Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commi sion if you sign up through our links. Read our for more information. If youre in a draft in 2025 and youre not targeting second basemen with eligibility at other positions, youre mi sing the boat. The middle infield is absolutely flush with studs, but a closer look points you more toward shortstop than it does second base. Once you get past names such as Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve and Reggie Jackson Jersey Ketel Marte, the pool of quality options dries up rapidly. Reds second baseman Matt McLain forces out the Diamondbacks Josh Naylor and goes on to complete the double play during a spring training exhibition game earlier this season. Getty Images You can wait until the very end of your draft and land someone pa sable like Zack Gelof, or you can look to those with multi-position eligibility and find yourself someone of quality who narrowly qualifies at second base. Guys such as Matt McLain of the Reds and Ceddanne Rafaela of the Red Sox are prime examples of how positional flexibility can turn your roster into a winner. This isnt just about filling a spot, its about stacking advantages. Explore More McLain is a stud, when he isnt sidelined. In 2023, he gave us a taste of the good stuff: .290/.357/.507, 16 dingers, 14 swipes in just 89 games. He is a natural shortstop, but with the arrival of Elly De La Cruz, McLain has moved to second base and played enough games to qualify there this season. Sure, 2024 was a wash with injuries, but dont let that scare you off. He has 20-20 written all over him if he stays on the field. The Reds are a young, chaotic bunch, and McLains right in the thick of it, hitting behind speedsters like De La Cruz. Middle rounds, folks, thats where you snag him. He is a potential league-winner if the injury gods play nice. Ceddanne Rafaela celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a game-winning homer in the Red Soxs win over the Yankees on July 5, 2024. Robert Sabo for New York Post Then theres Rafaela. This Red Sox spark plug is a wild card, and Im here for it. In 2024, he mashed 15 homers, stole 17 bags and hit .253 while bouncing between center field and shortstop. Second base eligibility? Check your platform because 10 games at second in 2024 are enough to qualify in most leagues. Rafaelas a toolsy freak, speed for days, pop in the bat, and a glove that keeps him in the lineup. The downside? That .278 OBP screams work in progre s. But if he figures out the strike zone, were talking 15-25 upside, easy. Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting Read about the Learn all about Late rounds, hes your gamble. Outfield and infield eligibility? Thats roster gold, baby! Dont stop there. Detroits Colt Keith second and third base smacked his way to relevance in 2024 and could be a sleeper. Jake Cronenworth? First and second (sometimes shortstop) with a steady bat. Even Whit Merrifields old legs still bring second and outfield value. These guys arent just players, theyre che s pieces. Heres the deal: Versatility wins titles. McLains your high-ceiling stud, Rafaelas your dart throw with swagger, and the others fill gaps like champs. Draft smart, stack that flexibility, and watch your roster bend the league to your will. Howard Bender is the head of content at . Follow him on X and catch him on the award-winning Fantasy Alarm Radio Show on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your and advice. Matt Harvey Jersey