Getty Images/Brightcast MediaAs anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 MLB season, we begin by analyzing the best players on each team. In this list, we rank each team’s starting shortstop, spotlighting established superstars like Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, and Trea Turner at the helm, while noting the ascendancy of talents such as Bobby Witt Jr., Anthony Volpe, Ezequiel Tovar, and Bo Bichette. This promises a new class of exciting rookies ready to make their mark.
30. Darell Hernaiz — Oakland Athletics
Briana Sanchez/El Paso Times/USA TODAYDespite lacking experience in the Majors, his performance in the Minors — spanning AAA and AA — has been impressive. Not only is he good at making contact with the ball while batting at .321, but he also stands out as a reliable defender. As a rookie, there might be an adjustment period as he transitions to the majors. However, based on his current abilities, we can confidently rank him at 30th for the time being.
29. Paul DeJong — Chicago White Sox
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY SportsWith a wRC+ of 66 and a high strikeout rate, Paul DeJong’s offensive contributions leave much to be desired. Although he has consistently demonstrated solid defensive skills, there’s significant room for improvement offensively if he aims to climb the rankings in the upcoming season and re-discover the form that made him an All-Star in 2019.
28. Gabriel Arias — Cleveland Guardians
David Richard-USA TODAY SportsThe Cleveland Guardians have some decisions to make about shortstop. Gabriel Arias, who came over from the San Diego Padres in a 2020 trade, is fighting to keep his spot against rising star Brayan Rocchio, following Amed Rosario’s tenure as the primary shortstop for the last three years. Last season, Arias showed promise with a mix of home runs and doubles, complemented by his solid defense, which might just buy him some time to prove himself further before Rocchio steps in.
27. Marco Luciano — San Francisco Giants
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY SportsLuciano is a young player mostly known for his batting and is considered one of the top prospects heading into 2024. This in itself is a big deal for the Giants, considering this is the first time since 2011 that someone other than Brandon Crawford will be starting in the shortstop position. In his first MLB season, he put up respectable offensive numbers, although more is still needed to be shown defensively for this upcoming season.
26. Masyn Winn — St. Louis Cardinals
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY SportsWill 2024 be Masyn Winn’s big breakthrough? This is the question the Cardinals will be hoping to have a positive answer to this season. While his performances last season in his Major League debut left more to be desired, his numbers in the Minors were quite impressive — thus giving the Cardinals confidence that Winn will realize his huge potential.
25. José Caballero — Tampa Bay Rays
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY SportsWith Wander Franco’s future on the field in doubt due to an ongoing investigation, Caballero is poised to become the starting shortstop. Despite being a rookie at 26 last year and having a limited number of plate appearances, his defensive ability stood out — especially at second base and shortstop, contributing to a 2.4-WAR season. Although Amed Rosario was recently signed, Caballero is still seen as the likely choice for the starting role for the Rays.
24. Tim Anderson — Miami Marlins
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY SportsTim Anderson found himself at the bottom of the offensive rankings in baseball last year, with a 60 OPS+ making him the least effective among 134 qualified hitters. Yet, from 2019 to 2022, Anderson was a force at the plate — boasting a .318 batting average and a 122 OPS+, alongside two All-Star appearances, a Silver Slugger award, and an impressive 12.5 WAR over 374 games. Signing with the Miami Marlins on a one-year, $5 million contract, Anderson presents a potential bargain — assuming he rediscovers even some of his old batting.
23. Javier Báez — Detroit Tigers
Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY SportsBaez experienced nothing short of a horror show at the plate last season. Despite his obvious skills as a shortstop, with a stellar glove and arm, his offensive game hit a career low. Over 136 games, he managed just nine home runs and a .222 batting average. However, with the Tigers showing improvement towards the season’s end, there’s optimism that Baez can find his rhythm again and make a comeback.
