For those who’re in a fantasy baseball draft in 2025 and also you’re not focusing on second basemen with eligibility at different positions, you’re lacking the boat.
The center infield is completely flush with studs, however a more in-depth look factors you extra towards shortstop than it does second base.
When you get previous names similar to Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve and Ketel Marte, the pool of high quality choices dries up quickly.
You may wait till the very finish of your draft and land somebody satisfactory like Zack Gelof, or you may look to these with multi-position eligibility and end up somebody of high quality who narrowly qualifies at second base.
Guys similar to Matt McLain of the Reds and Ceddanne Rafaela of the Pink Sox are prime examples of how positional flexibility can flip your roster right into a winner. This isn’t nearly filling a spot, it’s about stacking benefits.
McLain is a stud, when he isn’t sidelined. In 2023, he gave us a style of the great things: .290/.357/.507, 16 dingers, 14 swipes in simply 89 video games.
He’s a pure shortstop, however with the arrival of Elly De La Cruz, McLain has moved to second base and performed sufficient video games to qualify there this season.
Certain, 2024 was a wash with accidents, however don’t let that scare you off. He has 20-20 written throughout him if he stays on the sector.
The Reds are a younger, chaotic bunch, and McLain’s proper within the thick of it, hitting behind speedsters like De La Cruz. Center rounds, people, that’s the place you snag him. He’s a possible league-winner if the damage gods play good.
Then there’s Rafaela. This Pink Sox spark plug is a wild card, and I’m right here for it. In 2024, he mashed 15 homers, stole 17 baggage and hit .253 whereas bouncing between middle area and shortstop.
Second base eligibility? Test your platform as a result of 10 video games at second in 2024 are sufficient to qualify in most leagues. Rafaela’s a toolsy freak, pace for days, pop within the bat, and a glove that retains him within the lineup.
The draw back?
That .278 OBP screams “work in progress.” But when he figures out the strike zone, we’re speaking 15-25 upside, straightforward.
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Late rounds, he’s your gamble. Outfield and infield eligibility? That’s roster gold, child!
Don’t cease there. Detroit’s Colt Keith — second and third base — smacked his approach to relevance in 2024 and may very well be a sleeper. Jake Cronenworth?
First and second (typically shortstop) with a gentle bat. Even Whit Merrifield’s previous legs nonetheless convey second and outfield worth. These guys aren’t simply gamers, they’re chess items.
Right here’s the deal: Versatility wins titles. McLain’s your high-ceiling stud, Rafaela’s your dart throw with swagger, and the others fill gaps like champs. Draft good, stack that flexibility, and watch your roster bend the league to your will.
Howard Bender is the top of content material at FantasyAlarm.com. Comply with him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports activities channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all of your fantasy baseball information and recommendation.
