Buster Olney's 2026 top 10 at every MLB position: Shortstops - ESPN
Spring training is in progress, signaling the start of a new baseball season. In ESPN’s 2026 MLB preview, longtime observer Buster Olney surveyed industry insiders to rank the top 10 shortstops for the upcoming year. The aim is to spotlight the best at the position for 2026, not to predict who will dominate in the long term. The plan is to roll out the list day by day over the next two weeks, starting with shortstops today and continuing with starting pitchers, relievers, catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, corner outfielders, center fielders, and designated hitters on the schedule.
Origins of the modern shortstop profile
The great Cal Ripken Jr. helped redefine what a shortstop could contribute offensively, delivering power and two MVP awards while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. Later, a trio—Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciaparra—was dubbed the Holy Trinity of Shortstops for their extraordinary offensive production. Those eras paved the way for today, when shortstops are among the most prolific hitters in the sport. In today’s game, teams increasingly value a shortstop who can contribute heavy offense as well as elite defense. If you doubt the shift in emphasis, consider some players who narrowly missed the 2026 top-10 list: Jacob Wilson flirted with a batting title; Dansby Swanson consistently produced; Willy Adames signed a landmark contract; Andres Giménez helped Toronto reach the World Series; and Masyn Winn stood out as a premier defensive shortstop with growing potential.
The position’s current landscape
Shortstops are producing more offense than at any point in baseball history. A look at the numbers, highlighted by ESPN’s Paul Hembekides, shows 2024 shortstops accounting for a record 20.4% of position-player wins above replacement (fWAR). Over the decades, the share of offense from shortstops has climbed from single digits in the 1970s to the high teens in 2025, underscoring how central the position has become. Teams are prioritizing top-tier talent at shortstop through drafts, trades, and developed talent pipelines. Notable prospects in the mix include Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle, Colt Emerson, George Lombard Jr., and Leo De Vries, with current stars like Anthony Volpe making, or needing to prove, their case in 2026. Even established players like Nick Allen faced roster moves as teams sought the best fit at shortstop, sometimes adding Maurico Dubon or signing Ha-seong Kim to fortify the position.
Top 10 shortstops for 2026
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – Witt checks every box: elite defense, a colossal presence in the lineup, power, and exceptional speed. After a 9.4 WAR season in 2024 and 7.1 WAR in 2025 (third in the American League), he led the majors in hits and doubles in 2025 and earned top defensive marks while swiping 38 bases in 47 attempts. His relentless drive to improve is evident, with management noting his self-care and freshness strategy as crucial to sustaining peak performance throughout a long season.
Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks – Perdomo posted outstanding all-around value, leading NL position players in WAR last season (7.0) and delivering strong offense and defense with a 139 adjusted OPS+. He’s also emerged as a leader within the Diamondbacks, and coaches noted notable growth in plate discipline and slugging.
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles – Henderson rebounded from a rough opening stretch to post strong 2025 results (5.3 WAR, 17 homers, 30 stolen bases). Expect him to benefit from lineup upgrades and the Orioles’ surrounding pieces, with his performance often correlating with team success.
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets – Lindor’s 2026 season hinges on returning full strength after hamate surgery. If he’s ready for Opening Day, he’s capable of delivering elite production, a pattern he’s shown by posting OPS+ figures in the 120s–140s range in recent seasons with minimal missed time.
Corey Seager, Texas Rangers – Seager’s durability has been a concern, with frequent injuries limiting his games. When healthy, he’s a game-changing presence, averaging a 139 OPS+ across eight seasons and contributing significant WAR in limited action. The Rangers’ depth and health will be a major influence on his 2026 value.
Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies – Turner shifted focus to getting on base more than powering up last season, a strategy that paid dividends with a 5.2 WAR and a league-leading on-base success. Over three seasons with the Phillies, he’s provided high Run contribution and a strong slash line.
Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros – Peña has become the cornerstone as other veterans slow down. After posting his best season in 2025 (.304/.363/.477) with solid defense, he’s entering a pivotal phase of his career as he approaches free agency. The organization is cautious but hopeful about extending him long-term.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers – Betts transformed into a top-tier defensive shortstop while continuing to contribute at the plate, leading shortstops in defensive runs saved (DRS) and maintaining Hall of Fame-caliber numbers. At 33, he’s a veteran climber on the WAR leaderboard with potential to surpass historical figures enshrined in Cooperstown.
Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds – De La Cruz flashed extraordinary speed and power (37 stolen bases, 22 homers, 102 runs) but defensive slippage—leading the league in errors—remains a concern. His high ceiling is rooted in youth and the significant room for improvement on defense.
Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants – Adames posted strong power numbers (30 homers) and a solid OPS+ despite a middling season average. The second half showed improved form, suggesting potential for an uptick in performance as he continues to adapt to the Giants’ environment.
Honorable mentions
- Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs – Durable and productive, Swanson remained a steady, dangerous contributor with 24 homers and 20 stolen bases in a strong 2025 season.
- Jacob Wilson, Oakland Athletics – An unconventional approach at the plate yielded a .311/.355/.444 line across 126 games in 2025, prompting a seven-year deal from the A’s.
- Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels – The Angels leaned on their top prospects, and Neto delivered with 26 homers and 26 steals over 128 games across two seasons.
- Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox – A strong 2025 offensive showing in 157 games, though some evaluators noted a potential dip in throwing accuracy by year’s end.
- Andrés Giménez, Toronto Blue Jays – Injuries limited Giménez last season, but his move to shortstop during Bo Bichette’s absence helped stabilize Toronto’s infield defense.
- Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals – A defense-first profile with room to grow offensively; he’s still very young and developing.
- Colson Montgomery, Chicago White Sox – A breakout 21 homers in 71 early big-league games signaled big upside, though his high strikeout rate remains a work in progress.
- CJ Abrams, Washington Nationals – A mixed bag defensively and on-base-wise, Abrams contributes speed and power but fits into a broader rebuild context.
If you’re curious about the full breakdown or want a segment-by-segment dive, we’ll roll out more position-by-position analyses in the coming days.
