Shortstop isn’t just a position, it’s a proving ground. The best athletes on the diamond don’t just end up here by chance. They earn it with fast-twitch reflexes, cannon arms, fearless play, and an all-around game that few others can match. In 2025, shortstop is as loaded as ever with a wave of new stars and established veterans all pushing the position to new heights.
This year’s group features everything: speedsters who can swipe a bag in the blink of an eye, sluggers with 30-homer power, and defenders with highlight-reel instincts. If you care about baseball in any way, fantasy leagues, postseason hopes, or just pure talent, keeping up with the best shortstops in MLB isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Why the Modern Shortstop Is a Game-Changer
Once viewed mostly as glove-first field generals, today’s shortstops are offensive weapons too. They hit for power, post high on-base percentages, and often bat in the heart of their team’s lineup. The physical demands haven’t changed, it’s still one of the toughest positions in the game, but the expectations have only grown.
These players cover more ground, rack up more WAR, and impact more innings than just about anyone else on the field. You’ll see them leaping for line drives, turning double plays in crunch time, and launching three-run bombs before the seventh-inning stretch.
What We Looked for When Ranking the Best Shortstops in MLB
To make this list, we didn’t just glance at box scores. We dug into the numbers that matter, batting average, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, on-base skills, and defensive excellence. We also factored in durability, consistency, and whether a player makes a real difference in the win column.
Yes, the highlight plays matter. But so does showing up every day, delivering at the plate, and locking down the middle of the infield without blinking. That’s what sets these shortstops apart.
Ready to find out who really owns the position this season? Here’s our countdown of the best shortstops in MLB for 2025 — starting at number 10 and building all the way to the top.
Breaking Down the 10 Best Shortstops in MLB for 2025
10. Ezequiel Tovar – Colorado Rockies
Ezequiel Tovar may not be a household name just yet, but his game is turning heads across the league. In 2024, Tovar played 157 games and posted a solid .269 batting average, belting 26 home runs and driving in 78 runs. These numbers show a rising bat, but it’s his glove that truly sets him apart.
Tovar earned a Gold Glove Award last season, and for good reason. He recorded 15 Outs Above Average (OAA), placing him among the elite defensive shortstops in baseball. His range, first-step quickness, and strong throwing arm give the Rockies a defensive anchor in the infield.
Playing at Coors Field can sometimes inflate offensive stats, but Tovar’s ability to contribute away from home proves he’s more than just a product of his ballpark. His defensive metrics remain consistent on the road, reinforcing why he deserves to be in the conversation for the best shortstops in MLB.
9. Willy Adames – San Francisco Giants
Willy Adames has quietly built a reputation as one of the most dependable power-hitting shortstops in the game. After an impressive 2024 season with the Brewers where he hit 32 home runs and collected 112 RBIs, he signed with the Giants and brings much-needed offensive firepower to Oracle Park.
Adames isn’t just a slugger. He posted a .251 average and drew more walks than ever before, showing improved plate discipline. His 4.8 fWAR also highlights his balanced contribution on both sides of the ball. Despite moving to a more pitcher-friendly park in San Francisco, Adames has the type of opposite-field power and plate approach that should translate well.
Defensively, he’s no liability either. He consistently ranks above average in fielding metrics and adds stability to the middle infield. With his experience and leadership, Adames enters 2025 as a top-tier veteran and firmly belongs among the best shortstops in MLB.
8. Trea Turner – Philadelphia Phillies
Trea Turner continues to be one of the most electrifying shortstops in baseball. Even though he played just 121 games in 2024, he still delivered a .295 batting average with 21 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. His ability to impact the game in so many ways keeps him near the top of any list of the best shortstops in MLB.
Turner’s value isn’t just in the box score. His speed still ranks among the best in the league, helping him turn singles into doubles and apply pressure on opposing defenses. His baserunning intelligence is also top-tier, making him a nightmare for pitchers and catchers.
In the field, Turner remains a steady presence. He may not flash the most spectacular highlights, but he rarely makes mistakes and continues to handle a demanding position with grace and skill. Even as he ages into his early 30s, his athleticism and IQ keep him in the conversation for the best shortstops in MLB.
7. Carlos Correa – Minnesota Twins
Carlos Correa’s 2024 season was a masterclass in production despite adversity. Limited to just 86 games due to injury, Correa still posted a .310 batting average, 14 home runs, and a .517 slugging percentage. That kind of efficiency in limited time proves his bat remains dangerous.
Correa brings championship experience and big-game poise to the Twins. He’s one of the most cerebral players at his position, often praised for his preparation and in-game awareness. When healthy, his combination of offense, leadership, and strong fielding makes him a cornerstone-type player.
