Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers stands at No. 4 in ESPN senior baseball writer Buster Olney’s latest rankings for second basemen heading into the 2026 season. Despite Turang’s impressive breakout last year, this position ranking may still undervalue his contributions compared to his peers.
Olney places Ketel Marte of Arizona, Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs, and New York’s Jazz Chisholm ahead of Turang. While all three players have demonstrated exceptional skill and production—Marte’s consistency, Hoerner’s defensive leadership, and Chisholm’s power surge—Turang’s overall performance suggests he merits higher consideration.
How Turang Measures Up Against Other Top Second Basemen
Assessing offensive and defensive statistics reveals Turang’s versatility and balance across key categories. Although his defensive runs saved decreased from 22 to seven last season, he remained a positive presence on defense while contributing in multiple offensive areas.
Ranking among his peers in the previous season, Turang posted a WAR of 5.5, ranking second, and led all second basemen with 97 runs scored. His on-base percentage of .359 placed him third, trailing only one player. Stealing 24 bases gave him the third spot in that category, while his OPS was fourth at .794. His batting average and RBIs ranked second, with 18 home runs placing him sixth overall.
Only Ketel Marte posted a higher on-base percentage, and none exceeded Turang in RBIs. Hoerner had a better batting average, but his OPS was significantly lower by 55 points. Turang’s defensive WAR also surpassed both Marte and Chisholm. When considering adjusted OPS+, Marte topped the group at 145, followed by Chisholm at 125, Turang at 121, and Hoerner at 114.
The Case for Moving Turang Higher in the Rankings
Jazz Chisholm’s 31 home runs, aided by hitting in a ballpark favored for power, certainly highlight his offensive threat. Yet, Turang’s more well-rounded skill set, combining speed, plate discipline, and solid defense, offers multiple avenues for continued impact. Even with uncertainty about whether his power can increase beyond ten home runs hit in August, Turang’s balanced contribution makes him a viable candidate for the No. 2 spot in upcoming rankings.
Hoerner’s strengths lean heavily on defense, and while he can contribute offensively and with stolen bases, his limited power restricts his overall upside. Turang’s blend of abilities provides a more compelling and stable projection for sustained value throughout the 2026 season.
It may be that Olney is cautious in fully endorsing Turang’s progression until he sees more evidence of an enhanced power game, but the case to advance Turang closer to the top is strong. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Opening Day approaches.
Looking Ahead: What Turang’s Ranking Means for the Brewers and the Position
Brice Turang’s positioning in the second baseman rankings carries significant implications for his reputation and the Brewers’ outlook. A higher ranking could solidify his status as a franchise cornerstone and increase expectations for his role in Milwaukee’s success in 2026. The competition among second basemen remains fierce, with players like Marte, Chisholm, and Hoerner maintaining their own narratives and areas of dominance.
Ultimately, Turang’s well-rounded profile and proven track record place him on the cusp of a breakthrough recognition. As the season unfolds, his performance will determine whether he can fully convince skeptics and claim a top spot among the game’s best at his position.
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