After the COVID-shortened 2020 MLB season, a new crop of second baseman is heading into the year looking to solidify their spot among the best at the position.
New faces are emerging atop the positional rankings at second base.
This makes the 2021 season even more important, as the full season offers new players a chance to make their names known.
Here is an early look at the top three second baseman heading into the season who will come out as the best.
1. D.J. LeMahieu
Without a doubt, LeMahieu is the best second baseman heading into this year.
Three-run 💣 for DJ LeMahieu!
(via @Yankees)pic.twitter.com/VQWKExcMdS
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) March 13, 2021
In fact, the Yankees star likely has been for the past two years, charting unmatched production at second.
LeMahieu has always been a solid hitter, posting solid averages during his time with Colorado Rockies, including winning the National League batting title in 2016.
However, he has taken a major leap forward since joining the Yankees in 2019.
In his first year with the team, he slugged a career-high 26 home runs with a .327 average en route to a fourth-place finish in the MVP voting.
His 2020 season was even better, hitting 10 home runs in 50 games and leading the MLB with a .364 batting average.
Along with that, he has played solid to above average defense, with the ability to move all around the infield.
With the emergence of his power alongside his average and discipline at the plate, LeMahieu has placed himself among the league’s best at second base.
Not only this, but he is also one of the best hitters in all of the MLB.
2. Jeff McNeil
You don’t have to travel far to find the next member of this list.
Take a trip from the Bronx to Queens and you will find New York Mets star Jeff McNeil, one of the most underrated players in the league.
While he has only been in the MLB for three years, he has put up consistent production.
This is highlighted by his average that is always above .310, with some solid power displays as well.
In his only full season, he tallied 23 home runs with a .318 batting average while striking out only 75 total times.
He followed this up with another strong year in 2020, maintaining a similar level of production.
Now, he has entered the 2021 season having added size to his frame.
JEFF MCNEIL DINGER 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/yeV0k1rGfD
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 2, 2021
This has already seemed to boost his power, as he has shown early in Spring Training.
Look for him to have another great year in 2021, taking home the spot as the second best at his position.
3. Ozzie Albies
Albies is the second-hand man to the Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr.
However, he is certainly not lacking in production of his own.
The young, 24-year-old second baseman has been in the MLB for four years, producing at a high level.
OZZIE. ALBIES.
Sends one deep to put the Braves up 5-1 🚀
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/tST66WRC9V
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 13, 2020
In 2019, he emerged as one of the best players at his position, leading the National League in hits (189).
He also added 24 home runs, 15 stolen bases and had a .295 batting average.
While he struggled in 2020 in just 29 games, he still has some of the best talent among second baseman.
Between Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman, Albies also has more than enough protection in that lineup to help him produce at a premier level once again.
In a full 2021 season, look for him to bounce back and be among the league’s best at second.
NEXT: 2 Pitchers Who Could Be Disappointments In 2021