Unlike some of the other positions in the National League, at least a few at second base enter 2025 with something to prove. There is a good mix of veterans and young players on the rise. Who will stand out amongst this group? Can one of the young players break out in 2025? Plenty of interesting storylines to watch. Let’s take a look at our rankings of the second baseman in the National League East.
NO. 5 – OTTO LÓPEZ, MIA
Before last season, Otto López played in a total of nine big league games. All of those came with the Toronto Blue Jays between 2021 and 2022. López was given a major opportunity with the Marlins and showed flashes offensively in 2024. On the whole, he slashed .270/.313/.377 with six home runs and 39 runs batted in across 117 games. These are pretty standard numbers for a bottom-of-the-order bat.
Within that, though, López had a few really strong periods throughout the season. In May, he hit .303 with a .787 OPS over 23 games. Then, to finish the season, López slashed .344/.382/.521 over the final 25 games of the season. Those show that an impact bat is there; consistency over a longer period of time is the larger question. That, plus his speed on the base paths, could be important for Miami.
López’s 17 outs above average ranked third among second basemen with at least 6o innings last season. In terms of defensive runs saved, he ranked fifth with nine. López offers defense, speed and the potential to raise his profile with the bat. If he can do just that in 2025, maybe he could be an important player in Miami moving forward. But for now, he lands at No. 5 on this list.
NO. 4 – JEFF MCNEIL, NYM (BRETT BATY?)
Jeff McNeil is a player some Mets fans believed could have been moved this offseason. With two years remaining on his contract, it was at least an idea that may have been worth exploring. In the end, he is going to end up retaining his place as the Mets’ starting second baseman. What version of McNeil is the team going to get in 2025? That’s a question a lot of Mets fans will be asking themselves.
The 2024 season included the lowest of lows and the highest of highs for McNeil. In the first half, he was almost unrecognizable. The two-time All-Star mighty struggled, slashing .216/.276/.314 across 323 plate appearances. It seemed as if McNeil was on the brink of losing his role with the team. But he was able to flip a switch post All-Star break. In comparison, he slashed .289/.376/.547 with seven home runs across 149 plate appearances in the second half. His regular season was unfortunately cut short due to fracturing his wrist.
Now, McNeil will miss the start of the season with an oblique injury. That has opened the door for a competition at second base with youngsters Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña. Judging by playing time at second base in spring games since the McNeil injury, it looks like Baty might have the upper hand for starting. Acuña could provide value as a pinch runner, defensive replacement and starter vs lefties.
McNeil is not the player he once was. Expecting him to compete for a batting title like he did earlier in his career is unrealistic. But, he still has an important role to play in 2025. McNeil’s ability to put the ball in play (career 11.9% strikeout rate) and his serviceable will make for a solid combination. But given his inconsistencies from a season ago, putting him any higher is hard. He lands at No. 4.
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NO. 3 – BRYSON STOTT, PHI
Once considered the top prospect in the Phillies system, Bryson Stott has had an up-and-down time in the big leagues, to say the least. In 2022, he hit .234 in 127 games as a rookie. He followed that up by slashing .280/.329/.419 with 15 home runs and 62 runs batted in 2023. After that, Stott hit .245 with a .671 OPS in 148 games last season.
Offensively, he has yet to hit with the level of consistency expected of him. On the other hand, his defense has been a massive strength. Since his debut, he ranks fourth with 21 outs above average and fifth with 14 defensive runs saved among qualified second basemen. His .993 fielding percentage ranks first at the position during that stretch. Stott certainly offers an important skill in that department.
Can he take a step forward with the bat in 2025? That is the biggest question surrounding Stott. The Phillies have a great group of hitters that could reach an even higher level with significant improvement from their second baseman. Entering his age 27 season, now is the time for Stott. He will move up this list if he showcases more offensively to go along with his defense—No. 3.
NO. 2 – LUIS GARCÍA JR., WSH
Not many players went under the radar as much as Luis García Jr. last season. What he was able to do offensively in 2024 was quite impressive. In 140 games, he slashed .282/.318/.444 with 18 home runs and 70 runs batted in. García chipped in with 25 doubles and 22 stolen bases. Despite having a career year, he was overshadowed by CJ Abrams and James Wood once Washington promoted him.
García was really impactful at home. He hit .329 with a .918 OPS at Nationals Park, and 14 of his 18 home runs came in that ballpark. Having a similar level of production on the road should become a point of focus as he continues to develop in 2025. In addition to improving his road numbers, picking his spots when and when not to be aggressive at the plate is key. Last season, he had a 16.3% strikeout rate but a 5.1% walk rate. Finding a good balance of which pitches and zones he attacks may help García reach the next level.
Ozzie Albies. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
NO. 1 – OZZIE ALBIES, ATL
Ozzie Albies comes in at No. 1, which shouldn’t be a surprise. The second baseman was limited to 99 games in 2024, primarily due to a fractured wrist he suffered in July. Albies was able to make it back towards the end of the regular season, but was only able to hit from the right side. On the whole, he slashed .251/.303/.404/.707 with 10 home runs, 53 runs batted in and a 95 OPS+. Not great.
Entering his age-28 season, there shouldn’t be much concern regarding last season being the start of a regression. Albies has been one of the best second baseman in the league since he made his debut in 2017. After all, he is only one season removed from collecting 33 home runs and 109 runs batted in, both of which were career highs. Who’s to say Albies can’t return to that level in 2025?
One of the few weaknesses in his game is his defense. Albies has had one defensive run saved or less in every season since 2020. He also had a career-worst -10 outs above average in 2023, his last full season. Despite that, Albies remains at the top of his list. Stott and García could close the gap in 2025 with good individual campaigns. But for now, Atlanta’s second baseman continues to be the top player.
