Top 20 Second Basemen in MLB History
Below is a countdown of the top 20 second basemen of all time—strictly focusing on on-field performance and ignoring any off-field controversies. As before, we’ll lean slightly toward the belief that modern players often have advantages (training, competition level, etc.) but still give full respect to the legends of baseball history. Each write-up highlights each player’s impact, skill set, and why they stand among the all-time greats.
20 thru 11
20. Bill Mazeroski
Key Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Career Highlights: 10-time All-Star, 8 Gold Gloves, Hall of Fame, legendary 1960 World Series walk-off HR
Summary:
Widely considered one of the greatest defensive second basemen in baseball history, Bill Mazeroski made a name for himself with quick hands, superb footwork around the bag, and remarkable range. His eight Gold Gloves speak to his consistency in the field, where he was adept at turning double plays with near-flawless technique. Although a relatively light hitter, “Maz” forever etched himself into baseball lore with his iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, lifting the Pirates to a championship over the heavily favored Yankees. The combination of top-tier defense and one of the most dramatic moments in postseason history secures his spot on this list.
19. Tony Lazzeri
Key Teams: New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers
Career Highlights: 5-time World Series champion with Yankees, 7-time 100+ RBI seasons
Summary:
A key piece of the legendary 1920s and ’30s Yankees (often called “Murderers’ Row”), Tony Lazzeri was overshadowed by teammates like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—but his accomplishments hold up in their own right. He drove in 100 or more runs seven times, showcasing both a solid batting average and gap-to-gap power. Defensively, he had good range and sure hands, crucial for turning double plays with the famously loaded Yankees infield. Lazzeri was also an adept baserunner in an era when steals weren’t as prominent as in previous decades. Though he’s sometimes forgotten alongside bigger Yankee names, his consistent run production and championship pedigree make him one of the best second basemen of the early live-ball era.
18. Billy Herman
Key Teams: Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates
Career Highlights: 10-time All-Star, led NL in putouts by a 2B seven times
Summary:
Billy Herman was a quintessential 1930s star at second base, combining superb defensive instincts with a .304 career batting average. He was a frequent All-Star who excelled at making contact—striking out very rarely—and was especially adept at hitting doubles, putting pressure on pitchers. In the field, Herman led the National League in putouts by a second baseman a remarkable seven times, a testament to his range and reliability. He spent the prime of his career as a stalwart for the Chicago Cubs, helping lead them to multiple pennants. His keen baseball IQ and steady excellence made him a favorite of managers and fans alike.
17. Dustin Pedroia
Key Team: Boston Red Sox
Career Highlights: AL MVP (2008), Rookie of the Year (2007), 4 Gold Gloves, 2 World Series titles (2007, 2013)
Summary:
Despite being undersized, Dustin Pedroia played with a tenacity and competitive fire that made him a cornerstone of the Red Sox during their successful runs in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his quick, compact swing, Pedroia routinely hit above .300 and displayed surprising pop for his stature, notching several 15–20 homer seasons. Defensively, his range and instincts earned him four Gold Gloves, showcasing his leadership in the middle infield. Injuries cut his career short, but at his peak, Pedroia was among the best two-way second basemen in the game. His MVP win in 2008 confirmed that pure grit, combined with a well-rounded skill set, can make for an elite performer.
16. Robinson Cano
Key Teams: New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, San Diego Padres
Career Highlights: Multiple Silver Slugger Awards, 8-time All-Star, 2 Gold Gloves
Summary:
When focusing strictly on performance, Robinson Cano’s smooth swing and effortless defense stand out among modern second basemen. During his prime, he was a perennial .300 hitter with 20–30 home run power and a knack for driving in runs in clutch spots. Defensively, Cano displayed a calm, almost leisurely style that belied his strong arm and swift turn on double plays. Though his later career featured a decline in production (and some off-field controversies we’re ignoring), Cano’s peak years with the Yankees and Mariners showed a second baseman who could bat in the heart of any order. His fluid game and consistent production make him one of the top talents of his generation.
