Top 5 College Second Basemen — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Throughout the season, Baseball America will present position rankings of the best college players in the draft class. Here we focus on the second basemen. Oregon State’s Nick Madrigal is the list’s headliner despite being sidelined by a wrist injury. He figures to become the first college player regularly playing second base in his draft year to be picked in the first round since Kolten Wong went 22nd overall in 2011. The group that follows includes some intriguing hitters, but is more typical of college second basemen.

1. Nick Madrigal, Oregon State: Madrigal, one of two players voted as a unanimous Preseason All-American by major league scouting directors, was off to a sensational start to the season before suffering a wrist injury in the second weekend. He’s still clearly the best second baseman thanks to his hittability, overall baseball instincts and speed, all of which rate as plus.

2. Devin Mann, Louisville: Mann has stepped into a larger role in Louisville’s lineup this season and is off to a strong start. Listed at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Mann is bigger than a typical second baseman and hits for solid power as a result, but there’s a lot riding on his bat.

3. Nick Dunn, Maryland: Dunn stands out most for his pure hitting ability and has built a strong track record in college, both at Maryland and in the Cape Cod League. He’s hit five home runs already this season, equaling his 2017 total in just 11 games.

4. Ethan Paul, Vanderbilt: Paul has been a versatile player for Vanderbilt, but has settled at second base, where he profiles best. He’s a heady player who has a good feel for hitting.

5. Romy Gonzalez, Miami: Gonzalez had a standout 2017, both at Miami and in the Cape Cod League. He was the Hurricanes’ leading power threat last year and continued to hit on the Cape. He’s shown some versatility defensively and could be a utility player if he doesn’t hit consistently enough to be an everyday second baseman.