The rankings for shortstops are broken into three parts: the top 10 prospects in order, the next seven prospects in alphabetical order and an extensive list of age-21-and-under prospects worth following closely. As always, these rankings are done from a scouting perspective but with fantasy baseball in mind, generally focusing on standard 5x5 league categories, though other statistics (e.g., OBP) are considered.
And in case you missed it, please check out the initial Prospect Positional column for shortstops this season. It features more in-depth scouting notes as well as a recap of each player’s 2014 campaign.
Follow @Rotoworld_BB and @GoldenSombrero on Twitter.
The Top 10:
1. Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers (Triple-A Oklahoma City, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Stats: 83 G, 362 PA, .308/.356/.520, 55 R, 13 HR, 42 XBH, 48 RBI, 6.6% BB%, 12.0% K%
Seager returned to the Double-A Texas League for the 2015 season and needed all of 20 games (1.082 OPS, 13 XBH) to prove he was worthy of a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 21-year-old has continued to show a high-end combination of hitting ability and power in the Pacific Coast League, posting an .811 OPS with 72 hits, eight home runs and 20 doubles through 63 games. But what really stands out is Seager’s improved approach this season; his 12.0% strikeout rate represents the lowest mark in his professional career, and it’s resulted in a career-best 86.1% contact rate as well. Defensively, Seager is seeing more time at shortstop (70 games) than third base (12), which isn’t surprising considering Jimmy Rollins has an OPS of just .604 for the Dodgers this season. His bat is suited for either position, so it’s just a matter of when the organization is ready to deploy him in the big leagues.
Fantasy Upside: .280/.340/.490, 35+ 2B, 20-25 HR
2. J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A Reading, Eastern League)
2015 Stats: 60 G, 288 PA, .311/.415/.414, 39 R, 3 HR, 16 XBH, 23 RBI, 7 SB, 14.6% BB%, 9.7% K%
Crawford emerged as one of baseball’s top prospects last season in his first full pro campaign, posting a very impressive .285/.375/.406 batting line to go along with 11 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 123 games between both Class-A levels. An oblique strain kept the 20-year-old shortstop off the field until early May, but he made up for the late start by posting a robust .392/.489/.443 batting line in 21 games at High-A Clearwater, resulting in a quick promotion to Double-A Reading. Crawford’s game hasn’t suffered at the more advanced level, as he’s continued to show good pop (.778 OPS, 14 XBH) along with plate discipline (14.6% BB%, 9.7% K%) that ranks among the best in the minor leagues. Crawford profiles as a plus hitter at maturity, and his remarkably advanced approach should permit good utility of his raw power in games. On the other side of the ball, Crawford will be able to remain at shortstop for the duration of his career, and the fact that he’s committed only 13 errors in 59 games this season is pretty darn impressive for a 20-year-old playing at a pair of advanced levels.
Fantasy Upside: .280/.350/.410, 15-18 HR, 10-15 SB
3. Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox (Double-A Birmingham, Southern League)
2015 Stats: 80 G, 353 PA, .300/.330/.399, 49 R, 2 HR, 23 XBH, 32 RBI, 30 SB, 4.0% BB%, 19.8% K%
Anderson’s first full season in the Southern League has been a success, as the 2013 first-rounder has hit for average (.300), reached base at a reasonable clip (.330) and fully utilized his speed on the base paths (30-for-37 in SB attempts). The only thing the 22-year-old hasn’t done is show consistent over-the-fence power, as he’s hit just two home runs this season in 80 games after launching nine in 83 games in 2014. In Anderson’s defense, however, he once again has been a consistent source of doubles and triples. Anderson stands out for his plus-plus speed, quick bat and strong contact skills, though there is concern about whether his aggressive approach (22.6% K%, 4.5% BB% in 1,018 career PA) will translate against more advanced arms. It’s worked for him so far thanks to the aforementioned contact skills, but the approach as a whole is still very much a work in progress.