Statistically, his impact can’t be overstated. His 155 wRC+ ranked near the top among all shortstops in 2024, and his defensive metrics remain solid even with limited reps. His ability to play at a high level, even in small samples, is a big reason he still ranks among the best shortstops in MLB heading into 2025.
6. Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts is one of baseball’s most versatile and talented athletes — and now he’s thriving as a shortstop. In 2024, Betts played 116 games at the position, hitting .289 with 19 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. His ability to shift seamlessly from right field to shortstop is a rare feat.
Betts is known for his incredible baseball IQ, and that knowledge has helped him master a position most players spend their whole lives trying to learn. On defense, he’s still refining the position, but his range, instincts, and elite arm have helped him make a successful transition.
At the plate, Betts continues to produce at an MVP-caliber level. His walk rate, strikeout rate, and contact metrics are among the best in baseball. When you combine that with his ability to lead a team and produce in big moments, it’s easy to see why he belongs among the best shortstops in MLB in 2025.
5. Elly De La Cruz – Cincinnati Reds
There are few players as exciting to watch as Elly De La Cruz. In 2024, the 22-year-old phenom slashed .259/.339/.471 with 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a league-leading 67 stolen bases. His 6.4 fWAR placed him among the top players in the National League and confirmed his status as a budding superstar.
De La Cruz is the definition of a five-tool player. His speed is elite — 30 ft/sec sprint speed places him at the top of MLB — and his arm strength and power make him a threat at all times. He’s still working on improving his plate discipline, having struck out a league-high 218 times, but his raw talent is undeniable.
Defensively, De La Cruz recorded 15 OAA and showcased 90th-percentile arm strength, proving he can hold his own in the field. His upside is enormous, and even with room to grow, he’s already one of the best shortstops in MLB. If he can cut down on strikeouts, the number one spot could be his in the near future.
4. Corey Seager – Texas Rangers
Corey Seager may not have the flashiest glove, but when it comes to hitting, few shortstops do it better. In 2024, he posted a .278 average with 30 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .512 slugging percentage in just 123 games. That’s elite production from a middle infielder.
Seager’s smooth, powerful left-handed swing has long been a nightmare for pitchers. He ranks near the top in expected stats like xwOBA and barrel rate, and his consistency over the past few seasons has helped make the Rangers’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league.
While his defensive metrics are closer to average, he makes the plays he needs to, and his offensive output more than compensates. Seager also has a proven playoff track record, with a World Series MVP and multiple clutch moments on his resume. His bat alone earns him a firm spot in the top tier of the best shortstops in MLB.
3. Francisco Lindor – New York Mets
Francisco Lindor has long been known as one of baseball’s brightest stars, but his 2024 campaign reminded everyone exactly why he continues to rank among the best shortstops in MLB. In 152 games, Lindor slashed .273/.344/.500 with 33 home runs, 91 RBIs, and a 7.8 fWAR — production that landed him near the top of MVP discussions in the National League.
Lindor isn’t just a slugger. He plays one of the most difficult positions on the field with a rare combination of smoothness and grit. In 2024, he posted 16 Outs Above Average (OAA), ranking second among shortstops behind Dansby Swanson. His defensive reads, footwork, and ability to make difficult throws look routine are part of what keeps him on every list of the best shortstops in MLB.
Another aspect of Lindor’s game that can’t be overlooked is leadership. As the heartbeat of the Mets, he helps guide younger players, maintains clubhouse chemistry, and performs in big moments. His ability to switch hit, control the strike zone, and drive the ball to all fields adds offensive balance and makes him tough to game-plan against.
Despite a somewhat quiet national profile compared to past years, Lindor’s combination of power, defense, and consistency is elite. As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to remain a fixture among the best shortstops in MLB.
2. Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have been waiting for a player like Gunnar Henderson, and in 2024, he fully delivered. Henderson hit .281 with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs while also providing steady infield defense across 159 games. His 8.0 fWAR was the highest among shortstops in the American League, which places him in the conversation for the best shortstops in MLB.
What sets Henderson apart is his advanced approach at the plate for such a young player. He decreased his strikeout rate and improved his walk rate compared to the year before, showing that he’s not just powerful but smart and patient. His 53.9% hard-hit rate and elite bat speed confirm that his power is no fluke — pitchers have to be precise or pay the price.
Defensively, Henderson is still growing but has already proven to be reliable. He posted solid metrics across the board and flashed the kind of quick-twitch athleticism that you want in a franchise shortstop. Add to that his baserunning value — he stole 21 bases and was in the 94th percentile for baserunning runs — and you’ve got a complete player.
Henderson is the face of the Orioles’ resurgence and projects to be a perennial All-Star. If he continues his development, it won’t be long before he challenges for the number one spot among the best shortstops in MLB.
1. Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
Bobby Witt Jr. isn’t just the best shortstop in MLB right now, he’s arguably one of the best all-around players in the game. The 2024 season was a breakout on every level. He led baseball with a .332 batting average and posted 32 home runs, 31 stolen bases, 109 RBIs, and a staggering 10.4 fWAR. Simply put, Witt dominated in every facet of the game.
Witt’s elite speed — measured at 30.5 feet per second, the fastest in MLB — makes him a constant threat on the bases. He’s already recorded multiple 30-30 seasons and seems poised to flirt with the rare 40-40 mark. On top of that, he’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender with 16 OAA and one of the strongest arms among all shortstops. He makes highlight-reel plays look routine, and he’s only 25.
What truly makes Witt special is his five-tool profile. He hits for average, he hits for power, he runs, he fields, and he throws — all at elite levels. In 2024, his 92nd percentile rankings in xwOBA, xSLG, and barrel rate showed that strong underlying metrics backed his offensive surge.
Witt has quickly become the cornerstone of the Royals franchise. His maturity, hustle, and work ethic have transformed Kansas City’s outlook. In an era packed with incredible shortstop talent, Bobby Witt Jr. stands at the top — the undisputed leader of the best shortstops in MLB heading into 2025.
Young Stars on the Rise
It’s not just the top 10 that tells the full story. A handful of young shortstops are knocking on the door — and they’re not just filling roster spots. They’re changing games.
Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals already looks like a defensive star. In 2024, he finished with 15 Outs Above Average (OAA) and won a Gold Glove as a rookie. His instincts and footwork make tough plays look easy, and if he continues to grow at the plate, he could be one of the best shortstops in MLB before long.
Zach Neto, the Angels’ slick-fielding infielder, showed big improvements in his second season. He raised his walk rate, cut down on strikeouts, and showed sneaky pop with 23 home runs. He also ranked in the 86th percentile for baserunning, proving he’s more than just a glove-first guy. His all-around growth makes him one to watch.
Oneil Cruz is probably the most physically unique player in the league. At 6’7″, he’s taller than most power forwards — and yet he plays shortstop. When healthy, Cruz brings light-tower power, elite sprint speed, and one of the strongest arms in baseball. If he can avoid injuries and improve his plate discipline, he could vault into the top five on next year’s list of the best shortstops in MLB.
These three, along with others like Ezequiel Duran and CJ Abrams, represent the next generation — and they’re not just coming, they’re arriving fast.
What’s Next for the Position?
Shortstop has gone through major changes over the past two decades. In the early 2000s, it was all about defense and sacrifice bunts. By the 2010s, power and offensive production started to matter more. Now in 2025, the role has fully evolved — and expectations are sky-high.
The best shortstops in MLB today are asked to do everything. That means hitting 25–30 home runs, stealing bases, batting in the top of the order, and still being the team’s most dependable defender. This shift has forced teams to think differently about who plays the position.
A perfect example is Mookie Betts. Originally a Gold Glove right fielder, Betts has now moved to shortstop because of his quick hands, elite baseball IQ, and reliable bat. This kind of position shift shows how much athleticism is now required — and how versatile top players are expected to be.
Another trend is the return of the stolen base. With bigger bases and new rules around pickoffs, speed is once again a premium skill. Shortstops like Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz are thriving in this environment, swiping 30 or more bags while delivering power at the plate. That blend of speed and strength has become the gold standard.
Looking ahead, teams will likely invest even more in players who can handle the physical grind of the position while offering middle-of-the-order production. Whether it’s moving a second baseman with range to shortstop or grooming a top prospect with elite tools, expect creativity to play a bigger role in roster building.
Final Word on This Year’s Rankings
If you’re a baseball fan in 2025, you’re living in a golden age for shortstops. This group is arguably the deepest it’s ever been — and just as exciting. Whether it’s Bobby Witt Jr. putting up MVP numbers, Gunnar Henderson crushing tape-measure home runs, or Francisco Lindor making another jaw-dropping play in Queens, the best shortstops in MLB continue to raise the bar.
Each player on this list brings something different. Some, like Corey Seager, offer elite bat-to-ball skills and playoff experience. Others, like Elly De La Cruz, provide jaw-dropping athleticism and game-changing speed. Veterans such as Carlos Correa and Trea Turner still have plenty left in the tank, while younger stars are ready to take over.
And don’t forget — this list is likely to look different a year from now. As prospects break through and former All-Stars bounce back, the race to be one of the best shortstops in MLB is wide open. If 2024 was any indication, we’re in for another thrilling season full of highlight-reel plays, walk-off homers, and jaw-dropping stats from baseball’s most dynamic position.
So whether you’re watching from the stands, managing your fantasy team, or just trying to win a debate with friends, keep these names on your radar. The shortstop position is stacked — and only getting better.
