Most people say the best second baseman in baseball right now is Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He keeps hitting well and playing solid defense, so he lands at the top of a lot of rankings for 2025.
Marte’s mix of skill and impact makes him stand out from the rest at second base.
Fans like to argue about other names, like Marcus Semien or Jose Altuve.
Still, Marte’s all-around game gives him the edge.
Second base asks for quick moves and smart decisions, and Marte checks both boxes.
This article takes a look at why Marte and a few others get picked as the best second basemen in baseball right now.
Let’s see what sets these players apart.
All-Time Greatest Second Basemen
The best second basemen in history brought together great defense, solid hitting, and often leadership.
Some won lots of awards and helped their teams win championships.
Others set records that still stand or changed how people look at the position.
Legendary Hall of Famers
A handful of Hall of Famers really stand out.
Rogers Hornsby became famous for his unreal hitting, finishing with a .358 career average and seven batting titles.
Charlie Gehringer always showed up, landing eight top-10 MVP finishes and plenty of All-Star nods.
Eddie Collins and Nap Lajoie starred in their own eras, piling up World Series rings and batting titles.
Roberto Alomar played in the 1990s and brought both defense and offense, picking up Gold Gloves and All-Star selections along the way.
These guys set the bar for what it means to be an all-time great at second base.
Era-Defining MVP Winners
A few second basemen really changed things by winning MVP awards and dominating their time.
Joe Morgan grabbed two MVPs in the 1970s and helped the Reds win back-to-back World Series.
He mixed power, speed, and defense in a way that made him tough to beat.
Jeff Kent, while not always mentioned first, set the home run record for second basemen with 377.
He proved second basemen could bring real power.
These players led their teams deep into the playoffs and helped people see second base as a spot for stars.
Milestone Achievers and Record Holders
Plenty of second basemen hold big records.
Rod Carew took home seven batting titles and finished with a career average over .328.
Joe Gordon and Ryne Sandberg combined offense and defense, picking up home runs, RBIs, and Gold Gloves.
Bill Mazeroski hit a World Series-winning homer, and Frankie Frisch made his name with speed and clutch plays.
Lou Whitaker and Bobby Doerr had long careers and always helped their teams.
These players left their mark with big milestones, All-Star appearances, and championship wins.
They keep inspiring younger players who want to be great at second base.
Top Current MLB Second Basemen
Right now, a handful of second basemen in MLB mix good defense with strong offense.
Some have changed how people see the position.
Others bring a mix of speed, power, and steady production.
Awards and All-Star picks show who’s really making a difference.
Stars Shaping the Modern Game
Guys like José Altuve and Ketel Marte have redefined what it means to play second base.
Altuve is known for his hitting and speed, always putting up high batting averages and getting on base.
Marte adds power and athleticism, playing both second and outfield when needed.
Veterans like Dustin Pedroia and Chase Utley set the standard with their defense and leadership.
Lately, young players such as Andrés Giménez and Nico Hoerner are showing they can do it all—defense and offense.
These players change how teams value second base, mixing quickness with hitting.
Offensive Standouts and Defensive Specialists
Some second basemen get noticed first for their bat.
Ozzie Albies and Marcus Semien both bring power and speed, racking up extra-base hits and stolen bases.
Semien adds value with steady run production and plays solid defense across the infield.
On defense, Gleyber Torres and Jean Segura show off quick hands and smart positioning.
Their ability to limit errors and make big plays keeps their teams in close games.
Balancing offense and defense matters more than ever, and players now work to shine in both areas.
Stats like WAR and fWAR reflect this balance.
Award Winners and All-Star Performers
The best second basemen often take home Silver Slugger awards or get MVP votes.
Altuve has won multiple Silver Sluggers and was an AL MVP candidate, thanks to his high OPS and clutch hits.
Marcus Semien has earned some of these honors too, with his mix of offense and defense.
Looking back, players like Jeff Kent, Robinson Cano, and Craig Biggio made their mark with All-Star appearances and World Series runs.
Today’s second basemen are carrying on that tradition by hitting well, fielding their position, and stepping up as leaders.
The position keeps changing as new talent brings fresh energy and skills.
Some of these top players are shaping the future of baseball, making second base more exciting than ever.
Want more info on the stars leading the game? Check out these modern baseball star profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most top second basemen get noticed for both their hitting and defense.
They help their teams win by showing up at the plate and in the field.
Who tops the lists of best second basemen in MLB this season?
People still talk about José Altuve as one of the best.
You’ll also hear about rising stars and steady veterans who do well on both sides of the ball.
What stats determine the best second baseman in baseball history?
The key numbers are batting average, on-base plus slugging (OPS), home runs, RBIs, and defensive stats like fielding percentage and range factor.
Who are some Hall of Fame second basemen in baseball?
Names like Rogers Hornsby and Jeff Kent stand out for their hitting and all-around play.
They set a high bar for everyone who followed.
Which second baseman is having an exceptional year in 2025?
Players putting up big stats in 2025 include those with high batting averages and strong defense.
José Altuve is one name that keeps coming up.
What makes a second baseman stand out in their defensive performance?
Great second basemen have quick hands, good footwork, and strong arms.
They turn double plays and cover ground fast.
How have the top second basemen impacted their teams’ success?
Top second basemen usually give their teams a boost with solid offense and dependable defense.
They often lead by example and raise team morale.
You’ll sometimes see their impact in the way they handle tough situations or help teammates stay focused.
Their presence can shape in-game decisions, too.
If you’re curious about more standout second basemen, check out this list of the best second baseman in every team’s history.