Top 10 shortstops in MLB in 2025
Shortstop is one of the most demanding positions in baseball, as it requires athleticism, range, arm strength, and, increasingly, offensive firepower. Among the top 10 shortstops in 2025, you will likely find the most complete players in the sport. Alongside center field, it’s where you often find the most complete players in the sport.
Defense is a major separator here. While offensive metrics like OPS+ and wRC+ are useful, the ability to prevent runs and stay on the field consistently is just as important. With that in mind, let’s dive into our rankings.
1. Bobby Witt Jr.
In nearly any other season, Witt would’ve run away with the AL MVP in 2024. His 9.4 bWAR campaign was good for a runner-up finish, and he’s once again among the favorites in 2025.
Witt is a true five-tool player. Even though three shortstops are projected for a higher wRC+, his elite baserunning and defense push him to the top of the fWAR projections. Fresh off a 30-30 season, he has a legitimate chance to repeat it this year.
2. Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson’s 2024 wasn’t far behind Witt’s. He posted 9.1 bWAR, hit 37 homers, and stole 21 bases. ZiPS has him tied for the highest projected wRC+ among shortstops in 2025.
While not quite as defensively polished as Witt, Henderson brings higher offensive upside, thanks to superior exit velocity and plate discipline. Only the presence of Witt keeps him out of the top spot.
3. Francisco Lindor
A perennial Gold Glove candidate, Lindor remains one of the smoothest defenders in baseball. He’s also coming off a 138 OPS+ season, his second-best offensive year to date.
His arm strength isn’t elite, and his offensive output has varied year to year, but since 2023, he’s produced the second-most fWAR at the position. His consistency and all-around game keep him firmly in the top three.
4. Trea Turner
Turner’s age is starting to show, but he’s still highly productive. He’s posted a 114 OPS+ since joining the Phillies, along with 8.5 fWAR across those two seasons.
His elite speed remains a game-changer, and he’s projected for another 20-20 year. However, his walk rate and declining exit velocities suggest we may be nearing the end of his time among the top-tier shortstops.
5. Mookie Betts
The Dodgers’ decision to shift Betts to shortstop raised eyebrows, and for good reason. He’s struggled defensively at the position.
But the bat is still elite. His contact skills remain top-tier, and while he’s not a base-stealing threat anymore, he’s only a few years removed from an MVP-caliber campaign. Even with a drop in barrel rate and sprint speed, he’s a top-five talent.
6. Willy Adames
Call this the underrated pick. Adames might not have the star power of others on this list, but he’s been remarkably consistent and durable.
He hasn’t missed more than 23 games in any full season since his rookie year and posted a 119 OPS+ in 2024. He’s projected for the seventh-most fWAR at the position and brings above-average tools across the board.
7. Corey Seager
When healthy, Seager is still one of the most feared bats in the league. His wRC+ over the last two seasons trails only Betts among shortstops.
The problem? He’s struggled to stay on the field. He’s only topped 129 games twice since 2017 and has seen notable declines in sprint speed and defensive range. His elite bat keeps him in the top 10 — for now.
8. Carlos Correa
Injuries continue to define Correa’s career. He’s averaged just 97 games per year since 2017, and his performance has varied wildly depending on his health.
When he’s right, he’s among the best shortstop hitters in baseball. But with a 113 wRC+ over the last two years, he’s hard to project. Correa’s spot in the top 10 is based on potential more than performance.
9. Elly De La Cruz
Elly might be the most electrifying player on this list. He is also the most unproven. He’s got elite tools: speed, power, defense. But there are also massive strikeout issues.
He’s projected to be 20% better than league average offensively, but his 30% strikeout rate and 105 career OPS+ are real concerns. If he puts it all together, he’s an MVP candidate. If not, he could slide down this list quickly.
10. Bo Bichette
Bo’s 2024 was a clear step back. That said, he was one of the most consistent contact hitters in the league for five years before that.
He’s expected to bounce back in 2025 with a 120 wRC+. The defense remains a liability, and he’s no longer a base-stealing threat, but his bat gives him just enough to sneak into the top 10.
Final Thoughts
This is arguably the deepest shortstop pool MLB has had in years. Witt and Henderson look like the future of the position, but veteran stars like Lindor, Turner, and Betts are still hanging tough. With prospects like Caminero and De La Cruz knocking on the door, don’t be surprised to see more shuffling in these rankings by season’s end.
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