Adam Thompson reveals NL Second Basemen to Lock Up on Waivers Day
There are a few second basemen who really offer a boost to fantasy baseball lineups. Elly De La Cruz , Francisco Lindor , and Trea Turner , to name a select few.
You’re not going to find that level of second-base production on the waiver wire. But there are some hidden gems that could be ready to contribute right away – especially if your need includes steals and runs.
Here are three National League second basemen to get on your roster on your league’s opening day of free agency and waivers.
JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals
Wetherholt was drafted in only 31.1% of combined leagues, closer to 60% in NL-only. But on March 24 – after most draft dates – the Cardinals announced that the touted Wetherholt not only made the team, but will bad leadoff on Opening Day.
He’s been playing shortstop but will be at second base. While he’ll bat No. 1 vs. right-handers, he’ll likely slide down vs. LHPs, at least to start, as Masyn Winn moves up to leadoff. Either way, Wetherholt, 23, earned the Opening Day opportunity by having a big 2025, posting a .306 average with 17 HR and 23 steals.
Related: Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 10 NL Second Basemen for 2026 Drafts
Many experts believe he has that 25/25 potential in him. And he didn’t get drafted in every league? Get him now before it’s too late.
Willi Castro, Colorado Rockies
Castro was an All-Star for the Twins in 2024. He was solid enough in 86 games with the Twins in 2025 before being traded mid-season to the Cubs . He batted a brutal .170 for Chicago . Now he’s with the Rockies.
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Colorado revamped the front office and coaching staff, and now the team plans to be aggressive on the basepaths, something that would really benefit Castro, who had 22 steals in 2023.
What separates Castro from similar options is his defensive versatility. He’ll qualify for 2B, 3B and OF, a nice piece to have when injuries inevitably creep up.
Nasim Nunez, Washington Nationals
Nunez has been a part-time call-up option for the Nats the last two seasons, and he showed signs. This year, he gets the opportunity to see what he can do on an everyday basis.
Granted, Nunez is likely batting ninth for a Nationals team that is projected to trot out a bottom-five offense. In 16 games to end the season, he batted .282 with four HR and two steals. Nunez will be at 2B but could play some at SS and CF, adding to his value with versatility.
We’ll find out together where the ceiling sits for Nunez, but 10-15 HR and 15-20 SB with a “doesn’t hurt us” average would be a win.
Related: Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 10 NL Relief Pitchers for 2026 Drafts
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Fantasy section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