22. Geraldo Perdomo — Arizona Diamondbacks
Syndication Arizona Republic/Getty ImagesDespite facing stiff competition for his position from Jordan Lawlar, Perdomo is poised to hold onto his starting role as we head into 2024. His performance last season earned him an All-Star selection, showcasing his decent glove, although his stats had dropped off in the second half of the season. While he can often be a decent player, he doesn’t necessarily exceed expectations to be considered exceptional.
21. Trevor Story — Boston Red Sox
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY SportsIn fairness to Trevor Story, his health issues have prevented us from seeing his full potential throughout the entire season. This likely affected his underwhelming slash line of .203/.250/.316. A healthy season ahead could significantly boost his morale and shoot him up in these rankings as the season goes on.
20. Orlando Arcia — Atlanta Braves
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsArcia had a good season last year, earning a surprising spot on the All-Star team over Fransisco Lindor. He notched 17 home runs alongside a .264 batting average, demonstrating solid offensive and defensive output. His performance on both sides of the field underscores his ability as a great player. If he can continue to build on these impressive foundations, he could very well make his way up the list.
19. CJ Abrams — Washington Nationals
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsAmidst a rebuild, the Nationals provided Abrams with ample opportunity to prove himself as their future shortstop. Despite a slow start in 2023, he improved significantly in the second half, achieving a .734 OPS with 11 home runs and 33 stolen bases in just 70 games. Over the season, Abrams compiled a batting line of .245/.300/.412, and 3.4 WAR. We think there’s a high chance of improvement for Abrams this upcoming season.
18. Zach Neto — Los Angeles Angels
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY SportsA first-round selection in 2022, Neto brings excitement to the plate. Limited to just 84 games because of an injury, he managed to hit nine home runs, 17 doubles, and accumulate 34 RBI while maintaining a .225 batting average. Given a full bill of health, expectations are high for Neto to surpass these initial numbers in the upcoming season.
17. Ezequiel Tovar — Colorado Rockies
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsTovar, who is still relatively young, made a good impression last season with his defending, though his offensive game shows growth potential. Notching 15 home runs, 37 doubles, and 73 RBI with a batting average of .250, he has promising skill at the plate. However, achieving greater consistency could improve his rating here. If he builds on his commendable 2023 season, Tovar is a player to continue to watch.
16. Willy Adames — Milwaukee Brewers
Allan Henry-USA TODAY SportsWilly Adames is another shortstop who likely hoped for a stronger performance last season, a sentiment common among players at his position. At his peak, Adames shows incredible talent. His reliability matches his skill at the plate in the field. Despite a down year, he still produced good numbers with 24 home runs, 29 doubles, and 80 RBI. We believe that Adames is on the cusp of a more impressive 2024.
15. Elly De La Cruz — Cincinnati Reds
Zach Dalin-USA TODAY SportsDe La Cruz is a fun player to watch. In 98 games he had a batting average of .235, an on-base percentage of .300, a slugging percentage of .410, and an OPS of .710, leading to an OPS+ of 89. His stats might not immediately stand out. Moreover, his strikeout rate of 33.7% may seem somewhat elevated. However, if he maintains his fitness he’s poised for an outstanding complete season.
14. Oneil Cruz — Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsAfter mostly missing action since 2022 due to an injury, Cruz has the potential to be an offensive force for the Pirates this season. Boasting an OPS+ of 108, his abilities at the plate are noteworthy. While his defensive play can be a bit inconsistent, his exceptional arm strength, complemented by his towering 6’7″ stature, is undeniable. His sheer athleticism positions him as a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.
13. Anthony Volpe — New York Yankees
Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsThe young New York Yankees shortstop sensation achieved a respectable 20 home run/20 steal milestone but underwhelmed overall, marked by a .209/.283/.383 slash line. At 22, his early MLB introduction might explain some struggles. Despite this, Volpe showed promise with metrics like barrel percentage, exit velocity, launch angle, hard-hit percentage, walk rate, and sweet spot percentage all above league averages. His high strikeout rate of 27.8% highlights a significant area for improvement.
