2023 second base rankings: Marcus Semien, Jose Altuve form exclusive top tier

Two players stand out above the crowd at second base because of their ability to do everything well. The Rangers’ Marcus Semien and the Astros’ Jose Altuve, both 32, consistently combine power and speed at a position where most fantasy managers have to choose one or the other.

They form an exclusive top tier at the position, in the American League and overall. 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 will win 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.

FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position by position rankings

Second base rankings

1. Marcus Semien, Rangers AL1

2. Jose Altuve, Astros AL2

3. Jazz Chisholm, Marlins NL1

4. Andres Gimenez, Guardians AL3

5. Ozzie Albies, Braves NL2

6. Tommy Edman, Cardinals NL3

7. Max Muncy, Dodgers NL4

8. Jeff McNeil, Mets NL5

9. Gleyber Torres, Yankees AL4

10. Vaughn Grissom, Braves NL6

11. Brandon Drury, Angels AL5

12. Luis Arraez, Marlins NL7

13. Brandon Lowe, Rays AL6

14. Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks NL8

15. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks NL9

16. Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays AL7

17. DJ LeMahieu, Yankees AL8

18. Jonathan India, Reds NL10

19. Jorge Polanco, Twins AL9

20. Luis Urias, Brewers NL11

21. Jake Cronenworth, Padres NL12

22. Gavin Lux, Dodgers NL13

23. Bryson Stott, Phillies NL14

24. Brendan Rodgers, Rockies NL15

25. Thairo Estrada, Giants NL16

26. Ha-seong Kim, Padres NL17

27. Chris Taylor, Dodgers NL18

28. Brendan Donovan, Cardinals NL19

29. Jean Segura, Marlins NL20

30. Kolten Wong, Mariners AL10

31. Jon Berti, Marlins NL21

32. Trevor Story, Red Sox AL11

33. Tony Kemp, A’s AL12

34. Wilmer Flores, Giants NL22

35. Luis Garcia, Nationals NL23

36. Aledmys Diaz, A’s AL13

37. Christian Arroyo, Red Sox AL14

38. Christopher Morel, Cubs NL24

39. Isaac Paredes, Rays AL15

40. Luis Rengifo, Angels AL16

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 40 second basemen for 2023