Fantasy Upside: .275+ AVG, 25+ 2B, 12-15 HR, 25+ SB
4. Trea Turner, San Diego Padres/Washington Nationals (Triple-A Syracuse, International League)
2015 Stats: 84 G, 356 PA, .318/.368/.472, 48 R, 7 HR, 30 XBH, 45 RBI, 17 SB, 7.6% BB%, 19.4% K%
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Turner was the player to be named later in the offseason three-team trade with the Rays and Nationals, and he officially joined Washington’s Double-A affiliate (Harrisburg) in mid-June. Turner played all of 10 games in the Eastern League before moving up to Triple-A Syracuse, where he proceeded to go 0-for-17 in his first five games. Since then the 22-year-old has been on fire, batting .390/.419/.634 with 10 runs scored, four extra-base hits and two steals during his current 10-game hitting streak. Turner’s plus-plus speed and plus hit tool give him huge top-of-the-order potential and make him an extremely valuable fantasy asset, but consistent home-run power shouldn’t be expected from the promising young shortstop. The Nationals are being aggressive with Turner for a reason, and so it wouldn’t be shocking if the team tried to utilize his talents in the big leagues later in the season, even if only in a bench role.
Fantasy Upside: .280+ AVG, 20+ 2B, 10+ 3B, 10-12 HR, 30+ SB
5. http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/1863/Raul-MondesiRaul Mondesi, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Texas League)
2015 Stats: 37 G, 143 PA, .258/.275/.402, 17 R, 4 HR, 10 XBH, 22 RBI, 7 SB, 2.8% BB%, 21.7% K%
Mondesi struggled mightily last season at High-A Wilmington, batting just .211/.256/.354 with a 25.9% strikeout rate, but that didn’t deter the Royals from moving him up to Double-A for 2015. Unfortunately, he missed the first five weeks of the season with a lower-back injury and is yet to find his groove at the plate since returning. Still, the fact that the 19-year-old switch-hitter is sitting on a very respectable .677 OPS through 37 games is a good sign, and the same can be said for his improved strikeout rate of 21.7%. Mondesi’s top talent is his plus-plus speed, and he projects for an above-average bat thanks to a clean swing from both sides of the plate, plus bat speed and good barrel awareness. However, there still is a huge gap between Mondesi’s present ability and future potential, and it might be several years until he emerges as an everyday shortstop in the major leagues.
Fantasy Upside: .270+ AVG, 12-15 HR, 20+ SB
6. Nick Gordon, Minnesota Twins (Low-A Cedar Rapids, Midwest League)
2015 Stats: 75 G, 335 PA, .264/.331/.318, 48 R, 14 XBH, 35 RBI, 21 SB, 7.8% BB%, 16.4% K%
Nick Gordon, the son of former MLB closer Tom “Flash” Gordon and brother of the Marlins’ Dee Gordon, was viewed as the best true shortstop the 2014 draft class before the Twins selected him fifth overall, and 19-year-old confirmed that notion last summer in his first taste of professional baseball by batting .294/.333/.366 with 11 steals over 57 games for Rookie-level Elizabethton. Gordon got off to a slow start this year in his full-season debut at Low-A Cedar Rapids, but he’s really picked up the pace over the last several weeks with a .347/.380/.413 batting line, five doubles, seven steals and eight RBI in his last 18 contests. The left-handed hitting Gordon has good strength to his athletic frame, and some power should emerge as he grows into his body and adds muscle. From a fantasy perspective, however, he’s more likely to contribute in the batting-average department as well as on the base paths, and there’s little doubt about his ability to stick at shortstop long term.
