Cubs standout Nico Hoerner tops our NL Central second baseman rankings

2nd: Matt McLain, Cincinnati Reds

I'm warning Cubs fans now - Matt McClain could end up being the most valuable player not just at the position but across the entire division if he is able to extrapolate his 2023 half-season into a full 2025. McLain provides a power/speed skillset that could make him and teammate Elly De La Cruz the most electric double play combination in the game. McLain also grades out very well as a defender at second after being more of a question mark at shortstop in the minor leagues. He rung up WAR at a startling rate in his abbreviated rookie year, posting nearly 4.0 bWAR in under 90 games.

McLain was a well-regarded prospect prior to his breakout, but never an elite one. It will be fascinating to see a full year from the former UCLA Bruin. He strikes out a ton but makes hard contact when he doesn't miss. McLain is a key player to watch in 2025 for the Central: if he's a 20-to-30 homer guy, the compact second baseman transforms the middle of the Reds lineup.

3rd: Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers

With his elite speed and hyper-short swing length, BriceTurang would be one of my favorite players if he played outside the division. He made some good progress in his second season up north, improving his xBA, defensive metrics and contact ability while swiping 50 bags and ringing up a startling 4.7 WAR.

That being said, Turang has a lot of obvious vulnerabilities in his game so far. Despite the gaudy WAR number, he posted just a 85 OPS+. He doesn't get on-base enough yet- combined with his lack of slugging, it's really hard for him to provide league average value at the plate. The defense is legit: good enough to win a Gold Glove. If Turang makes the same jump from 2024-2025 as he did the year prior, he essentially turns into a clone of healthy Hoerner.