RADIO
Second base is one of the interesting positions when it comes to fantasy baseball. There’s really only a handful of top-tier star-caliber guys, but after that, it’s one of the deeper positions when it comes to middle-tier contributors.
While there’s a bit more inconsistency after the stars, there are definitely some interesting options with second base and middle infield eligibility that always seem to somehow slide under the radar.
I fully expect that to be the case again this season with there already being so much depth and all the up-and-coming talent at the position. Here are five of my favorite sleepers to consider at second base.
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Luis Urias - Milwaukee Brewers
After battling COVID and then struggling a bit during the 2020 season, Urias very quietly enjoyed a really strong first full season with the Brewers. He recorded a .345 OBP, .789 OPS, 111 OPS+, 25 doubles, 23 home runs, and 75 RBI.
He also posted an elite 11.1% walk rate and was around the league average with his strikeout, whiff, and chase rates. Urias was in line with his minor league numbers, striking out just 115 times.
Urias has always showcased strong contact skills but didn’t offer much in the power department. This season, he was hitting balls harder and barreling them up at a much higher rate than any of his other big-league stints. He also increased his launch angle which led to a significantly higher fly-ball rate.
With a new approach at the plate and more experience under his belt, Urias could provide some big-time value this season.
Kolten Wong - Milwaukee Brewers
Sticking with Brewers infielders, Kolten Wong has always been one of the more underrated middle infielders in the game. We know he’s a solid defender, but Wong also enjoyed a strong offensive season in his first full year in Milwaukee.
Wong stayed productive with a solid average and on-base percentage, but he also tapped into some of his power potential. In the year, he recorded career-highs with 32 doubles and 14 home runs.
His power numbers were still on the lower end of the spectrum, but Wong saw his barrel, sweet spot, and hard-hit percentages increase. Like Urias, he increased his launch angle and began putting the ball in the air more.
Additionally, Wong stayed active on the basepaths, stealing 12 bases in 17 attempts. Even at 31-years-old, his spring speed remained right around his career average. With his speed, low strikeout rate, on-base skills, and some newfound pop, Wong is the perfect leadoff man.
Wong figures to slot right back atop the Brewers' lineup this season, and if he stays healthy, could be looking at another career year.
Brendan Rodgers - Colorado Rockies
Rodgers was once one of the top prospects in baseball. After numerous injuries, he was finally able to show his true colors in the bigs last season. Rodgers had 21 doubles and 15 home runs with 102 OPS+ and .798 OPS over 102 games.
The youngster showed solid plate discipline, striking out just 84 times and posting strong strikeout and whiff rates. As he did throughout the minors, Rodgers displayed a balanced approach at the plate. Despite playing all of his home games at Coors Field, he didn’t sell out for power.
Taking a deeper look at his numbers, Rodgers actually had some interesting home/road splits.
While he did hit more doubles, only three of his 15 homers were at home, and he posted a significantly higher OPS on the road. Those results certainly figure to change over the course of a full season.
Coming off a strong season and with the Rockies still rebuilding, Rodgers figures to see every opportunity for playing time. The 25-year-old has loads of potential heading into this season, and if he can just stay healthy, the sky’s the limit.
Abraham Toro - Seattle Mariners
Perhaps the most interesting trade at last season’s deadline was the Mariners shipping off their lockdown closer, Kendall Graveman, to the division-rival Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Abraham Toro in the midst of a playoff race. While it was a shock at the moment, over time, the trade may prove to be not as crazy as it seemed.
Toro finally received playing time and was solid for the Mariners during the final stretch of the season. Over 60 games, he posted a .695 OPS and hit 11 doubles and five home runs, including a massive go-ahead grand slam against Graveman and the Astros.
Toro actually proved to be clutch with runners in scoring position, posting a .834 OPS in those situations. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise as he was a pretty disciplined hitter, striking out just 33 times and recording strong strikeout (14.4%) and whiff rates (17.6%).
While the success wasn’t quite there at the big league level prior to last season, Toro has a relatively strong minor league track record. If given everyday playing time, the potential is definitely there.
That opportunity certainly looks to be there for the taking with Kyle Seager retiring this offseason; however, it remains to be seen what the Mariners will do after the lockout. Some reports have indicated they might be looking to add another right-handed hitter to the mix.
Either way, with his defensive versatility, Toro should be able to find his way into the starting lineup on a pretty much regular basis. If that does end up being the case, he could provide really solid value in drafts this season.
Gavin Lux - Los Angeles Dodgers
Lux has the tools to succeed at the big league level, he just needs the opportunity. With star shortstop Corey Seager gone and the designated hitter coming to the National League, 2022 might finally be his time to shine in Dodger blue.
Lux struggled at times during the 2021 season, but showed flashes of potential at times, particularly in both May and September. He hit five of his seven home runs (two grand slams) during the month of May and then closed out the regular season by posting a .976 OPS in September.
During that final stretch, Lux struck out just eight times and drew nine walks over 50 at-bats. He showed that strong plate discipline all year long, finishing with a 10.8% walk rate, 22.9% whiff rate, and 21.4% chase rate.
Lux hasn’t offered much in terms of power thus far in the big leagues but his minor league numbers were trending in the right direction prior to his arrival in LA. Back in 2019, the sweet-swinging lefty hit 29 home runs and posted a 1.028 OPS over 113 games at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
I’m not quite ready to give up on the former first-round pick just yet. With newfound confidence at the plate and the opportunity there for the taking, 2022 is going to be the season Lux breaks out and shows his true potential.
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