Our next 2025 MLB power rankings list takes a look at the best shortstop across the league right now. This wasn’t an easy list compose, at least in terms of filling out the back end of the top-ten. Simply put, there’s a lot of talent across the Majors at the position — but who made our list? Take a look for yourself.
10. Bo Bichette
We’ll start our list with Bo Bichette, beating out a deep bench of shortstops to make it to #10. Now, Bichette isn’t here because of his 2024 campaign. Bichette actually had one of the worst seasons among shortstops last season, slashing .225/.277/.322 with just four home runs over 336 PA. However, one can’t ignore that Bichette led the AL in hits in 2021 and 2022, and hit 20+ home runs from 2021-23.
Bichette dealt with significant injury troubles in 2024, including a calf strain and a right middle finger fracture that ended his season two weeks early. But at 26 years of age and with a great track record, Bichette — a free agent after 2025 — might be primed for a strong comeback.
9. Trea Turner
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner was an impact bat yet again in 2024, his tenth season in the Majors. Turner hit .295/.338/.469 with 21 home runs and 46 extra-base hits, along with 19 stolen bases across 121 contests. Those were impressive numbers, considering he missed over a month with a hamstring strain.
Turner has never rated as a strong defender, despite his plus speed. The Phillies shortstop posted a -3 Outs Above Average rating in 2024, better than 2023(-6 OAA) but still below the league average. As a matter of fact, his -9 OAA was third-worst among shortstops between 2023-24. Only Amed Rosario (-16) and CJ Abrams (-26) had worse numbers.
8. Ezequiel Tovar
Perhaps the most underrated shortstop on this list is Ezequiel Tovar. The 23-year-old shortstop ranked among the top-10 shortstops in a number of offensive categories over the last two seasons. Tovar finished eighth in runs scored (162), fourth in total bases (544), and second in hits (323). He chases a lot but also makes contact a lot, as well.
However, perhaps Tovar’s most valuable asset is his glove. The Rockies shortstop ranked second in Statcast‘s Outs Above Average range metric from 2023-24, with a +30 OAA. Only Dansby Swanson (+38) had a better figure.
7. Willy Adames
New Giants shortstop Willy Adames had a career 2024, putting him at #7 on our list. Adames hit a career-high 32 home runs with the Brewers, the second time three seasons he hit 30+ homers. He also drove in a career-best 112 runs, leading the pace for the Brewers last year.
Adames is the total package: a power-hitting shortstop who can impact the game with his bat, feet, and glove. The 29-year-old is an exceptional defender, with a +17 OAA from 2023-24. However, how many home runs he’ll hit over the coming years remains to be seen. He joined the Giants on a seven-year pact in December.
6. Corey Seager
Much like other names on this list, Corey Seager was not spared from injuries last year. Seager only played 123 games — four more than 2023, however — as he struggled with hip problems in the second half. Still, Seager belted 30 home runs, the third-straight season he cracked that threshold. His defense (+6 OAA) also ranked as above-average.
The Rangers shortstop ranked fifth in total bases (540), third in home runs (63), and first in SLG (.567) among shortstops from 2023-24.
5. Mookie Betts
You know it’s a deep list when Mookie Betts, the former AL MVP, is fifth on this list. Betts couldn’t replicate his incredible 2023 campaign, which saw him belt a career-high 39 home runs, last season. The Dodger missed time with a left hand fracture and hit .289/.372/.491 (.863 OPS) with 19 home runs and 48 extra-base hits over 116 games. Not 2023 numbers — but impressive nonetheless.
Over the last two seasons, Betts’ 58 home runs would have ranked fifth-most among shortstops had he played enough games at the position. The 32-year-old moved to short last season out of necessity but moved back to the outfield after his hand fracture. He’ll move back to short to start 2025. However, his footspeed and range (-4 OAA) is questionable at this of Betts’ career for the position.
4. Elly De La Cruz
Arguably the biggest riser on this list is Elly De La Cruz. De La Cruz showcased plus pop and speed during his rookie season — but also a lot of strikeouts. The Reds shortstop struck out 33.7% of the time in 2023 and in 2024, that didn’t change much (31.3%). However, his numbers were eye-popping. De La Cruz hit 25 home runs, 71 extra-base hits, and stole a league-high 67 stolen bases.
With his size and power, it’s not out of the realm of possibility De La Cruz hits 30+ home runs in 2025. And thanks to that plus speed, De La Cruz can man the shortstop position with efficiency, a rarity for a 6’5” athlete. His +16 Outs Above Average ranked seventh among all shortstops from 2023-24.
3. Gunnar Henderson
In the third spot is Gunnar Henderson, arguably the loudest bat on this list. The Orioles shortstop hit 65 home runs over the last two campaigns, most among players at the position. Henderson hit 37 of those home runs in 2024, a season that saw him post eye-popping metrics. The 23-year-old finished in the top 5% of the league in bat speed and hard-hit rates.
Defensively, Henderson rated as an average defender (0 OAA). Henderson played strictly shortstop in 2024, after splitting 2023 between third and short. The 23-year-old became a fixture at short thanks to emergence of Jordan Westburg at third.
2. Francisco Lindor
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor finished second on our top shortstop list heading into 2024, and sticks there to start 2025. Lindor had an incredible 2024 campaign, hitting 33 home runs and 73 extra-base hits for the Mets. The 31-year-old’s campaign helped propel the Mets back into the playoff conversation and his clutch hits in late September and October can’t be ignored, either.
Lindor finished just shy of surpassing Henderson for most home runs (64) among shortstops from 2023-24. He was one of two shortstops to accrue 60+ home runs and stolen bases in that span. And defensively, Lindor was stout, with a +22 OAA over the last two campaigns. That number ranked fourth-best among shortstops.
1. Bobby Witt Jr.
The top spot on our power rankings list goes to Bobby Witt Jr., who won nearly every award possible last season. The Royals star won the AL batting crown, hitting .332 with 32 home runs and 31 stolen bases, pacing the Kansas City offense. That performance won Witt Jr. the AL Silver Slugger at short, and runner-up for AL MVP. Witt Jr’s defense over the last two seasons has also been incredible (+30 OAA). He won the Gold Glove for short in the AL last year.
No shortstop in baseball had more hits (388), runs scored (222), or total bases (691) than Witt Jr. from 2023-24. And luckily for the Royals, Witt Jr. is locked in for the long term. The Royals gave Witt Jr. an 11-year extension in February 2024, with three club options.
Make sure to check out our rankings for the best second and third basemen in MLB heading into 2025.