The Moneyline MLB 30 in '30 series embarks on a forward-looking journey, predicting the top 30 players at each position for the 2030 season. In this edition, the focus is on second basemen. The future landscape of second base can be unpredictable, as many prospects originally scouted as shortstops often transition to second base due to various factors, including the presence of established veterans at shortstop. Jackson Holliday exemplifies this trend, having been drafted and honed as a shortstop before making his major league debut at second base. The assessment of players incorporates both offensive and defensive metrics, but it remains a subjective endeavor based on future projections. Before delving into the 30 in '30, it is important to acknowledge current stars who may not be in their prime by the time the 2030 season arrives. Notable veterans excluded from the rankings due to concerns surrounding age and potential positional changes include Ozzie Albies, Jose Altuve, Jake Cronenworth, Jose Iglesias, Brandon Lowe, Ketel Marte, Jeff McNeil, and Marcus Semien.

In the 30 rankings, the first player at number 30 is Termarr Johnson of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who will be 26 in 2030. Drafted fourth overall in 2022, Johnson is recognized for his exceptional hitting ability, though he has not yet fully performed to expectations in the minors. His stats from last year's season in High-A and Double-A show a batting average of .237 with a notable 15.6 percent walk rate. At number 29 is Max Muncy, selected 25th overall by the Las Vegas Athletics in the 2021 draft, whose performance at Triple-A last season included an OPS of .866 and marked potential as an everyday player despite a challenging early stint in the majors. Juan Brito, ranked 28th, has emerged as a key asset for the Cleveland Guardians following a trade in which Nolan Jones was sent to the Rockies, showcasing a strong 2023 season at Triple-A with a batting line of .256/.365/.443.

Moving up the rankings, at 27 is Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, a proficient defensive second basemen with an impressive 22 Defensive Runs Saved. However, his value may decline if he loses defensive agility. Ranked 26th is Thomas Saggese of the St. Louis Cardinals, noted for his offensive capabilities despite being limited in his MLB appearances thus far. The Chicago Cubs feature another prospect, James Triantos, at number 25; his bat-first approach holds promise as he continues to adjust defensively. Other significant players in this list include Nick Gonzales from the Pirates, Luisangel Acuña from the Mets, and Luke Keaschall from the Twins, each demonstrating considerable potential to increase their standing by 2030. Andrés Giménez, now with the Toronto Blue Jays, ranks 21st, having showcased strong defensive skills while being a part of a multi-year deal. The analysis proceeds to highlight future players with significant upside such as Cristian Moore, a projected top college prospect for 2025. As the countdown continues, the rankings reflect both the immediate impact and long-term potential of a well-rounded second base class.