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However, just as with our 1B rankings, versatility seems to reign supreme throughout this list. Only five of our top-20 second basemen are only eligible at 2B in default Yahoo leagues. That doesn’t necessarily mean Jose Altuve or Scooter Gennett are less valuable than others, but it does mean this will be a hard position to track once drafts start. Both Adalberto Mondesi and Jonathan Villar – legit 20/50 threats if everything breaks right – can play 2B and SS, while sluggers like Max Muncy, Travis Shaw, and Matt Carpenter can also play 1B and 3B. Drafting one of these players early gives you more options later.

2019 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers:Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Each team

As with most positions, second base has its share of proven veterans looking to bounce back. Players like Brian Dozier and Robinson Cano, both with new teams, are tough to evaluate. Do they still have another big year in them, or are they a sucker’s pick who will get outproduced by youngsters such as Willy Adames and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.?

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Tiers, Draft StrategyCatcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Closer

Likewise, Dee Gordon, who stands out as the only pure speed guy outside the upper tier (barring Colorado’s Garrett Hampson winning a starting job in spring training), really didn’t do much last season, stealing only 30 bases while posting a career-low .288 OBP. He’ll likely be drafted much higher than we have him ranked, as fantasy owners will undoubtedly hope he can regain the 60-SB pace he showed the previous four seasons, but it’s just as possible he’s in decline. 

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings:Catcher | First | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

Second base isn’t a throwaway position, but you can still wait on it. Only shortstop can match it when it comes to elite SB talents who can also hit 15-plus homers, which is why many owners will likely go in relative early on someone like Whit Merrifield, Mondesi, or Villar. But if you decide to go a different route, you could still be able to get some power and speed to help balance your roster. If all else fails, load up on homers and look for speed on the waiver wire.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 cheat sheet

2019 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 2B

These rankings are for standard 5x5, non-keeper leagues. Eligibility based on Yahoo default settings.

  • = Player not eligible at that position on draft day but expected to play there during the season