Just Outside The Top 10
Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox:
Over the last couple of years, when he’s healthy, Pedroia has put up solid numbers and has regularly gone undrafted.
No, he isn’t the MVP caliber player that he was, but he can still be a good source or runs scored and will hit for a good average. Last year he had 15 home runs, 74 RBI’s and had .318 average.
If he can repeat those numbers, he would be a great steal late in the draft again this year. He is in a very good lineup and should hit at the top of it. If the second basemen you draft struggles out of the gate, look for Pedroia to help you.
Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs:
Baez has the raw power at second base that scouts have been drooling over him the last handful of years and he finally got consistent playing time and put up pretty good numbers.
Baez showed in spurts that he can be an elite option at second base, put up a 20/20 season next year and might even go undrafted.
If you wait on second base in your draft, Baez should be the second basemen that you go after. He is young, has very good power upside and can steal up to 30 bases if given the chance. Target him in keeper and dynasty leagues.
Jonathan Schoop, Baltimore Orioles:
Schoop is one of the few second basemen who can hit 30 home runs next year as he hits in a good lineup and a hitter-friendly ballpark.
At second base, it’s hard to find that type of production especially late in drafts or on the free agent list. He’s in the same boat as Baez, if you skip on second base he is as good as it gets, late in drafts.
Schoop will also score 80+ runs next year but he may not be a good option in points leagues because of his low walk rate and his high strikeout total.
At just 25 years old, he could be a good pick in dynasty leagues who will give you consistent production this year and a couple years down the road.
