We covered second basemen earlier in the week, and now it’s on to their partner in crime on every double play. Shortstop is one of the most exciting positions in baseball, whether you’re playing it or watching the elite defenders go to work. Our series continues with a look at the top 10 shortstops for 2026.
1. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
By far the best shortstop in the game today, he has it all: power, speed, and defense. He recorded 395 hits over the last two seasons, leading the league both years, and has won back to back Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers. He led all shortstops with 24 outs above average, topped the league in doubles, and stole 38 bases. At just 25, he is already the best shortstop in the game and only getting better.
2. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
Mr. Smile remains one of the best defenders in the game, with two Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove, but he checks in at No. 2 because of his performance at the plate. Lindor slashed .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs and 117 runs scored in 160 games in 2025. His 2026 projections look nearly identical, a testament to the consistency he has shown over the last few seasons.
3. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers
Seager won NL Rookie of the Year in 2016 and is a five-time All-Star. He earned World Series MVP honors with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Rangers in 2023, cementing his place as one of the top shortstops of this generation. He has hit at least 20 home runs in four straight seasons and is projected to clear that mark again in 2026.
4. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
Henderson followed up a phenomenal 2024 with another strong season in 2025, hitting 17 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and slashing .274/.349/.438. His offensive profile should benefit from the addition of Pete Alonso. He was an above-average defender in 2024, though he struggled with consistency in 2025. Still young with time to refine his defensive game, Henderson ranks this high because of his offense and his continued room to grow.
5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Betts moved from right field to second base and now to shortstop, where he has been a top defender. One of the most athletic players in baseball, Betts does it all. He had a bit of a down year in 2025, but he remains one of the most decorated players in the game, with four World Series titles, a batting title, six Gold Gloves, and seven Silver Sluggers. In 2025, he tied for the league lead with 17 defensive runs saved and posted six outs above average, maintaining his status as an elite defender no matter the position.
6. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs
Swanson’s defensive skills were on full display in the NL Wild Card Series, as he essentially won Game 1 for the Cubs by robbing multiple hits and saving several runs against the Padres. He is a Gold Glove winner with occasional power, averaging around 20 home runs per year. His streaky offensive numbers keep him a bit lower on this list than some might expect.
7. Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals
Winn has a cannon for an arm and one of the best gloves in the game, ranking just behind Bobby Witt Jr. with 21 outs above average. He lands this low because of his offensive output, or lack thereof. He hit .253 with only nine home runs, but the encouraging sign for Cardinals fans is that he is even younger than Witt and still has plenty of untapped potential. If he continues to progress as he has over the last few seasons, he won’t stay out of the top tier for long.
8. Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks
Perdomo led the NL with 7 WAR in his fourth full season and hit .290 with 20 home runs. He finished fourth in MVP voting and earned his first Silver Slugger. He has increased his production in nearly every major category each year since becoming a full time player and still appears to be just getting started. Because he is still young, he slots just below some of the more established veterans on this list.
9. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
Turner is entering his 12th season in MLB as a two-time batting champion and three-time All-Star. He hit .305 last year with 15 home runs. Power has never been his calling card, but he still averages around 20 long balls per season. Defensively, he was tied for third among shortstops with 17 outs above average, though he recorded just one defensive run saved.
10. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
This ranking may not age well as De La Cruz has the potential to be one of the best players in the game. He brings otherworldly power and speed, but the contact remains a concern. He struck out 181 times, a 25.9% rate, with just a 9.6% walk rate. If he can become a more consistent hitter, he has the tools to climb this list quickly.
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