For the following weeks I will be ranking players for the upcoming season. I will be looking at previous seasons, their 2016 season and projectability.
Second Basemen
5. Tigers Second Basemen:
Ian Kinsler is a very good baseball player. He seems to have become an underrated player as his career has gone along. He has always been a 20-20 threat and has actually had 30-30 seasons twice in 2009 and 2011. The thing about Kinsler is the switch to Detroit has revitalized his career he has always had stellar defense and actually one his only gold glove this past year. Kinsler entering his age 35 season he is expected to decline that is why he is lower on this list being one of the few five tool players in the league.
4. Nationals Second Basemen:
Daniel Murphy was the greatest offensive threat for the Nationals and good argument for all of baseball by leading the national league in doubles, Slugging, and OPS, while being second in batting average. Daniel Murphy has never been known for being a great defender and in all honesty he is not. His fielding percentage ranked 19th among qualified second basemen. This is why that Murphy who is arguably the best offensive second basemen ranks fourth on my list because he is not even close to being a two way player.
3. Twins Second Basemen:
Brian Dozier had arguably the best kept secret season. Dozier finished the season with 41 home-runs after starting the year horribly ending May with a .202 batting average. Brian Dozier also is more than an adequate defender. Dozier finished the season with a stats line of .282/.353/.572. He was a dominating force in an abysmal Twins lineup. Dozier ranks third on this list because even though he has the power he is not as strong in the other categories compared to the top players on this list.
2. Rockies Second Basemen:
DJ LeMahieu had the breakout season that no one expected. After winning the gold glove in 2014 he had been over shadowed by superstar Nolan Arenado. LeMahieu is a controversial pick for the second place spot he does not have the power numbers like Dozier or the stolen bases like Kinsler, but the batting champion had an On Base Percentage that should be envied at .416. LeMahieu being an elite defender along with being one of the best contact hitters gets him on this list, but his capability to grow is still very evident. I feel that LeMahieu can still get better, while players like Dozier, Kinsler, and Murphy have peaked.
1. Astros Second Basemen:
José Altuve is the unquestioned top option at second base. He and few others are the only viable candidates that can contest Mike Trout for the best player in baseball. Altuve proved this year he is not just a speedy contact hitter. He hit .338 with 24 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Altuve is also the youngest player on this list, and has gotten better every year. There is no reason to believe that Altuve will be slowing down, and with being third on the MVP voting this year he has a real chance of becoming one in the following years.
