MLB free agent rankings: Top five second basemen originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Second base remained a weakness for the Boston Red Sox in 2024.
Boston acquired Vaughn Grissom from the Atlanta Braves last season, but the young second baseman struggled with injuries and struggled when he got an opportunity with the major league club. He will have a chance to earn the second base job in 2025, but he will have competition.
Breakout prospect Kristian Campbell (No. 3) will look to make the Opening Day roster after skyrocketing through the minor league ranks. David Hamilton, Enmanuel Valdez, Nick Sogard and Romy Gonzalez will also compete for a spot after splitting time at the position last season. The Red Sox have plenty of options, but what they really need is stability in the middle of their infield.
More 2025 MLB Free Agent Rankings
With so many options already on the roster, it’s unlikely the Red Sox will want to add another second baseman to the mix this winter. Nevertheless, here are the five best second basemen who will become free agents.
1. Gleyber Torres
Age: 28
2024 statistics: .257/.330/.378, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 136 SO, 65 BB (154 games)
Torres’ contract year was not going well until the Yankees drafted him first overall on August 16. Since then, he has hit .313 with an .840 OPS.
That red-hot stretch has undoubtedly boosted his stock heading into the offseason and could make it difficult for the Yankees to retain him, especially if they break the bank to bring back star outfielder Juan Soto. Torres will be the most coveted second baseman on the market when New York parts ways with him after seven years.
2. Brandon Lowe
Age: 30
2024 statistics: .244/.311/.473, 21 HR, 58 RBI, 112 SO, 33 BB (107 games)
Update: Lowe’s $10.5 million club option with the Tampa Bay Rays has been exercised for the 2025 season.
Lowe missed time early in the 2024 season due to an oblique strain. Injuries have plagued him lately, as he hasn’t played more than 109 games in a season since 2021.
But when healthy, Lowe was among the best second basemen in the league. He hit 21 home runs in each of the last two seasons and had a career-high 39 in 2021. If Tampa doesn’t pick up his option, he will get plenty of attention on the open market from teams looking for a stable mid-range pick. option in the field.
3.Jorge Polanco
Age: 31
2024 statistics: .213/.296/.355, 16 HR, 45 RBI, 137 SO, 46 BB (118 games)
Polanco’s first season in Seattle was one of the worst offensive campaigns of his 11-year career. And while he was never a great defender, he was among the worst defensive second basemen in the league in 2024. These problems could be attributed to a knee injury that required surgery.
All of this likely means the Mariners won’t pick up Polanco’s $12 million option, so he should be a fairly affordable rebound candidate for teams looking to add some pop to their infield.
4. Brandon Drury
Age: 32
2024 statistics: .169/.242/.228, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 81 SO, 27 BB (97 games)
There’s no sugar-coating it: Drury was terrible for the Angels in 2024. He posted a .469 OPS after amassing an .803 OPS in 2023 and an .813 OPS in 2022.
Not ideal in a contract year, but Drury offers value as a super utility guy with a solid track record. He is a solid buy-low option.
5. Whit Merrifield
Age: 36
2024 statistics: .222/.311/.314, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 52 SO, 35 BB (95 games)
Heading into his age-36 campaign, Merrifield is no longer the hitter he once was with the Kansas City Royals. He had a .572 OPS with the Philadelphia Phillies last season before being released and then picked up by the Atlanta Braves.
Merrifield offers value these days with his defensive versatility and base-stealing ability. He can play all three outfield spots, in addition to both the center infield and corner infield positions.
Honorable mentions: Kyle Farmer, Donovan Solano, Adam Frazier, Tony Kemp.
