Get ready: In the coming two weeks, we will be ranking the finest baseball players at each position, starting with a particularly talent-rich shortstop group. This may be the deepest array of shortstops in memory, with several young players emerging and one elite talent making a full-time move to defense.
The series continues with our list of the top 10 shortstops heading into the 2025 season.
10. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs
2024: .242/.312/.390, 16 HR, 99 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .245/.315/.400, 18 HR, 102 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
Swanson, a former first-round choice, had a challenging season last year, recording his lowest OPS since 2018, which led the Cubs to drop him to eighth in the batting lineup. His return to form is vital for a Cubs team led by Kyle Tucker, aiming to break through the postseason wild-card round for the first time since 2017.
9. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
2024: .295/.338/.469, 21 HR, 124 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .287/.335/.462, 21 HR, 120 wRC+, 4.4 fWAR
Turner’s performance has been declining steadily in recent years, largely attributed to his age (32). Nevertheless, he is still projected as a 20-20 player for the Phillies, where a potential transition to the leadoff spot might enhance his productivity. However, concerns linger about whether this will be his last year in the top-10 shortstop rankings, as his defensive abilities seem to be diminishing.
8. Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants
2024: .251/.331/.462, 32 HR, 119 wRC+, 4.8 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .246/.319/.430, 23 HR, 110 wRC+, 4.2 fWAR
Entering his age-29 season, Adames achieved career highs in several categories last year. As he joins a new team, he faces the challenge of upholding his performance in a pitcher-friendly park, with expectations for a drop in power production.
7. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins
2024: .310/.388/.517, 14 HR, 155 wRC+, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .272/.354/.456, 18 HR, 130 wRC+, 4.1 fWAR
Despite dealing with plantar fasciitis and limited games recently, Correa’s talent keeps him in the top shortstop rankings. After playing only 86 matches last year, he still had an All-Star season before succumbing to injury. With hopes of a full season, he aims to lead the Twins to their first World Series win since 1991.
6. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
2024: .259/.339/.471, 25 HR, 118 wRC+, 6.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: .263/.335/.472, 25 HR, 117 wRC+, 5.0 fWAR
Securing his first All-Star appearance last year, De La Cruz topped MLB with 67 stolen bases during his inaugural full season. At just 23, he has great potential if he can channel his raw talent effectively, relying on his five-tool skill set as he gains experience.
Honorable mentions: Ezequiel Tovar, Zach Neto, Jeremy Peña, Bo Bichette, Anthony Volpe.
Deesha Thosar is a MLB reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets for four years as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.
