With so many star players around him in Atlanta, it's almost easy to overlook Ozzie Albies. However, he is coming off his best season, batting .280 with 33 homers.
Albies was an All-Star in 2023 and was also selected to the All-MLB Second-Team. If he stays healthy, the 27-year-old will be more than capable of matching or exceeding last year's production, a scary thought for opposing teams.
2. Marcus Simien
In two of the last three years, Marcus Semien has been a second baseman on the All-MLB first team. He has also earned Silver Slugger honors in two of the past three years and is new to helping the Rangers win a World Series. Age is the only potential question mark for the 33-year-old.
But we're talking about a player who has missed 10 total games since the start of 2018. Semien is in the lineup every day and producing, which is why he remains among baseball's elite second basemen.
1. Mookie Betts
It looks like Mookie Betts will be the Dodgers' second baseman, which also means he will be the best second baseman in the MLB this year.
We're used to seeing Betts put up MVP-caliber numbers every year and 2024 should be no different. In fact, he just finished his best season since winning the MVP award in 2018. Given the talent around him, Betts will have plenty of protection and should see enough good action to have another big year.
Also, with his athleticism, no one has to worry about Betts handling himself defensively, making him a second baseman and an elite player.