15. Bobby Grich
Key Teams: Baltimore Orioles, California Angels
Career Highlights: 6-time All-Star, 4 Gold Gloves, strong blend of power and plate discipline
Summary:
Although somewhat overlooked in mainstream discussions, Bobby Grich excelled in key aspects: getting on base, hitting for power, and playing excellent defense. He posted multiple seasons of 20+ home runs—an impressive feat for a second baseman in the 1970s and early 1980s—and walked nearly as often as he struck out, leading to a solid on-base percentage. In the field, Grich earned four Gold Gloves, showcasing quick reflexes and a strong throwing arm. He also had a knack for stepping up in high-leverage situations, contributing to competitive Baltimore and California teams. For many modern analysts, Grich embodies the “underrated star” who excelled in well-rounded fashion without garnering widespread superstar hype.
14. Frankie Frisch
Key Teams: New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals
Career Highlights: 4 World Series titles, NL MVP (1931), player-manager
Summary:
Nicknamed “The Fordham Flash,” Frankie Frisch was a switch-hitting sparkplug for two legendary franchises: John McGraw’s New York Giants and the Gashouse Gang St. Louis Cardinals. Frisch excelled as both a speedy baserunner and a defensive stalwart, while also regularly hitting over .300. During the 1930s, he served as a player-manager, guiding the Cardinals to a World Series triumph. Frisch’s leadership, versatility, and fiery attitude helped define a Cardinals era known for its scrappy, intense style of play. Though overshadowed by bigger sluggers of his time, Frisch’s all-around consistency and championship pedigree secure him a well-earned place among the great second basemen.
13. Jeff Kent
Key Teams: New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers
Career Highlights: NL MVP (2000), most HR all-time by a second baseman (377), 5-time All-Star
Summary:
Jeff Kent is best known for being one of the most powerful hitting second basemen ever. He set the record for most career home runs by a player at the position (377), consistently launching 20–30 homers in a season—often while driving in 100+ runs. Kent won the NL MVP in 2000 with the San Francisco Giants, edging out teammate Barry Bonds thanks to a .334 average, 33 home runs, and 125 RBIs. Defensively, he was solid if not spectacular, with a reliable glove but limited range compared to some of the glove-first second basemen on this list. Still, Kent’s offensive production at a premium defensive position is undeniably elite, placing him among the best ever at second base.
12. Chase Utley
Key Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers
Career Highlights: 6-time All-Star, 4 Silver Sluggers, World Series champion (2008)
Summary:
Chase Utley combined hard-nosed, scrappy play with legitimate middle-of-the-order offensive firepower. During his prime with the Phillies, Utley consistently batted .280–.300, posted 20–30 home run seasons, and displayed outstanding baserunning instincts—often ranking among the league leaders in steals and extra-base hits for second basemen. He formed a dynamic core with Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, helping Philadelphia claim the 2008 World Series title. Defensively, Utley was adept at turning double plays with a quick release and fearless pivot. His high baseball IQ, intense approach to the game, and long stretch of top-tier production make him a favorite among modern fans and analysts alike.
11. Ryne Sandberg
Key Team: Chicago Cubs
Career Highlights: NL MVP (1984), 10-time All-Star, 9 Gold Gloves, Hall of Fame
Summary:
“Ryno” became the face of the Chicago Cubs in the 1980s and early ’90s, bringing a perfect combination of defense, power, and speed to second base. Sandberg famously mashed 40 homers in 1990—astounding for a middle infielder at that time—yet he was also a slick fielder, leading the league in fielding percentage at second multiple times. His MVP season of 1984 included a .314 average, 19 homers, and 32 steals, demonstrating his well-rounded abilities. Sandberg’s consistent excellence earned him nine consecutive Gold Gloves and a spot in Cooperstown. His classic Wrigley Field highlights—especially the “Sandberg Game” in 1984—still resonate with Cubs fans today.
