Red Sox vs the AL East: second basemen

Aug 22, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) dives for the ball during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

While the other players on this list do offer some degree of upside, however, Pedroia has a significantly higher floor and significantly higher ceiling than any other second baseman in the AL East. Even coming off a down year, in which Pedroia fought through a wrist injury to slash only .278/.337/.376 with just 7 home runs in 135 games for the Red Sox, Pedroia is clearly the marquee second baseman in this division. His excellent defense, combined with the hope that last season was a fluke and Pedroia can have a rebound year in 2015, make Pedroia not just one of the best second basemen in baseball, but also arguably the most valuable player on the Red Sox. There’s always the chance that Pedroia will continue to decline next season, but provided that he stays healthy, he should return to form and, even if he doesn’t, will almost certainly be the best second baseman in this division.