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As we run through the positions, we’ve come to our best shortstops in 2022 ranking.
The most exciting position to watch, and perhaps the most important defensive position is full of talented players, yet some of them stand out from the rest of the pack. But who’ll make the cut?
Best shortstops 2022
This year’s ranking isn’t exactly normal. For starters, we include one player who’s expected to shift positions at some point in the season. Also, one of the guys mentioned here hasn’t even made his debut. Here, we make a case for them and the best shortstops in the game.
15. Bobby Witt Jr.
While he hasn’t made a single plate appearance in Major League Baseball, Bobby Witt Jr.’s numbers in the minors make him a no-brainer callup for the Kansas City Royals.
He crushed it in Double-A and Triple-A with 33 home runs and 29 stolen bases across 123 games, hitting .290 with a .936 OPS. He’s electric and fun to watch and has shown great plate discipline through his young career, and he could even make the Opening Day roster.
14. Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Just like Witt, Jazz Chisholm Jr. makes our list based on his potential. He was just a couple of home runs shy of a 20/20 season despite spending some time on the shelf with injuries, showing the kind of player he can be.
Durability and plate discipline could be a concern but he’s got the upside of a 30-30 kind of player. He’s one of the few bright spots in the young, rebuilding Miami Marlins.
13. Dansby Swanson
Dansby Swanson is the definition of consistency. You won’t get any big-time numbers but you always know what you’re getting out of him: an average hitter that can get a steal every now and then and who can get hot and rake baseballs like the best of them.
His streakiness is always a risk but after posting career-bests in RBIs (88), homers (27), and runs (78) last season, he might be in for a breakout campaign in 2022.
12. Willy Adames
Willy Adames was a much-improved player as soon as he joined the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting 20 home runs in just 99 games.
He showed great plate discipline, a newly-found power, and even a bigger willingness to go out there and put his body on the line to get some steals. He’s not exactly spectacular and often flies under the radar but he’s a great all-around player.
11. Javier Baez
Even though he can be frustrating to watch at times, Javier Baez is still one of the best shortstops right now.
He strikes out way too often and always swings for the fences, but he’s a guarantee for at least 30 home runs per season. He’s one of the best base-runners in the league and you know he’s never going to get picked off when trying to steal a base. El Mago is great defensive-wise, although his offense will always be a roller-coaster.
10. Wander Franco
Wander Franco proved to be more than ready when he was needed last season. He was worth the wait and showed why he was once considered to be the best prospect in baseball, making an immediate impact for the Tampa Bay Rays.
In just 70 games, he slashed .288/.347/.463 with seven home runs, 24 walks, and 39 RBIs while also saving six defensive runs. Barring injury, he’ll be a perennial offensive threat with the potential of stealing double-digit bases every year. Ignoring the lack of power, he’s a nearly-perfect shortstop prospect.
9. Francisco Lindor
With him likely out of the New York Yankees’ lineup, the Gleyber Torres vs Lindor debate seems over at last. And, in reality, there should have never been a debate to begin with.
Francisco Lindor is an elite defender, whereas Gleyber was a big defensive liability in the middle of the infield. Lindor posted an absurd 20 outs above average last season while also hitting .230/.322/.412 with 20 homers and driving in 63 runs in his first season with the New York Mets. His offense needs to catch up to his stellar defense, though.
8. Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson enters this season after proving to be one of the top shortstops in the league in 2021.
He slashed .309/.338/.469 while driving in 61 runs, hitting 17 homers, and posting an OPS+ of 118. Moreover, his defense only got better last season, helping him earn the first All-Star nod of his career. His offense has never been put into question, and the sky is the limit for him if he continues to make strides as a defender after a shaky start to his career.
7. Trevor Story
Perhaps Trevor Story should’ve been ranked higher on the list but it seems like his days at shortstop are numbered.
Now that he’s joined the Boston Red Sox, Xander Bogaerts is expected to hold on to the position, forcing him to shift to second base. There are concerns about Story’s health and his production outside of Coors Field but even if his production takes a dip to somewhere near .250, he still could steal 20+ bases per season at Fenway.
6. Xander Bogaerts
Xander Bogaerts struggled with a left wrist injury last season and he’s not the best defender on this list. However, his leadership and offensive production granted him the starting shortstop spot in Boston even despite Story’s arrival.
Last year, Bogaerts hit .295/.370/.493 with 23 home runs, drove in 79 runs, and was walked 62 times. His team needs to sign him to an extension before he opts out and tests free agency.
5. Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa may not exactly be a fan favorite around MLB due to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal but he’s still one of the top best shortstops currently.
He’s one of the best defenders in the league, posting 20 defensive runs saved with 12 outs above average in 2021. Moreover, he slashed .279/.366/.485 with 26 dingers, 92 RBIs, and 75 walks last season. Despite his villain attitude, the only true concern with him is his health, but the talent is undeniable.
4. Corey Seager
Corey Seager would be a perennial MVP candidate if he managed to stay healthy. Unfortunately, that has rarely been the case with him, which is why his massive deal with the Texas Rangers was a bit of a head-scratcher.
Also, that speaks volumes of how much of an offensive juggernaut he’s been throughout his career. Last year, the former World Series MVP posted a .306/.394/.521 slash line with 16 home runs, 57 RBIs, 48 walks, a .915 OPS, and a 145 OPS+ but could only play 95 games.
3. Bo Bichette
Often overlooked as a prospect due to his lack of speed and power, Bo Bichette has sure proved that he’s way more than just Dante’s son.
He’s a master at making contact, a disciplined hitter, and went 25 of 26 in stolen bases last season.
Bichette is coming off slashing .298/.343/.484 with 29 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 40 free passes, earning the first All-Star nod of many more to come in his career. He’s poised to replicate those numbers this season in one of the most productive offenses in the league.
2. Fernando Tatis Jr.
There’s no denying that Fernando Tatis Jr. is the best among the best shortstops 2022. He’ll miss the first chunk of the season due to an injury but he’s the league’s finest entertainer.
He’s fast, electric, makes plays with his bat and his arm, and has made the game fun to watch again, even if he’s not the best defender. He’s got the potential to rake over 50 home runs and steal 30+ bases in a full season, the only issue being his health, which is why we can’t put him at number 1 this time.
1. Trea Turner
With Tatis out of the picture for the first three months, Trea Turner is the undisputed number one on our list.
Being slept on for years due to his injury woes, Turner showed his durability by playing all 162 games last season. He posted an outstanding slash line of .328/.375/.536 to go along with 77 RBIs and 28 home runs to take home the NL Batting Title last season.
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