12. Carlos Correa — Minnesota Twins
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Correa’s debut season under a six-year, $200 million contract with the Minnesota Twins was disappointing, as he posted a .230/.312/.399 batting line with a 94 OPS+ across 135 games, including 29 doubles, 18 home runs, and 65 RBI. However, the 29-year-old demonstrated his potential in the playoffs, hitting 9-for-22 with three doubles and four RBI over six games. With a career WAR of 40.9 over nine seasons, including a 5.5-WAR season in 2022 and an AL-leading 7.2 WAR with the Houston Astros in 2021, Correa has a proven track record of success. This history suggests he’s well-positioned for a strong comeback.
11. Jeremy Peña — Houston Astros
Detroit Free Press/Getty ImagesJeremy Peña’s 2022 debut season was incredible. He notched a 102 OPS+ with 22 home runs, 63 RBIs, and a 4.9 WAR, capped off by earning both ALCS and World Series MVP titles and being the first rookie shortstop to clinch a Gold Glove. His follow-up year might not have shone as brightly, yet he remained impactful with a 3.8-WAR, delivering top-tier defense and batting .263/.324/.381, along with 32 doubles, 10 home runs, 52 RBI, and 13 stolen bases over 150 games. Significantly, he improved his walk rate from 3.9% to 6.8% and reduced his strikeout rate from 24.2% to 20.3%, promising signs for his growth as he approaches his age-26 season.
10. J.P. Crawford — Seattle Mariners
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY SportsJ.P. Crawford was consistently average during his first four seasons with the Mariners, posting a 99 wRC+ and showing mixed defensive metrics. However, in 2023, particularly in the latter half, he emerged as one of the team’s top position players. Crawford achieved career best in batting average (.266), on-base percentage (.380), and slugging percentage (.438), with a notable increase in walk rate and power. His standout performance from mid-June, boasting a .285/.402/.503 slash line, signals high expectations for his future contributions above his initial four-year average.
9. Dansby Swanson — Chicago Cubs
Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty ImagesDespite being the less sought-after star shortstop in free agency, Dansby Swanson secured a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, where he had a great first season — contributing a 4.9-win performance over 147 games. In 2023, his batting was around league average (.244/.328/.416 with a 104 wRC+). However, these numbers declined during the second half of the season, as the Cubs dropped out of playoff contention. Defensively, Swanson shines, winning gold gloves in both 2022 and 2023 and leading in Outs Above Average (OAA), making him and Nico Hoerner a formidable middle infield duo. Even with average hitting, Swanson’s defense makes him a reliable four-win player, with the upside for even more if he replicates his 2022 offensive output.
8. Bo Bichette — Toronto Blue Jays
Mary Holt-USA TODAY SportsOffensively, Bichette is a powerhouse. He nears a .300 batting average with 20-30 homers annually, and he stands out for accumulating the most hits in the American League over the past three years, trailing only Freddie Freeman and Trea Turner in the Majors. His batted-ball metrics in 2023 placed him among the top percentiles for expected batting average, wOBA, and slugging, contributing to his consistent wRC+ between 120 and 130 over the last four seasons. Despite historically struggling defensively, Bichette showed significant improvement in 2023, moving from being considered a liability to becoming a defensive asset. This transformation addresses past concerns about his position on the field, supporting his role as a key player for the Blue Jays and hinting at a balanced skill set moving forward.
7. Ha-Seong Kim — San Diego Padres
Brett Davis-USA TODAY SportsInitially stepping in for Fernando Tatis Jr. during his absence in 2021 and 2022, Kim has now been positioned as the San Diego Padres’ long-term shortstop, with a role swap with Xander Bogaerts slated for 2024. Over his first three MLB seasons after joining from the KBO, where he was a standout player, culminating in a strong 2023 season. He not only improved offensively, hitting .260/.351/.398 with 17 home runs, 84 runs, and a .351 on-base percentage but also excelled on defense, showcasing gold-glove caliber skills primarily at second base, and winning a Gold Glove as the NL’s top utility defender.