Fantasy Upside: .270+ AVG, 12-15 HR, 10-15 SB
7. http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/7376/Daniel-RobertsonDaniel Robertson, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
2015 Stats: 49 G, 222 PA, .272/.347/.436, 32 R, 3 HR, 22 XBH, 32 RBI, 7.7% BB%, 18.5% K%
The Rays acquired Robertson from the A’s during the offseason in the Ben Zobrist trade, with the 21-year-old shortstop coming off of a breakout 2014 campaign in the High-A California League in which he slashed .310/.402/.471 with 15 homers and 60 RBI. On top of that, he also posted an 11.2% walk rate while making contact 83% of the time. Robertson’s home-run power has decreased as expected this season outside of the Cal, but he has maintained a consistent approach and continues to be a doubles machine. Unfortunately, the promising young shortstop has been on the disabled list since early June after having his hamate bone surgically removed. While the injury and subsequent surgery likely ruined Robertson’s chances of reaching the majors this season, it certainly hasn’t affected his projection as the Rays’ future shortstop.
Fantasy Upside: .280+ AVG, .350 OBP, 12-15 HR, 30+ 2B
8. Orlando Arcia, Milwaukee Brewers (Double-A Biloxi, Southern League)
2015 Stats: 80 G, 346 PA, .313/.355/.458, 51 R, 4 HR, 33 XBH, 46 RBI, 12 SB, 5.5% BB%, 12.7 K%
Arcia has long been revered as one of the better defensive shortstops in the minor leagues, and he took a step forward at the plate last season in the Florida State League with a .289/.346/.392 batting line in 127 games. However, the 20-year-old’s game has really come together this season at Biloxi, as he’s continued to improve on all fronts at the plate. Specifically, Arcia is tied for the Southern League lead with 100 hits and 24 doubles, has the third-most runs scored, and ranks sixth in the Southern League in both batting average and RBI. The Brewers don’t have reason to rush Arcia’s development, but it’s conceivable that he could receive an audition in the big leagues later this season should the club move Jean Segura.
Fantasy Upside: .275+ AVG, .325+ OBP, 8-12 HR, 25+ 2B
9. Franklin Barreto, Oakland Athletics (High-A Stockton, California League)
2015 Stats: 82 G, 324 PA, .302/.334/.482, 44 R, 9 HR, 33 XBH, 38 RBI, 8 SB, 4.3% BB%, 18.2% K%
Viewed as the key return for the A’s in their offseason trade of Josh Donaldson, Barreto is having an excellent full-season debut in the California League, batting .302/.334/.482 batting line, nine home runs, 33 extra-base hits and 44 runs scored through 82 games. But what makes the performance truly impressive is that Barreto skipped the Low-A level entirely upon joining the A’s system, making the jump from the Short Season Northwest League directly to the California League. The right-handed hitting shortstop has been particularly hot of late, too, as his four-hit performance on Monday extended his hitting streak to 11 games, during which he’s batting .477 with three home runs, three doubles and nine runs scored. The bad news is that Barreto hasn’t had the same success defensively, as he’s already committed a career-high 32 errors in 79 games at shortstop.
Fantasy Upside: .280+ AVG, 15-18 HR, 25+ 2B, 15+ SB
10. Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies (Triple-A Albuquerque, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Stats: 78 G, 341 PA, .275/.361/.522, 53 R, 12 HR, 43 XBH, 44 RBI, 15 SB, 10.9% BB%, 23.5% K%
Story scuffled during the second half of the 2014 season following a promotion to Double-A Tulsa, mustering just a .683 OPS along with an ugly 34.6% strikeout rate over 56 games. Luckily, the same can’t be said about Story’s return to the Double-A level this season, as the 22-year-old shortstop batted .281/.373/.523 with 10 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, 40 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 69 games before moving up to Triple-A Albuquerque in late June. Story will always have some swing-and-miss to his game, evidenced by his 26.9% career strikeout rate, but he makes lots of hard contact and possesses a projectable combination of above-average power and speed. Should he continue down this path and maintain his improved approach, then it’s possible that Story could receive his first taste of the major leagues later this year.
