At a position of utmost importance, there’s no shortage of high-end shortstops presently in the Majors. But, for a list of the top ten right now, who would be on it? There are some obvious names, plus some players who’ve quickly risen up the ranks. Here’s our list of the top ten shortstops in MLB as we head into 2026.

10. Geraldo Perdomo

We’ll start with Geraldo Perdomo, the Diamondbacks shortstop who is part of the next wave of young, talented shortstops.

The 2025 season was a career one for Perdomo, who, believe it or not, finished the year with the highest wRC+ (138) and wOBA (.370, min. 350 PA) among shortstops last season. That’s how good a year it was for Perdomo, who hit 20 home runs, drove in 100, stole 28 bases, and scored 98 runs for the Diamondbacks. Arizona’s offense clicked last season, and Perdomo was a big reason why, getting on base (13.1% BB%) and getting under balls.

Perdomo also played well defensively (+5 Outs Above Average (OAA)). The only reason why Perdomo is so low on this list is that this was an uncharacteristic year by his standards. Two years ago, Perdomo only hit three home runs and slashed .273/.344/.374 in 98 contests.

9. Willy Adames

Willy Adames‘ first season in San Francisco went very well.

Adames was one of six shortstops on this list who had a 20+ home run and 10+ stolen base season in 2025. The veteran infielder hit 30 home runs for the Giants last season, giving San Francisco something that the team had not had since Barry Bonds — a hitter who could reach that mark in a single season with the team.

He will strike out (26% K%) a lot. However, Adames’ power and ability to play solid defense make him a top ten shortstop.

8. Gunnar Henderson

Gunnar Henderson ranked as our third-best shortstop in the Majors heading into 2025. He slides to #8 after a down 2025 campaign for both him and the Baltimore Orioles.

To be fair, it wasn’t a bad season for Henderson. The Orioles’ shortstop hit 17 home runs, stole 30 bases, and finished with wOBA (.339) and wRC (120) figures that were above league norms. Part of that was because Henderson hit tremendously well with runners in scoring position. Last season, he slashed .342/.441/.596 with seven home runs and 54 RBI with RISP.

However, things were not particularly great with no runners on. Henderson slashed .242/.304/.395 with runners not on base. Plus, the defense (-3 OAA) took a slight step back.

7. Elly De La Cruz

Elly De La Cruz didn’t take that huge next step forward in 2025. However, it was still a very good season overall.

For the Reds, the switch-hitting shortstop hit a team-high 22 home runs and swiped 37 bases. The stolen base output was far fewer than in 2024, when De La Cruz nabbed 67 stolen bases. However, he did achieve above-average wOBA (.333) and wRC+ (109) figures. Plus, eye-popping exit velocities despite the high groundball ratio.

De La Cruz’s defense can be considered a boondoggle. He has plus-plus arm strength and elite running skills. The problem is combining all of that to play a position that is extremely tough to play, thanks to all the moving parts involved. Still, not many players his size can do what he can.

6. Dansby Swanson

Even though Dansby Swanson lost out on another Gold Glove thanks to Masyn Winn, it was still another good season for the veteran shortstop.

While defense has been a strong suit for Swanson over the years, so has his ability to hit for power. Swanson hit 24 home runs last season for the Cubs. He also stole 20 bases, which gave the 2021 World Series champion his first-ever 20-20 season in the Majors. Even though most of his damage came with no runners on (17 solo HR), it still counts as an impressive year.

His OAA was +4 last season, impressive but significantly down from past years (+17 in 2024). Still, very few can play short like Swanson.

5. Corey Seager

Corey Seager was a victim of circumstance last season. Hamstring problems and appendicitis limited Seager to 445 plate appearances in 2025. But don’t think that Seager didn’t affect games the way that he has in the past.

The Rangers’ shortstop posted the second-highest wOBA (.365) in the Majors last season among shortstops. Plus, the highest OPS (.860) and second-highest BB% (13%) in the league. Those were just some of the statistical highlights from a season that saw Seager blast 21 home runs in 102 games.

Seager has generally been a very good defender at the position. That (+4 OAA) held true again in 2025.

4. Jeremy Peña

Yes, Jeremy Peña is a top-five shortstop.

Peña was an immediate hit upon his call-up to the Majors four years ago and has been an all-around threat over the course of his first four seasons. The Astros’ shortstop finished with the third-highest wOBA (.363) and the second-highest wRC+ (135) among shortstops last season. Oh, and Peña could do it defensively, as well, as he was tied with Xander Bogaerts for the sixth-best OAA (+8) among shortstops.

Injuries have been a sore spot for Peña. He missed out on a 20-20 season in 2025, thanks to rib and oblique injuries that sidelined him throughout the year. But when he’s healthy, Peña is a game-changing shortstop.

3. Trea Turner

Phillies shortstop Trea Turner moved back to the leadoff spot last season after the team shifted Kyle Schwarber into a run-production role (even though he did that pretty well in the leadoff spot himself). That move helped Turner immensely.

From June 9 (the day Turner moved to the leadoff role permanently) onward, Turner slashed .307/.357/.465 with 101 hits, which was good for the top 20 in the Majors during that stretch. His 19 stolen bases also ranked in the top 15 in the Majors. Not too bad for the player who finished two hits shy of the NL lead last season.

Turner is a true sparkplug, someone who can turn singles into two bases either via stretching hits out or taking second via the stolen base. Additionally, Turner is still a difference-maker defensively. His +17 OAA was tied with Nick Allen, the third-best in the MLB.

2. Francisco Lindor

Yet again, Francisco Lindor fought through injuries to have himself a fantastic season at the plate.

Lindor, who required offseason surgery, smacked 31 home runs and posted his second 30-30 season in three seasons. The “fancy” stats also back him, as his .350 wOBA was good for the top 50 among all MLB players. However, there’s not much explanation needed for a 30-30 season.

It also helps that Lindor is one of the best fluid shortstops in the game, able to get into the hole or get at baseballs in on him. His +5 Outs Above Average last season rated him in the top 15.

1. Bobby Witt Jr.

Nothing has changed with the top two heading into 2026, compared to 2025. Lindor is still #2, while Bobby Witt Jr. remains the best shortstop in the business.

The Royals’ superstar was arguably baseball’s best defender last season. His +25 Outs Above Average was best in the Majors. Witt Jr. can cover ground in all directions.

Offensively, Witt is still the real deal. He hit over 20 home runs, finished fifth in stolen bases (38), and was the Major League leader in hits. Not much else needs to be added. His 130 wRC+ in 2025 was fourth-highest in the Majors.

Check out more of our MLB coverage, including a look at the best third basemen heading into 2026.