Ranking the 15 Best Second Basemen in MLB History

Second base is one of the most pivotal positions in baseball. Combining athleticism, defensive acumen, and often an underrated offensive prowess, second basemen have contributed significantly to the game’s history.

From players known for their power to those who excelled in fielding and consistency, here is a ranking of the 15 best second basemen in MLB history.

15. Bobby Doerr

Known as the “Silent Captain,” Bobby Doerr was a cornerstone of the Boston Red Sox during the 1940s. A nine-time All-Star, Doerr’s blend of power and leadership made him one of the best second basemen of his era. His career was interrupted by World War II, but he still managed to compile 2,042 hits and 223 home runs.

14. Craig Biggio

A model of consistency, Craig Biggio spent his entire 20-year career with the Houston Astros. Transitioning from catcher to second base, he became one of the most durable and versatile players in MLB history. Biggio’s 3,060 hits and seven All-Star appearances cement his legacy.

13. Joe Gordon

A standout during the 1930s and 1940s, Joe Gordon was a nine-time All-Star and a five-time World Series champion. Known for his defensive range and clutch hitting, Gordon won the 1942 American League MVP Award while playing for the New York Yankees.

12. Robinson Cano

Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Robinson Cano’s talent is undeniable. An eight-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Cano’s smooth swing and defensive prowess earned him a spot among the greats. He hit over 300 home runs and collected more than 2,600 hits.

11. Dustin Pedroia

As the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox during his prime, Dustin Pedroia’s grit and determination made him a fan favorite. A four-time Gold Glove winner and the 2008 AL MVP, Pedroia played a critical role in two World Series titles for Boston.

10. Billy Herman

Billy Herman was one of the best contact hitters of his era, finishing his career with a .304 batting average. A consistent defensive presence, he was a 10-time All-Star and helped lead the Chicago Cubs to three National League pennants in the 1930s.

9. Lou Whitaker

Paired with Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker formed one of the most iconic double-play combinations in baseball history. A five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Whitaker’s steady production on offense and defense made him one of the Detroit Tigers’ all-time greats.

8. Frankie Frisch

Known as the “Fordham Flash,” Frankie Frisch’s speed and defensive brilliance were hallmarks of his game. A career .316 hitter, Frisch won four World Series titles and an MVP Award in 1931. He was also a key member of the St. Louis Cardinals’ famed “Gashouse Gang.”

7. Ryne Sandberg

“Ryno” was one of the most complete players of the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his exceptional fielding, Sandberg won nine Gold Glove Awards and was a 10-time All-Star. His 282 career home runs and 1984 NL MVP Award solidify his place among the elite.

6. Charlie Gehringer

Nicknamed “The Mechanical Man” for his consistency, Charlie Gehringer was one of the best pure hitters of his time. A career .320 hitter, he won the AL MVP Award in 1937 and led the Tigers to a World Series title in 1935. His smooth fielding was equally impressive.

5. Roberto Alomar

A true five-tool player, Roberto Alomar’s combination of speed, defense, and hitting prowess made him a perennial All-Star. Alomar won 10 Gold Glove Awards, was a 12-time All-Star, and played a pivotal role in leading the Toronto Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.

4. Rod Carew

While Rod Carew spent much of his career at first base, his early years at second base were legendary. A career .328 hitter and seven-time batting champion, Carew’s ability to make contact and get on base was unparalleled.

3. Nap Lajoie

One of the earliest stars of Major League Baseball, Nap Lajoie’s dominance in the early 20th century was unmatched. A career .338 hitter, Lajoie won five batting titles and was the first player to record a season with a .400 batting average in the American League.

2. Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins combined intelligence, speed, and versatility to become one of the greatest second basemen in history. A career .333 hitter, Collins won six World Series titles and was a key member of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics dynasty in the early 1900s.

1. Rogers Hornsby

Without question, Rogers Hornsby is the greatest second baseman of all time. A two-time MVP and two-time Triple Crown winner, Hornsby’s offensive numbers are staggering. He holds the highest career batting average (.358) of any right-handed hitter and led the National League in hitting seven times. His dominance at the plate and solid defense set a standard no one has surpassed.