Rest of Season Second Base Rankings (May Update)

We are five weeks deep into the 2019 MLB season, so we're whipping it around the horn for a Rest-of-Season update of our mixed rankings analysis. RotoBaller writers Nick Mariano, Pierre Camus, Bill Dubiel and Scott Engel want you to crush the competition and know that rankings can't end on draft day. Check out our fantasy baseball rankings dashboard for the latest and greatest ranks at any time.

As we review the second base position after a month-plus of fantasy action, it is clear that one superstar has seized the top tier all for himself, while another preseason standout is managing to cling to his lofty spot in the second tier, but reputation is not going to help him hold on much longer. There is much quality depth and versatility that runs deep past the 20-player mark. The position is further bolstered by some rising young luminaries that continue to live up to their promise, while some notable veterans are proving they can still be significant contributors, even as we dig deeper and get a bit lower into the ranks.

Now, let's dive into the updated second base rankings. Check out shortstop ranks right here, venture to the outfield or take to the mound for starting pitcher ranks.

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Second Base Tiered Ranks - 5x5 Mixed Leagues (May)

In case you missed it, our very own "Big Pick Nick" Mariano was recently named the #1 overall most accurate industry expert ranker for the 2018 season. You can see his secret sauce below! Additionally, industry legend Scott Engel recently joined the RotoBaller team and provides his insights as well. Scott is an FSWA Hall Of Famer and award winner.

Rankings Analysis – Top Tiers

Tier One

It’s all about the Astro Pop returning. There were concerns about Jose Altuve heading into 2019, as he hit just 13 homers last season and there were also whispers about some health concerns. Well, as I deliver a spin on an incredibly tired old phrase, Houston, we have no problem in that department. Altuve already has nine home runs in 63 at-bats and his ISO has leaped nearly 100 points from last season. Of some concern, though, is the fact he has only stolen one base. But he already has over one third of his RBI from last year. He is hitting .238, but the .227 BABIP points to better times ahead there. Is Altuve sacrificing power for speed? If so, you can’t have everything from him anymore, just most of it. If he does not start swiping more bags, though, he may not keep this tier all to himself.

Tier Two

Do I really have to document Jose Ramirez’s awful start? He is holding his lofty spot in Tier Two based on the respect he garnered from previous seasons, especially 2018. But it is getting to the point that Nick Mariano has him ranked five spots in the overall ratings behind anyone else. Ramirez still is stealing bases, but his hard hit percentage has dropped just over 10 points. It’s still too early to get him off his perch, but by next month he may fall to another tier. I seem to be more in fantasy love with Javier Baez than my colleagues. I have him just two spots behind Altuve overall. Yes, he strikes out a lot, but so do many other top hitters who compensate otherwise. Some of the indicators say he is naturally due to cool off, but I think he has arrived as something very special. He has become a fearsome two-strike hitter.

There were some doubters who did not believe Whit Merrifield could play well again and 2018 was a career season. So far, he is proving those doubters wrong. There were also Aldaberto Mondesi naysayers, but he is proving to be a terrific all-around contributor, even better than expected so far. There’s two Royals who deserve some high levels of respect.

Tier Three

Ozzie Albies is off to a blazing start again, but we did see him flame out last year after he raked early in the schedule. But he keeps a significant spot in the ranks for now. Gleyber Torres has cut down on his strikeouts so far, and is holding steady where he belongs. Pierre seems to believe Torres has not even warmed up yet, as he has him just outside of the Top 50 overall.

We are seeing a true breakthrough campaign for Yoan Moncada, and he could move to the top of this tier soon. He has reduced his strikeout rate by nearly seven points, and his early ISO is up just over 50 points. Many analysts did not project him to hit over 20 homers, but he seems to be on his way to easily sailing past that marker.

Rankings Analysis – Middle Tiers

Tier Four

Hitting .214 with four home runs and nine RBI, real concerns are starting to develop about Matt Carpenter and his footing at the top of this tier is far from firm, especially according to Nick, who has dropped him outside of his Top 100 overall.

Nick and I have both been impressed with Dee Gordon, who is actually on his way to establishing a new career high in HRs (three currently, needs two for a new high). Seriously, though, he has reclaimed some of his luster as a pure hitter. A .307 BABIP is a little low for Jonathan Villar, so that .257 BA should rise. He appears to have settled in very nicely in Baltimore. Robinson Cano has started to look his age as he also adjusts to the NL.

Pierre is maintaining confidence in Travis Shaw. Brandon Lowe has a .417 BABIP, and his .272 ISO will slip too, but he seems to be for real as one of this year’s better value options from draft day. Nick Senzel may start rising in this tier soon, and with a .136 BA and three homers, Rougned Odor could fall out of it despite Bill maintaining some hope.

Tier Five

We would like to see more steals from Cesar Hernandez, but he has 18 runs scored and 14 RBI so far, and there really isn’t any reason to fret about him overall. I will probably boost him higher in my next update.

Brian Dozier still is showing pop, but his strikeout rate has risen and he is hitting under .200. Bill still respects him a lot, though, as he has him over 30 spots ahead of anyone else overall.

Jeff McNeil has been a fine sleeper type, delivering in terms of batting average, runs scored and RBI, and you have to love the positional versatility.

Tier Six

Ryan McMahon missed a good chunk of time early in the schedule, so we will have to reserve firm judgment for now. Nick and I seem to agree that Asdrubal Cabrera remains underrated. Always a solid later round pick, he already has seven home runs.

What you see is what you get from Niko Goodrum. The batting average is below .230 and the OBP at .328, even though the strikeouts are down and the walks are up. He has just three homers and three steals. But he does have 15 runs scored and 11 RBI, so you are getting something of a return for your late selection there.

Rankings Analysis – Lower Tiers

Tier Seven

D.J. LeMahieu has been a solid addition for the Yankees and is nearing the 20 mark in runs scored and RBI, as he has filled in well for an injury-depleted squad. Jurickson Profar has not effectively replaced Jed Lowrie in Oakland.

Chris Taylor has sapped fantasy hope and should be reserved for now. The .257 BABIP does point to some better production ahead.

Where did this sudden burst of power by Tommy La Stella emanate from? The .311 ISO is outrageous, as is the 27.3 HR/FB rate. Ride it while you can, especially in points leagues.

Tiers Eight and Nine

Garrett Hampson has not taken any advantage of his opportunities so far, and Nick has started to write him off. Nick may also be the only one who slightly believes in Eric Sogard, as he is the single staffer who has him ranked at all.

I am pushing Derek Dietrich much higher in my next update. Why did I forget he had 29 total HRs over the past two seasons? He has done a great job filling in for Scooter Gennett, and he helped get Matt Kemp cut. Last week alone he had four homers and eight RBI.

Ronny Rodriguez is “overachieving” to the tune of a .321 BA and 12 RBI. But is he really overachieving? His recent numbers in Triple-A were pretty good.

Marwin Gonzalez, Johan Camargo and Josh Harrison have made us forget why we drafted them in the first place, while Chris Owings’ .463 OPS is one of the worst in the Majors - he has no fantasy relevance.

The Padres appear to be playing it patiently with Luis Urias. Don't count on much from him in the first half of the season.

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