Shortstop

SS rankings artworkBelow are our rankings of shortstops entering the 2019 season. The list was last updated on February 3, 2019.

1. Francisco Lindor (CLE) Could the spike in homers we witnessed in 2017 be repeated? Not only was it repeated, but he also improved on it by five, amassing 38 bombs last year. At a position loaded in talent, he’s the crème de la crème.

2. Trea Turner (WAS) Yes, he only stole 43 bases last year, but also hit 19 homers, scored 103 runs, and hit to the tune of a .271 BA. Fit him into your overall Top-10 picks, he belongs.

3. Alex Bregman (HOU) The Astros and Bregman are proceeding cautiously with his rehab program following the early-January elbow surgery and he’s still scheduled to be ready for opening day. If 100%, he’s an elite talent and sure-fire First Round pick.

4. Javier Baez (CHC) The NL MVP runner-up, and for good cause, is poised to show off that terrific bat speed and wheels once again.

5. Manny Machado (FA) Wherever he eventually lands, you know he’ll be putting his best foot forward.

6. Trevor Story (COL) We didn’t see this one coming. He reduced the strikeouts, powered up, and ran rampant on the base paths. A repeat of last season and he moves into the overall Top-10.

7. Adalberto Mondesi (KC) One of the most polarizing picks in 2019 Drafts. You either buy into the 20-40 potential or you’re avoiding him like the plague.

8. Xander Bogaerts (BOS) If you believe in the even/odd year syndrome, downgrading would be in order. We don’t.

9. Carlos Correa (HOU) If the back issues are behind him, he could prove to be a bargain.

10. Corey Seager (LAD) See above. Substitute elbow and hip for the back.

11. Jean Segura (PHI) The move to Philly and a much better supporting cast, will do him nothing but good.

12. Gleyber Torres (NYY) There will be no sophomore slump in this budding stars future.

13. Amed Rosario (NYM) After a slow start, Rosario caught fire in the second half. Those 18 stolen bases after the All-Star break is the reason for optimism and a ton of it.

14. Tim Anderson (CWS) 20-20 was finally achieved, but the strikeout rates are still too high to allow him to take the next step.

15. Jose Peraza (CIN) Mid-teens home run power. 20-plus stolen bases. It’s a testament to the depth at this position that he isn’t ranked higher.

16. Jurickson Profar (OAK) We finally witnessed a healthy season from the former top prospect and the rewards made the wait worthwhile. Now an “A”, he’ll be adding 2B to that multi-position eligibility in 2019.

17. Garrett Hampson (COL) A huge risk/reward type pick, but the reward in that stolen base potential significantly outweighs the risk. Hampson could prove to be a difference maker in the stolen base category.

18. Eduardo Escobar (ARZ) A sneaky, but a very solid option. Low 20’s power combined with hitting near the top of the DBacks batting order will help his cause.

19. Elvis Andrus (TEX) In his nine seasons prior to last year, his lowest stolen base total was 21, attained way back in 2012. Last year, limited by injuries, he swiped five. He shattered more dreams than Freddy Krueger. A bounce back in the stolen base totals seems like a realistic expectation. The power returning to 2017 levels…..not so much.

20. Chris Taylor (LAD) The potential for growth is limited, but as a late round option, there is value to be had.

21. Andrelton Simmons (LAA) Bump him up 15 spots if your League counts D.

22. Ketel Marte (ARZ) He has been slow to develop but still is. Adding the outfield to the 2B/SS eligibility in 2019 is a plus.

23. Marcus Semien (OAK) The acquisition of Jurickson Profar will be cause for a push down in the batting order. That doesn’t bode well for his ability to sustain the 89 runs scored last season.

24. Willy Adames (TB) Learning on the job, but there’s plenty to like and upside potential moving forward.

25. Paul DeJong (STL) The walk rates are alarming, but there is no doubting the power potential.

26. Jorge Polanco (MIN) The footsteps that he’s hearing belong to Nick Gordon and Royce Lewis.

27. Brandon Crawford (SF) The increase in the power we witnessed in 2015 was never sustained.

28. Orlando Arcia (MIL) 2017 showed promise. 2018 was a disaster of biblical proportions. A solid playoff run could be a precursor to a return to form. If not, Mauricio Dubon is waiting in the wings.

29. Asdrubal Cabrera (TEX) A one-year deal seems to be the wise move for everyone but Wisdom.

30. Dansby Swanson (ATL) Injuries cut into his playing time, but it appears that what you see is what you get. 10-to-12 homers, 10-to-12 thefts, and room for growth in the on-base skills.

31. Nick Ahmed (ARZ)

32. Hernan Perez (MIL)

33. Marwin Gonzalez (FA)

34. Enrique Hernandez (LAD)

35. Didi Gregorius (NYY)

36. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD)

37. Lourdes Gurriel (TOR)

38. Freddy Galvis (TOR)

39. Kevin Newman (PIT)

40. Scott Kingery (PHI)

41. Almedys Diaz (HOU)

42. J.P. Crawford (SEA)

43. Daniel Robertson (TAM)

44. Miguel Rojas (MIA)

45. Addison Russell (CHC)

46. Jordy Mercer (DET)

47. Yairo Munoz (STL)

48. Cole Tucker (PIT)

49. Mauricio Dubon (MIL)

50. Tim Beckham (SEA)

51. Ehire Adrianza (MIN)

52. Tyler Saladino (MIL)

53. Brendan Rodgers (COL)

54. Brock Holt (BOS)

55. J.T. Riddle (MIA)

56. Richie Martin (BAL)

57. Nicky Lopez (KC)

58. Tzu-Wei Lin (BOS)

59. Ronny Rodriguez (DET)

60. Yu-Cheng Chang (CLE)

61. Luis Rengifo (LAA)

62. Nick Gordon (MIN)

63. Troy Tulowitzki (NYY)

64. Alcides Escobar (FA)

65. Jose Iglesias (FA)

66. Adeiny Hechavarria (FA)

67. Pedro Florimon (ATL)

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