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.
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Second base rankings
Marcus Semien, Rangers AL1
Jazz Chisholm, Marlins NL1
Andres Gimenez, Guardians AL2
Ozzie Albies, Braves NL2
Tommy Edman, Cardinals NL3
Max Muncy, Dodgers NL4
Jose Altuve, Astros AL3
Jeff McNeil, Mets NL5
Gleyber Torres, Yankees AL4
Brandon Lowe, Rays AL5
Brandon Drury, Angels AL6
Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks NL6
Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks NL7
Thairo Estrada, Giants NL8
Jonathan India, Reds NL9
Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays AL7
Vaughn Grissom, Braves NL10
DJ LeMahieu, Yankees AL8
Jake Cronenworth, Padres NL11
Luis Arraez, Marlins NL12
Luis Urias, Brewers NL13
Jean Segura, Marlins NL14
Bryson Stott, Phillies NL15
Jorge Polanco, Twins AL9
Kolten Wong, Mariners AL10
Isaac Paredes, Rays AL11
Chris Taylor, Dodgers NL16
Brendan Donovan, Cardinals NL17
Jon Berti, Marlins NL18
Wilmer Flores, Giants NL19
Christopher Morel, Cubs NL20
Luis Rengifo, Angels AL12
Trevor Story, Red Sox AL13
Luis Garcia, Nationals NL21
Nick Gordon, Twins AL14
Jonathan Schoop, Tigers AL15
Tony Kemp, A's AL16
Aledmys Diaz, A's AL17
Joey Wendle, Marlins NL22
Christian Arroyo, Red Sox AL18
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 40 second basemen for 2023