Fantasy Upside: .270+ AVG, 30+ 2B, 15-20 HR, 12-15 SB
The Next 7 (Alphabetical Order):
Willy Adames, Tampa Bay Rays (High-A Charlotte, Florida State League)
Adames became a hot name in dynasty leagues last summer when he became the key return for the Rays, coming over from the Tigers, in the David Price trade. The 19-year-old has fared well this season in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League, batting .265/.350/.390 with four home runs and 24 extra-base hits in 76 games. His 11.9% walk rate this season - up from 9.8% in 2014 - reflects a more consistent approach, while his 26.4% strikeout rate might be of greater concern if he weren’t a teenager playing in a challenging league. Adames has the potential to be an impact hitter with at least average power at maturity, which gives the Rays plenty of incentive to keep him at shortstop for as long as possible. If that doesn’t work, his bat should lead to a solid career at the hot corner.
Ozhaino Albies, Atlanta Braves (Low-A Rome, South Atlantic League)
Signed by the Braves out of Curacao in 2013, Albies put on a hitting clinic last summer in his pro debut, as the then-17-year-old batted a robust .381 over 19 games in the Gulf Coast League and then followed it with a .356 clip in 38 Appalachian League contests. Now 18, the switch-hitting Albies has performed well in his introduction to full-season baseball, batting .331/.387/.426 with 23 extra-base hits and 25 stolen bases through 80 games for Low-A Rome. He currently ranks in the top three in the South Atlantic League in numerous offensive categories including hits (109), batting average (.331), runs (55), triples (eight) and total bases (140), and he’s also posted an impressive 44/29 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 365 plate appearances. There are a lot of promising young middle infielders in the low minors this year, but Albies is among the best and most projectable.
Gilbert Lara, Milwaukee Brewers (Rookie-level Brewers, Arizona League)
Signed out of the Dominican Republic last summer for $3 million, Lara has now hit safely in 15 of 18 games to begin his professional career, with a .368/.395/.474 batting line, five extra-base hits and 16 RBI in that span. The 17-year-old stands out for his offensive potential, as he’s said to project for an average hit tool and plus power. His defense is another story, however, as scouts are doubtful of his ability to remain at shortstop. Should he be forced off the position, Lara’s dangerous bat would be a clean fit at the hot corner or in left field.
Ketel Marte, Seattle Mariners (Triple-A Tacoma, Pacific Coast League)
Marte continues to fly under the radar for shortstop prospects, even after a breakout 2014 campaign in which he batted .304/.335/.411 with 42 extra-base hits and 29 steals between Double- and Triple-A. The 21-year-old hasn’t skipped a beat this season in his return to Tacoma, batting .351/.402/.442 with 14 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases through 54 games. The Mariners’ shortstop situation is still largely undecided, as Brad Miller and Chris Taylor’s combined production this season has been below average (.672 OPS, 91 wRC+). Therefore, it might not be long until Marte finds himself in the mix for playing time.
Jorge Mateo, New York Yankees (Low-A Charleston, South Atlantic League)
Mateo was limited to just 15 games in his stateside debut last season due to injury, but it was still enough time for the talented shortstop to showcase his speed (11 SB) and promising bat (.750 OPS). Fully healthy for 2015, the 20-year-old is in the midst of a strong full-season debut at Low-A Charleston, batting .276/.344/.385 with 83 hits, 22 extra-base hits and 43 runs scored through 79 games. More significantly, Mateo, who swiped 49 bags in 64 games back in 2013 in the Dominican Summer League, currently leads all minor leaguers this season with 56 stolen bases (in 69 attempts). And considering he’s widely regarded as one of the fastest players in the minors, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Mateo went on to win the minor league stolen base title.
