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2023 second base rankings: Marcus Semien stands alone after Jose Altuve's injury

Until Jose Altuve suffered a broken thumb when he was hit by a pitch in the World Baseball Classic, he was one of two players who stood above the crowd at second base. Now, the Rangers' Marcus Semien is the only player remaining who consistently combines power and speed at a position where most fantasy managers have to choose one or the other.

Altuve's absence for potentially 8-10 weeks is a massive loss for an already-thin American League group. The Guardians' Andres Gimenez had a breakout season in 2022 (.297, 17 HR, 20 SB), but can he do it again? Silver Slugger utilityman Brandon Drury (28 HR, 87 RBI), now with the Angels, provides pop at three positions.

Meanwhile, the National League features significantly more depth at second base. The Marlins' Jazz Chisholm, who's slated to start in center field this year, could move into the top tier if he can just stay healthy. Jeff McNeil and Luis Arraez won batting titles in 2022, Tommy Edman (32 SB) offers speed and 2021 rookie of the year Jonathan India is a sneaky late pick after an injury-shortened sophomore season.

FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position by position rankings

Marcus Semien started the 2022 season slowly, but finished with 26 home runs, 101 runs scored and 25 stolen bases.
Marcus Semien started the 2022 season slowly, but finished with 26 home runs, 101 runs scored and 25 stolen bases.

Second base rankings

  1. Marcus Semien, Rangers    AL1

  2. Jazz Chisholm, Marlins    NL1

  3. Andres Gimenez, Guardians    AL2

  4. Ozzie Albies, Braves    NL2

  5. Tommy Edman, Cardinals    NL3

  6. Max Muncy, Dodgers    NL4

  7. Jose Altuve, Astros    AL3

  8. Jeff McNeil, Mets    NL5

  9. Gleyber Torres, Yankees    AL4

  10. Brandon Lowe, Rays    AL5

  11. Brandon Drury, Angels    AL6

  12. Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks    NL6

  13. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks    NL7

  14. Thairo Estrada, Giants    NL8

  15. Jonathan India, Reds    NL9

  16. Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays    AL7

  17. Vaughn Grissom, Braves    NL10

  18. DJ LeMahieu, Yankees    AL8

  19. Jake Cronenworth, Padres    NL11

  20. Luis Arraez, Marlins    NL12

  21. Luis Urias, Brewers    NL13

  22. Jean Segura, Marlins    NL14

  23. Bryson Stott, Phillies    NL15

  24. Jorge Polanco, Twins    AL9

  25. Kolten Wong, Mariners    AL10

  26. Isaac Paredes, Rays    AL11

  27. Chris Taylor, Dodgers    NL16

  28. Brendan Donovan, Cardinals    NL17

  29. Jon Berti, Marlins    NL18

  30. Wilmer Flores, Giants    NL19

  31. Christopher Morel, Cubs    NL20

  32. Luis Rengifo, Angels    AL12

  33. Trevor Story, Red Sox    AL13

  34. Luis Garcia, Nationals    NL21

  35. Nick Gordon, Twins    AL14

  36. Jonathan Schoop, Tigers  AL15

  37. Tony Kemp, A's    AL16

  38. Aledmys Diaz, A's    AL17

  39. Joey Wendle, Marlins   NL22

  40. Christian Arroyo, Red Sox   AL18

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 40 second basemen for 2023