Alright, so buckle up, because the 2027 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be wild, and not necessarily in a good way, especially if you’re looking for an impact second baseman. The position is looking way thinner than anyone initially thought, light on any real difference-makers. Seriously, it’s shaping up to be the weakest spot in fantasy, outside of catcher, both for big bats and just plain viable starting options.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Carries the Load as the Position Thins Out
Right now, Fernando Tatis Jr. is leading the charge for 2027 second basemen, and if you want elite production from that spot, he’s probably your guy. He’s one of the few you can feel good about. Brandon Lowe and JJ Wetherholt also offer some fantasy upside, which is a good thing because honestly, the pool is shallow. Our guy Chris Towers, he’s only feeling “very good” about maybe six second basemen as starters for 2026, with just a few more decent options and then a whole bunch of “useful, but ultimately replaceable” types. That’s a rough look, folks. If you’re the kind of fantasy player who cares about positional scarcity, you might wanna nudge Tatis up your overall rankings to make sure you get him. For some, Tatis’s second base eligibility will only play a small factor, but for others, it’s gonna make all the difference.
The Great Second Base Exodus: Who’s Gone and Why It Hurts
A huge reason for this second base drought for 2027? So many guys aren’t going to be eligible there! C.J. Abrams isn’t expected to start 2027 eligible, even though he’s very likely to end up playing there enough to get it early on. But for others, it’s a harder truth. Sal Stewart? Probably not defensively good enough. Otto Lopez? He’s too darn good at shortstop to move back to the keystone. Luis Garcia Jr. is likely just a first baseman from here on out, and Ceddanne Rafaela is crushing it in center field so hard, there’s no way they’re moving him.
And the hits keep coming! Curtis Mead, Casey Schmitt, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, and Zack Gelof were all useful starters at second base in 2026, but none of them played there enough to keep their eligibility. The most frustrating case? Gelof. He played his 19th game at second base in late August, and then that was it. Just one single appearance short of retaining eligibility for 2027. Even if you’re a bit skeptical about his 2026 breakout, losing him from the position stings.
So, what’s next? You gotta be smart in your 2027 drafts. With second base looking like such a wasteland, knowing who to target early, or when to grab that high-upside guy like Tatis Jr., is gonna be key. Keep an eye on those early season positional updates. It’s gonna be a wild ride, so get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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