In our first installment of this series, Freddie Freeman was the clear choice for the top first baseman in the division. Today’s rankings will be a lot more debatable as both Ozzie Albies and Jeff McNeil will be fighting for the top spot. So, let’s take a look at each of the division’s starting second basemen.

No. 5  Starlin Castro    

For the second straight week, the Nationals find themselves at the bottom of the rankings. Starlin Castro had a few solid seasons early in his career with the Cubs, but his subpar power and on-base ability limit his upside.

Over his 11-year career, the veteran second baseman owns a 280./.319/.414 career batting line with a 97 OPS+.  At this stage of his career, the 31-year-old veteran is no longer an impact player.

Steamer Projected WAR: 0.6 

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 Jon Berti

Heading into 2020, Jon Berti wasn’t on a lot of people’s radars. However, Berti earned a starting role last season with the Marlins, batting .258/.388/.350 with nine stolen bases in 39 games.

While Berti’s speed and plate discipline will continue to be valuable, he doesn’t have enough power to rank higher on this list. He only hit seven extra base hits all season, so it will be difficult for Berti to out-produce the best second basemen in the division.

Steamer Projected WAR: 0.9 

No. 3 Jean Segura

After being traded to the Phillies in 2019, Jean Segura hasn’t been the stolen base threat that he was early in career. Segura averaged 27 steals per season from 2013-2018, but he stole just two bases last year and only ten in 2019.

Without steals being part of his game, there’s nothing that stands out about Segura’s statistics. He batted .266/.347/.422 with seven home runs in 2020, which puts his numbers slightly above the league average. His 106 OPS+ is decent, but it’s not outstanding either.

Segura should continue to produce respectable numbers across the board once again in 2021.

Steamer Projected WAR: 2.1

No. 2 Ozzie Albies

In 2019, Ozzie Albies swatted 25 home runs with 86 RBI and 15 stolen bases. His .295/.352/.500 triple slash line earned him the silver slugger award for second baseman, but 2020 wasn’t as kind to the 24-year-old All-Star.

Albies missed 30 games last season due to a bone contusion on his right wrist. His numbers also dropped as he batted just .271/.306/.466 in 124 plate appearances. More concerningly, his strikeout rate rose while his walk rate plummeted. Albies drew just five walks and struck out 30 times in 2020.

However, given Albies talent and track record, he should rebound in 2021. His injury no doubt hindered his production, and 29 games isn’t hardly enough of a sample size to write him off.

Steamer Projected WAR 3.6 

No.1 Jeff McNeil

This wasn’t an easy call, especially since the projections give Albies the edge. Both Steamer and ZiPS have Albies out-preforming McNeil in terms of WAR, but there is a strong case to be made for McNeil.

In both 2019 and 2020, McNeil produced significantly better hitting numbers than Albies.

Albies 2019 and 2020: 111 OPS +

McNeil 2019 and 2020: 140 OPS + 

In WAR, Albies comes closer because of his glove and base-running ability, but McNeil still beats out Albies over the last two seasons. McNeil has a 5.7 WAR over 185 games, while Albies has a 5.4 WAR over 189 games.

McNeil wasn’t a highly rated prospect like Albies was in the minors, but that shouldn’t matter that much at this point in their careers. McNeil has done nothing but hit since his MLB debut, despite never making any top prospect lists. In 248 career games, McNeil is a .319/.383/.501 hitter.

Maybe Albies still has some untapped potential given that he’s still only 24-years-old, but his on-base ability remains a valid concern. In two of the past three seasons, he has a .305 and .306 OBP. Even with 2020 being a shortened and injury plagued year, that OBP is still a red flag, especially for a player that lacks prestigious power and uses speed as part of his game.

A solid case can be made for either player, but despite the projections, McNeil ranks above Albies in this list because of his consistent hitting. McNeil can be fully trusted to have another solid year in 2021.

Steamer Projected WAR: 2.9