MLB 2Bs Who Are Making Waves

MLB 2Bs are a weak position. Not many teams have a star 2B – at least on offense – and many use a utility-type player at the spot. That can be a good thing in Fantasy Baseball. If you can get an OF or 1B who also plays 2B, you should be in good shape.

Top Five 2Bs

1. Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks): By far the best 2B. 36 home runs and 95 RBIs in 2024 say it all. However, he pulled up lame with a hamstring Thursday night, and that might not be good. He has a history with this injury.
2. Jose Altuve (Astros): He was the top 2B until Marte came along. He is playing left field for Houston, and he doesn’t have star OF numbers. However, he has great numbers in a weak 2B market.
3. Ozzie Albies (Braves): Injuries have slowed him a bit, but he is bouncing back. He already has five RBI, and with Ronald Acuna coming back soon, his value is up.
4. Marcus Semien (Rangers): He had 23 home runs and 74 RBI last season. You could argue that he may be more valuable than Altuve.
5. Luis Arraez (Padres): He is not a power guy, but he is great on average and steals bases. He is also listed as 1B, but unless you are in a stolen base league, that doesn’t help much. He is steady and can be relied on every day, and San Diego has a great lineup.

Next 5 2Bs

1. Brendan Donovan (Cardinals): The top Utility guy eligible at 2B. He was ranked very high on all lists and drafted high in most leagues despite just 14 home runs and 73 last season. Eligible as an OF and 3B, so he helps at many positions.
2. Matt McClain (Reds): First-round pick in 2021 is already making noise. Also eligible at SS, he had 16 home runs, 50 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in 2023. Cincinnati is loaded with young talent.
3. Jordan Westburg (Orioles): Westburg is starting at 3B for Baltimore and batting third. He had 18 home runs and 63 RBI last year and also stole six bases.
4. Brice Turang (Brewers): He is leading off for Milwaukee after a solid start last season. He ended up with 57 RBI and seven home runs after fading late.
5. Jackson Holliday (Orioles): The young star is batting ninth but starting at 2B for Baltimore. He drove in 23 runs and had five home runs in only 190 at-bats last season. A rising star as the No. 1 overall pick in 2022.

Who are these guys

1. Christian Campbell (Red Sox): The rookie is starting at 2B for Boston. He is also eligible as an OF and SS. He currently leads all 2B in the majors with five RBI, two home runs, and nine runs scored.
2. Andres Gimenez (Blue Jays): Most Fantasy owners have heard of this guy. Not long ago, he was a budding star for Cleveland. After a couple of down years, he is looking to pick his career back up North of the border. He already has six RBIs, eight runs scored, and three home runs.
3. Otto Lopez (Marlins): How bad is Miami? A little known 2B is hitting cleanup for them. Lopez already has seven RBI and has scored five runs. He also stole 20 bases last season.
4. Matt Shaw (Cubs): The rookie former first-round pick is starting at 3B for the Cubs. He is also eligible at SS. He has scored nine runs already.
5. Brandon Lowe (Rays): He had 21 home runs and drove in 58 runs in just 385 bats last year. He is batting second for Tampa Bay and already has 6 RBI.

Even though 2B is thin with stars, there are many players who are on the rise and can help at other positions as well. The best sleeper at 2B? Maikel Garcia of the Royals. He will get plenty of starts between 2B, 3B, and OF.