Of the positions we have covered so far, second base brings the most depth within the Free Agent Class while several names remain in the mix as trade candidates before Draft Day. The group is led by Mookie Betts who gained second base eligibility for the second consecutive season with Marcus Semien and Ozzie Albies (expected to be dropped by the Lake Merced Goutfish) right behind.
The Second Base Market Overview is the third in our off-season series with Catcher and First Base already completed.
Top RDBL Free Agents | Top Trade Candidates |
1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers 2. Marcus Semien, Rangers 3. *Ozzie Albies, Braves 4. Gleybar Torres, Yankees 5. *Ketal Marte, D'Backs *Currently Projected to be Released | 1. Brendan Rodgers (2R/$3), Stacks 2. Max Muncy (3/$17), Falcons 3. Jorge Polanco (3/$15), Clovers 4. Josh Rojas (2/$11), Devils 5. Nick Madrigal (2R/$3), Jokers |
Top Available Prospects | Top RDBL Prospects |
1 Connor Norby (Orioles) 2. Jordan Westburg (Orioles) 3. Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox) 4. Justin Foscue (Rangers) 5. Jonathan Aranda (Rays) | 1. Termarr Johnson, Maulers 2. Michael Busch, Devils 3. Nolan Gorman, Taters 4. Jace Jung, Ducks 5. Nick Gonzales, Maulers |
2022 Rankings | 2023 Projections |
1. Jose Altuve (Taters), 465.5 2. Mookie Betts (FA), 434.5 3. Jeff McNeil (Stacks), 406.5 4. Marcus Semien (FA), 391.0 5. Luis Arraez (Fish), 385.5 | 1. Mookie Betts (FA), 456.5 2. Jose Altuve (Taters), 431.5 3. Jeff McNeil (Stacks), 391.5 4. Jake Crownenworth (Hops), 388.5 5. Ketal Marte (FA), 384.0 |
Team Needs
Idaho Taters, Honolulu Hammerheads, Las Vegas Aristocrats, Lunatic Fringe, Lake Merced Goutfish, Mission Viejo Maulers, Mt. Diablo Devils, Burlingame Blue Ducks
Activation Candidates
In a heavy activation class, Nolan Gorman (Taters) and Jordan Groshans (Fish) are likely the only second basemen in the mix for activation though neither is likely for Opening Day.
Top Free Agent
Despite a two-week IL stint with a cracked rib, Mookie Betts parlayed a career high 47.7 percent fly ball rate into 35 homers, a personal best. The downside was a lower BABIP for the fourth straight season, as Betts' uppercut swing decreased his groundball exit velocity, which torpedoed his groundball BABIP. However, a low 16.3 percent strikeout rate limited damage, allowing Betts to register a 144 wRC+, the third best of his career. He picked up second base eligibility for the second consecutive season, boosting his value even more in a crowded RDBL Free Agent class.
Under the Radar Free Agent
Vaughn Grissom began the season with High-A Rome before being promoted to Double-A Mississippi. Atlanta summoned him in early August, and he filled in admirably, posting a .291/.353/.440 line in 156 plate appearances. However, a .163/.250/.163 stretch for two weeks in September cost Grissom his starting job for the last ten games and into the playoffs. Grissom's early success was driven by a high BABIP, so regression was expected. He fanned a little more in the bigs, but that's to be expected. Even though he was mostly a shortstop in the minors, Grissom played second with the Braves where he will start the season with eligibility. With Ozzie Albies back, Grissom could play shortstop or outfield.
Top Trade Candidate
The Stacks continue to float around various plans to complete the end of their Keeper Roster which could lead to a move on Brendan Rodgers (2/$3). After being acquired by the Stacks in early May, Rodgers turned it up a level slashing .284/.344/.439 over his final 491 at-bats, overcoming a rough start to the season. He lost shortstop eligibility for 2023, but has drawn initial interest with the Burlingame Blue Ducks reportedly in contract.
Top Prospect Available
Connor Norby led Orioles prospects with 29 home runs, 19 of which he hit over his final 54 games between Double- and Triple-A. His epic finish (.330/.406/.656) oversells his offensive upside. Nonetheless, if he develops above-average hit and game power tools, he will be a fantasy force, especially at light-hitting second base.
Top RDBL Prospect
New Mission Viejo Maulers acquisition Termarr Johnson leads the way for a shallow group of second base prospects. The 18-year-old second baseman was selected No. 4 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Atlanta’s Mays High School and signed to a $7 million bonus last July. Ranked the Pirates’ top prospect by Baseball Prospectus, FanGraphs and MLB Pipeline and No. 2 by Baseball America, Johnson is the youngest player in major league camp.
Comments