2024 MLB Power Rankings: Who are the best shortstops?

Between established veterans like Francisco Lindor & Trea Turner, as well as young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz, among others, the present and future of MLB at shortstop is looking bright. So, who are the best MLB shortstops as we move toward the 2024 campaign? Here’s a look at our top five.

5. Dansby Swanson

We start off our list with arguably the best defensive shortstop in the game: Dansby Swanson. Swanson’s been able to hold his own with his bat, as his 47 home runs over the last two years are tied for fifth among primary shortstops. However, Swanson’s loudest tool is the glove. Last year, Swanson led all players — not just shortstops — in Outs Above Average (+20).

This was a tough one, as dual-threat Willy Adames and Bo Bichette, had to be left out. However, Swanson’s bat over the last three years has pushed him into this conversation.

4. Trea Turner

The first two months of Trea Turner’s 11-year, $300MM deal with the Phillies were not great. Turner hit just .236/.280/.371 (.651 OPS) with five home runs and seven stolen bases but things turned as the year went on. From June 1 onward, Turner hit .283/.342/.507 (.849 OPS) with 21 home runs and 23 stolen bases and played a key role in the Phillies’ run to the NLCS last year.

Turner ranked in the top five among shortstops in home runs (75) in OPS (.831) over the last three seasons, and no shortstop has more hits (559) or stolen bases (89) than the Phillies infielder.

3. Bobby Witt Jr.

It’s not hyperbole to state that heading into 2024, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the best MLB shortstops. Witt Jr., who finished seventh in the 2023 AL MVP race, hit 30 home runs, swiped 49 bases, and posted a .813 OPS in what was a record-breaking year in Kansas City. The 23-year-old became the first Royal to record a 30-30 season.

Witt Jr.’s 79 stolen bases were second-most among shortstops from 2021-23 and the youngster spent all of 2021 in the Minors. But aside from his ability at the plate and on the basepaths, Witt Jr.’s also a terrific defender. Last year, Witt Jr. posted a +14 Outs Above Average per Statcast.

2. Francisco Lindor

The 2023 season was another strong one for Francisco Lindor, who ranked fourth among shortstops (min. 800 PA) in OPS (.797) and second in home runs (57) over the last two seasons. The 2023 NL Silver Slugger hit .254/.336/.470 (.806 OPS) with 31 home runs and 66 extra-base hits. Lindor also stole a career-high 31 bases in what was his first 30-30 campaign.

Lindor is also an exceptional defender at short thanks to very good instincts and range at the position. Just last season, Lindor posted a +6 Outs Above Average for the Mets.

1. Corey Seager

After last year, how can Corey Seager not be #1 in the best MLB shortstop rankings heading into 2024? Seager had an earth-shattering campaign for the World Series champion Rangers, one that saw him record a 1.013 OPS, 33 home runs, and 75 extra-base hits over just 119 games. Seager missed time last year due to hamstring and right thumb issues.

Seager shined yet again in the MLB Playoffs, three years after he hit eight home runs in 18 games for the Dodgers World Series championship team in 2020. Seager belted six home runs and 12 extra-base hits for the Rangers in the postseason, which earned him his second World Series MVP award.