6. Gunnar Henderson — Baltimore Orioles
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY SportsThe American League Rookie of the Year announced himself in a big way last year, showing his potential as a top fantasy prospect with a .255/.325/.489 slash line, 28 home runs, 100 runs, 82 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. Despite initial struggles, including against left-handed pitching, Henderson rallied to improve his performance as the season progressed. As the Baltimore Orioles look forward to 2024, projections from experts suggest he will improve in most metrics. While the arrival of Jackson Holliday potentially signals a shift to third base, for now, he will continue at shortstop.
5. Bobby Witt Jr. — Kansas City Royals
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY SportsA superstar in the making. In 2023, his batting went .276/.319/.495, 115 wRC+, and 30 home runs, complemented by a reduced strikeout rate of 17.4%. Despite initial defensive challenges, Witt Jr. showed improvement in 2023, ranking 4th among shortstops with 14 OAA, although he still has areas to refine defensively. His speed and baserunning are exceptional, evidenced by 49 stolen bases and tying for the first in sprint speed at 30.5 ft/sec, indicating the potential for even greater achievements. Following his 20/20 season as a rookie, the Kansas City Royals have solidified their commitment to Witt Jr. as the franchise cornerstone with an 11-year, $288 million extension.
4. Trea Turner — Philadelphia Phillies
USA TODAY SportsTrea Turner’s 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies was a story of remarkable turnaround. After signing an 11-year, $300 million contract, Turner struggled initially, posting a .236/.289/.367 slash line and a disappointing 76 wRC+ through the first four months. However, he experienced a dramatic resurgence in the latter half, finishing the regular season with a stellar 183 wRC+ in his last 2017 plate appearances and shining in the playoffs with a .347 average, three homers, and four steals in 13 games. This late-season surge solidified his status as one of the best shortstops in the game.
3. Francisco Lindor — New York Mets
John Leyba-USA TODAY SportsLindor had another stellar season last year. Despite initial struggles following his high-profile trade and signing a $341 million contract with the New York Mets, Lindor has rebounded impressively, amassing 11.5 WAR over the last two seasons and capturing attention with his all-around play, including a career-high 31 stolen bases. Although there’s been a noted dip in his defensive metrics in recent years, his enduring speed and offensive prowess, highlighted by hitting 33 doubles, 31 home runs, and securing a Silver Slugger Award, underscore his vital role with the Mets. As Lindor is in his peak years, expectations are high for an even stronger 2024.
2. Mookie Betts — Los Angeles Dodgers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWith projected starting shortstop Gavin Lux still making his way back from last year’s ACL injury, the Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to shift Mookie Betts to shortstop. Lux will now assume the role as the team’s starting second baseman. It is a decision made by skipper Dave Roberts that was categorized as being “permanent, for now”. Lux has struggled during Spring Training with his consistency in both fielding and throwing the baseball. Meanwhile, the versatile Betts is undoubtedly one of the greatest hitters in baseball despite his struggles in the 2023 postseason. A multi-time Gold Glover winner and a fantastic overall athlete, he should have no issues playing in the middle infield — thus solidifying his spot at No. 2.
1. Corey Seager — Texas Rangers
Kelsey Grant/Getty ImagesCorey Seager’s remarkable postseason performance was highlighted by a .318/.451/.682 hitting with six home runs in 17 games, as he led the Texas Rangers to a World Series victory and won his second World Series MVP title — making him one of only four players in MLB history to achieve this twice. Seager has proven to be a clutch postseason performer and a top hitter in the league, even though his defensive skills are considered around average, with some flashy plays contributing to his overall performance. Despite dealing with injuries, Seager’s exceptional batting skills make him one of the best players in baseball, let alone at shortstop.
