Ranking the 10 best second basemen in MLB for 2025

Hey, where'd everybody go? A year ago, second base seemed like the "it" spot. Mookie Betts was expected to move there more permanently from right field and Xander Bogaerts was bumping over from shortstop while everyone was giddily awaiting the arrival of top prospect Jackson Holliday. 

Well, the position suddenly looks more barren. Betts and Bogaerts are at shortstop, Jose Altuve is an outfielder, Luis Arraez is spending more time at first base and designated hitter, Holliday's first big-league test was rocky, and it now looks like Alex Bregman won't be making a position switch in Boston. 

Soon, the position could see an influx of exciting prospects, from Kristian Campbell to Travis Bazzana to Christian Moore. For now, though, it's a spot dominated by veterans. At least it will get a little Jazzier!

Our eight-part position series continues with the top 10 second basemen entering the 2025 season. 

2024 stats: .254/.316/.349, 7 HR, 87 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR 
2025 ZiPS projections: .254/.317/.360, 9 HR, 90 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR 

New rule: If you steal 50 bases and win the Platinum Glove, you get a place on the top-10 list.

2024 stats: (Injured - did not play)  
2025 ZiPS: 254/.340/.449, 19 HR, 114 wRC+, 3.6 fWAR 

Coming off a lost year recovering from shoulder surgery, can McLain pick up where he left off when he posted an .864 OPS and was a three-win player in 89 games as a rookie in 2023? If he can, he'll zoom up this list quickly.

2024 stats: .237/.294/.417, 6 HR, 98 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR 
2025 ZiPS: .254/.310/.394, 11 HR, 98 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR 

For now, Edman is beginning the season as the Dodgers' primary second baseman. The fact he could just as easily play in center, and will likely work in there, speaks to the distinctive versatility he brings.