Four Dynasty Second Base Targets

A few weeks ago, I looked at some dynasty first base targets. I’ll eventually be covering every position over the offseason. Today, it’s time for second base. There are roughly 20 second base prospects I consider worthy of rostering in a true dynasty format. So as to keep this article accessible for owners in normal leagues, I’ll focus on four of the biggest names at the position.

1. Yoan Moncada (BOS, A-)

Easily the top prospect at the position, Moncada is also a long way from the majors. Prospects of his type are capable of surging through the minors unfettered. As such, a September call up is not an impossible outcome. However, he’s at least as likely to debut mid-2018. You’ll need to show some patience.

When it’s finally time to slot Moncada into your lineup, you’ll be getting a player with a dynamic ceiling. In his Low-A debut, he popped 8 home runs, stole 49 bases, and hit .278/.380/.438 over 363 plate appearances. A .353 BABIP helped to hide a highish 22.9 percent strikeout rate. It’s the only glaring flaw in his game.

People expected more power from Moncada. Let’s remember that he’ll be 20 for another six months. The physical power exists in his frame, it’s just a matter of accessing it more consistently. The ceiling is vintage Alfonso Soriano with the potential for a couple 40/40 seasons. If you’d rather not get wishy-washy, plan for some 20/20 campaigns.

2. Dilson Herrera (NYM, AAA)

Herrera is entering his age 22 season with a modicum of major league experience. He’s likely to be an important part of the Mets patchwork middle infield. We have reason to believe he’ll need time to adjust to the majors – he’s a career .215/.308/.383 hitter in 169 plate appearances.

His minor league performances give cause for optimism. Last season in 364 Triple-A plate appearances, Herrera slashed a healthy .327/.382/.511 with 11 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He even exhibited a good 16.2 percent strikeout rate. In the majors, he’s been punched out 23.7 percent of the time.

If you like extrapolating numbers, a 20/20 season from Herrera looks feasible – especially in his prime. He certainly has the raw tools. Personally, I’m more comfortable counting on about 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases. There’s a chance Herrera never grabs hold of a starting job. I would not expect him to do much in 2016.

3. Micah Johnson (CWS, AAA)

I have Jose Peraza and Forrest Wall rated above Johnson, but there’s more to say about the White Sox prospect. He had first crack at Chicago’s starting job last season and flopped. Upon returning to the minors, he hit .313/.373/.463 with eight home runs and 28 stolen bases.

If Johnson can keep his strikeout rate under control (17.9% K% in AAA, 26.3% K% in MLB), he has the potential to post a valuable 2016 season. Second base remains unsettled for the White Sox, and Johnson will have every opportunity to take the job.

It’s time for the soon-to-be 25-year-old to transition to the majors. He has excellent speed and could swipe anywhere from 30 to 60 bases in a full season. The decent pop he showed in Triple-A was largely unexpected. Since his home stadium is so power friendly, I could see him hitting between 10 and 15 home runs annually. He’ll probably have the occasional powerless season too.

Johnson has a long track record of low strikeout rates and high BABIPs. If he can bring both attributes to the majors, he’ll become a top 10 option at the position.

4. Robert Refsnyder (NYY, AAA)

I like the Pirates Alen Hansen more than Refsnyder. I consider the Yankees’ farm hand to be the seventh best prospect at the position. As a Yankee, I think Refsnyder has almost no fantasy future. Luckily, Brian Cashman isn’t going to waste a valuable commodity. Once the team signs a second baseman – probably one of Howie Kendrick, Daniel Murphy, Ben Zobrist, or even Chase Utley – Refsnyder will be shipped elsewhere. I bet they land a good, young reliever for him.

Refsnyder, 24, has decent speed and pop. His bat is definitely major league ready. The issue is his glove. He’s seen as a well below average defender at second base with little hope of improving. While his bat is good for the position, few teams would consider him as a designated hitter.

For fantasy owners, the defense problem isn’t a direct issue. If he’s playing regularly, he’ll have fantasy value. I do recommend that his owners cash in while he’s in the every day lineup. He’ll fit best on second division clubs like the Padres, Athletics, Brewers, and Braves. Of those, I see Milwaukee and Atlanta as the most likely suitors. Both teams can afford to swallow his lousy defense for the moment and lack an established option at the position. And no, Scooter Gennett is not established.