Bold opening: Shortstops are carrying baseball into a new era, and the lineup of talent is deeper than ever. Now let’s unpack the 2026 top-10 list and why these players stand out, with practical context for fans and newcomers alike.
Overview
Spring training has begun, signaling a fresh wave of baseball analysis. As part of ESPN’s 2026 season preview, Buster Olney gathered insights from around the industry to rank the top 10 players at each position, continuing his annual positional ranking tradition. Today’s focus is the elite group at shortstop.
Goal and schedule
The aim is to identify who will be the standout performers in the 2026 season, not to forecast who will dominate five years from now. The plan is to roll out a new position ranking each day over the next two weeks, covering starting pitchers, relief pitchers, catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, corner outfielders, center fielders, and designated hitters in that order.
Historical context
Buster Olney notes how the shortstop position has evolved offensively. The archetypal image of shortstops as defense-first players has given way to a league-wide trend where many top guys are also potent hitters. The era of Gold Glove defense paired with light hitting is largely behind us, replaced by a golden age where shortstops contribute significant offense as a standard expectation. Past legends—Cal Ripken Jr. transforming the offensive ceiling for shortstops, and the trio of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciaparra sometimes dubbed the Holy Trinity of Shortstops—helped reshape perceptions of what a shortstop could be. These trailblazers opened doors for today’s players, who routinely blend elite defense with advanced hitting.
Rising stars and near-miss candidates
Several players were on the fringe of the top 10, underscoring the depth at the position. Jacob Wilson flirted with a batting title; Dansby Swanson established a steady, productive baseline; Willy Adames secured a massive contract while maintaining strong on-base and power outputs; Andres Giménez contributed to Toronto’s World Series run; and Masyn Winn, among others, showcased exceptional defense with ongoing development at the plate. These near-misses illustrate how crowded the shortstop landscape has become with high-end performers.
Historical offense growth at shortstop
ESPN’s Paul Hembekides highlighted a striking trend: in 2024, shortstops produced 20.4% of position-player wins above replacement (fWAR), the highest share ever recorded. The progression over the decades shows a consistent rise in offensive contribution from the position, reflecting broader organizational emphasis on acquiring and developing top-tier shortstops. Current pipelines include Konnor Griffin (Pirates), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), Colt Emerson (Mariners), George Lombard Jr. (Yankees), and Leo De Vries (Athletics). In recent seasons, players such as Anthony Volpe have demonstrated elite performance at the plate, while others like Nick Allen show high-end defense that teams weigh against offensive output when evaluating their shortstop prospects.
Top 10 shortstops for 2026
1) Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Witt Jr. combines elite defense with power, speed, and the potential to anchor a lineup. After a 9.4 WAR season in 2024 and a 7.1 WAR season in 2025, he led the majors in hits and doubles in 2025 and posted outstanding defensive metrics, along with 38 stolen bases in 47 attempts.
His drive to improve is relentless. Royals baseball operations chief J.J. Picollo has publicly praised Witt’s work ethic and self-management, emphasizing how to keep him fresh and strong throughout the season. He excels across the board and is a clear all-around star.
2) Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks
Perdomo stands out as a well-rounded performer who blends offense and defense at a high level. He led NL position players in WAR last season and posted an elevated OPS+. His leadership qualities have also grown, with evaluators noting his maturity and game intelligence, contributing beyond raw stats.
3) Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
Henderson’s arc mirrors a strong return after a challenging start to a season, culminating in a 5.3 WAR campaign with substantial power and speed. He benefits from lineup upgrades and has shown a strong set of tools that translate to both offense and defense. His performance in wins versus losses showcases his impact in different game contexts.
4) Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
Lindor’s 2026 outlook hinges on regaining peak form after a hand surgery. Historically durable and high-performing, he has produced consistent run production and maintained strong on-base skills. His prior seasons demonstrate a level of offensive stability that Mets will rely on as he returns to full strength.
5) Corey Seager, Texas Rangers
Seager’s durability has been an ongoing question, yet his impact when healthy remains significant. In limited games, he delivers substantial WAR, and his long-term track record shows a high OPS+. The Rangers’ cadence around his health is a major factor for their offense this season.
6) Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
Turner thrived after shifting focus toward on-base production, delivering a NL batting title season and a career-best on-base performance. Over three years with Philadelphia, he has produced substantial run value and offered a steady, productive presence at the top of the order.
7) Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros
Peña has grown into a cornerstone as veteran teammates slow down, providing both offensive and defensive leadership. His 2025 season featured strong hitting and defense, and his status is increasingly linked to the Astros’ long-term plans, including contract considerations beyond the near term.
8) Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Betts cemented himself as a premier all-around shortstop, showcasing elite defense and a storied offensive career. He remains a potential Hall of Fame candidate, with a cumulative impact well into the upper echelons of the game’s all-time leaders in WAR.
9) Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
De La Cruz combines speed and power with high upside, though defense remains a work in progress. His ceiling remains high due to youth and talent, and he’s a player many teams are counting on to reach his full potential as he develops defensively.
10) Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants
Adames produced strong power numbers and an improved on-base profile, even if his batting average hovered in the .200s. A strong late-season surge elevated expectations for future consistency and continued offensive contribution.
Honorable mentions
- Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs: Steady defense and solid offense keep him in the conversation, though he doesn’t always reach the same hitting peak as some peers. He remains a durable, productive contributor with notable power and run production.
- Jacob Wilson, Oakland Athletics: A unique hitting profile yielded a strong 2025 for a 23-year-old, including a high-contact approach and significant on-base presence.
- Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels: An impressive two-season run with substantial WAR highlights a fast-rising, multi-tool offensive player whose development has impressed teams amid organizational rebuilds.
- Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox: A strong offensive season with high game participation, though evaluators note some defensive and throwing concerns late in 2025.
- Andres Giménez, Toronto Blue Jays: His presence boosted infield defense and offensive production when health allowed, contributing to improved performance for the team.
- Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals: A young defender who charts a path forward with strong defensive metrics and evolving offense.
- Colson Montgomery, Chicago White Sox: A striking early breakout season with power, though the strikeout rate remains a consideration as his overall impact evolves.
- CJ Abrams, Washington Nationals: A multi-dimensional profile featuring speed and base-running skill, but mixed defensive metrics and a timing fit within Washington’s broader rebuild plan.
Closing thought
This cohort illustrates a broader shift in baseball where shortstops are increasingly central to both defense and offense. The ongoing development of prospects and the sustained performance of established stars keep the position at the vanguard of modern baseball strategy. As fans, we’re watching not only today’s results but the long arc of how this position shapes teams’ competitive futures. Which shortstop’s trajectory do you find most compelling, and why? Share your perspective in the comments.