Amed Rosario, New York Mets (High-A St. Lucie, Florida State League)
The Mets gave Rosario the highest international signing bonus in franchise history back in 2012, signing him for $1.75 million, and he’s since emerged as a one of the more intriguing shortstop prospects in the low minors. Rosario was assigned to the Florida State League this season after spending most of 2014 in the Short Season New York-Penn League. The 19-year-old has struggled to reach base consistently this season in the pitcher-friendly league, largely due to strikeout and walk rates of 16.6% and 4.3%, respectively, but he’s still managed to post a solid .270/.312/.359 batting line with 17 doubles, five triples and 11 stolen bases in 79 games. Rosario will need several years to develop in the minor leagues, but he has the makings of an everyday big league shortstop at maturity.
Gleyber Torres, Chicago Cubs (Low-A South Bend, Midwest League)
Torres, 18, is making his full-season debut this year after a strong 2014 professional debut in which he batted .297/.386/.440 with 16 extra-base hits and 10 stolen bases in 50 games between the Arizona and Northwest Leagues. The fact that he’s one of the younger everyday players at the Low-A level this season hasn’t been an issue for Torres, who has posted an impressive .305/.374/.393 clip with 20 extra-base hits (two home runs) and 12 steals (in 19 attempts) through 79 games for Low-A South Bend. Torres has the makings of the next can’t-miss Cubs prospect, as he’s a well-rounded player with the defensive chops for either shortstop or second base. Nevertheless, it likely will be several years until he’s ready to make an impact at the highest level.
Dynasty Notables: 21 & Under Club (Alphabetical Order):
Sergio Alcantara, Arizona Diamondbacks (Short Season Hillsboro, Northwest League)
Christian Arroyo, San Francisco Giants (High-A San Jose, California League)
Abiatal Avelino, New York Yankees (High-A Tampa, Florida State League)
Roberto Baldoquin, Los Angeles Angels (High-A Inland Empire)
Yu-Cheng Chang, Cleveland Indians (Low-A Lake County, Midwest League)
Franchy Cordero, San Diego Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne, Midwest League)
Michael De Leon, Texas Rangers (Low-A Hickory, South Atlantic League)
Isan Diaz, Arizona Diamondbacks (Rookie-level Missoula, Pioneer League)
Mauricio Dubon, Boston Red Sox (High-A Salem, Carolina League)
Jake Gatewood, Milwaukee Brewers (Rookie-level Helena, Pioneer League)
Javier Guerra, Boston Red Sox (Low-A Greenville, South Atlantic League)
Trace Loehr, Oakland Athletics (Short Season Vermont, New York-Penn League)
Dawel Lugo, Toronto Blue Jays (Low-A Lansing, Midwest League)
Oscar Mercardo, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A Peoria, Midwest League)
Yairo Munoz, Oakland Athletics (Low-A Beloit, Midwest League)
Milton Ramos, New York Mets (Rookie-level Mets, Gulf Coast League)
Adrian Rondon, Tampa Bay Rays (Rookie-level Rays, Gulf Coast League)
Jose Rondon, San Diego Padres (Double-A San Antonio, Texas League)
Edmundo Sosa, St. Louis Cardinals (Rookie-level Johnson City, Appalacian League)
Cole Tucker, Pittsburgh Pirates (Low-A West Virginia, South Atlantic League)
Richard Urena, Toronto Blue Jays (High-A Dunedin, Florida State League)
Andrew Velazquez, Tampa Bay Rays (High-A Charlotte, Florida State League)
Tyler Wade, New York Yankees (High-A Tampa, Florida State League)
Yeyson Yrizarri, Texas Rangers (Short Season Spokane, Northwest League)
Previous installments from Prospect Positional series:
Third Basemen (July 8, 2015)
Second Basemen (July 1, 2015)
First Basemen (June 24, 2015)
Outfielders (June 17, 2015)
Starting Pitchers (June 3, 2015)
Catchers (May 27, 2015)
Shortstops (May 20, 2015)
Rotoworld Season Pass Prospect Rankings (Updated weekly)
*All stats reflect games through July 13.
