The rankings for shortstops are broken into four parts: the top 10 prospects in order, the next seven prospects in alphabetical order, an extensive list of the top age-21-and-under prospects worth following closely and a ranking of the top shortstops from the 2015 draft. 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.
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The Top 10:
1. Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers (Triple-A Oklahoma City, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Stats: 122 G, 533 PA, .292/.341/.486, 78 R, 18 HR, 55 XBH, 71 RBI, 6.6% BB%, 13.4% K%
While Seager’s high-end combination of hitting ability and power has been on full display this season in the Pacific Coast League, his production has declined during the second half to the tune of a .258/.310/.413 batting line and five home runs in 39 games. The 21-year-old struggled during July, batting .203 with three home runs in 19 games, but he rebounded nicely in August to bat .296 with a .794 OPS, four home runs and 19 RBI across 31 games. Defensively, Seager continues to see more time at shortstop (102 games) than third base (19), although his potent left-handed bat would be a fit at either position. But with Jimmy Rollins playing better since the All-Star break, Chase Utley now in the fold and Howie Kendrick due to come off the disabled list at some point later this month, it seems as though Seager is no longer a lock to join the Dodgers in September. However, the fact that he’s started two of his last three games at third base means it can’t be ruled out just yet.
Fantasy Upside: .280/.340/.490, 35+ 2B, 20-25 HR
2. J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A Reading, Eastern League)
2015 Stats: 101 G, 473 PA, .294/.386/.425, 65 R, 6 HR, 34 XBH, 12 SB, 12.9% BB%, 10.8% K%
An oblique strain kept Crawford 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. The 20-year-old’s game has improved at the more advanced level, as he’s continued to show good pop (.781 OPS, 32 XBH) while tallying more walks (47) than strikeouts (42). Crawford has been especially hot of late, too, batting .298/383/.452 with 17 runs scored, 11 extra-base hits and 14 RBI in his last 26 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 25 errors in 100 games this season is 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: 125 G, 550 PA, .312/.350/.429, 79 R, 5 HR, 38 XBH, 46 RBI, 49 SB, 4.4% BB%, 20.7% K%
Anderson’s first full season in the Southern League has been a success, as the 2013 first-rounder has hit for average (.312), reached base consistently (.350 OBP) and fully utilized his speed on the base paths (49-for-62 in SB attempts). And while the 22-year-old hasn’t shown consistent over-the-fence power, hitting just five home runs in 125 games, he has accrued 21 doubles and 12 triples in that span. Anderson currently leads the Southern League in hits (160), runs scored (79) and steals (49), ranks second in triples (12), third in total bases (214) and fourth in batting average (.312). There is concern about whether his aggressive approach (22.6% K%, 4.6% BB% in 1,215 career PA) will translate against more advanced arms, though it has worked for him so far thanks to his contact ability and top-of-the-line speed.
Fantasy Upside: .275+ AVG, 25+ 2B, 12-15 HR, 25+ SB
4. Trea Turner, Washington Nationals (MLB)
2015 MiLB Stats: 116 G, 500 PA, .322/.370/.458, 68 R, 8 HR, 39 XBH, 54 RBI, 29 SB, 7.6% BB%, 19.4% K%
Technically, Turner should no longer qualify for this list given his recent promotion to the major leagues. However, we’re going to give the 22-year-old shortstop some additional love considering he’s 0-for-9 with two strikeouts in six games for the Nationals. Turner, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2014 draft, put up excellent numbers at Triple-A Syracuse before getting the call, batting .314/.353/.431 with 31 runs scored, 13 extra-base hits and 14 steals in 48 games. 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 that’s only if the Nats choose to put him in the lineup, which hasn’t been the case thus far. With Washington’s playoff chances fading quickly, the club should be offering Turner, the heir apparent at shortstop for soon-to-be free agent Ian Desmond, as much playing time as possible over the final month of the season.
Fantasy Upside: .280+ AVG, 20+ 2B, 10+ 3B, 10-12 HR, 30+ SB
5. Raul Mondesi, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Texas League)
2015 Stats: 75 G, 313 PA, .259/.289/.397, 36 R, 6 HR, 22 XBH, 33 RBI, 19 SB, 4.5% BB%, 23.6% K%
Mondesi missed the first five weeks of the season with a lower-back injury and has seen his production vary from month to month since returning. However, there’s something to be said for the fact that the 20-year-old switch-hitter has still managed to post a respectable .686 OPS through 75 games in his first taste of Double-A baseball and provides an encouraging sign. On top of that, Mondesi appears to be finishing the year on a high note, posting a .309/.330/.457 batting line with nine extra-base hits and 10 steals in his 23 games. Mondesi’s best tool 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, a huge gap remains between Mondesi’s present ability and future potential, which means it might be several more years until he emerges as an everyday shortstop in the major leagues.
Fantasy Upside: .270+ AVG, 12-15 HR, 20+ SB
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6. Nick Gordon, Minnesota Twins (Low-A Cedar Rapids, Midwest League)
2015 Stats: 115 G, 513 PA, .276/.337/.357, 78 R, 1 HR, 29 XBH, 56 RBI, 24 SB, 7.6% BB%, 16.2% K%
The son of former MLB closer Tom “Flash” Gordon and brother of the Marlins’ Dee Gordon, Nick was viewed as the best true shortstop the 2014 draft class before the Twins selected him fifth overall. The 19-year-old got off to a slow start offensively this year in his full-season debut at Cedar Rapids but has been great during the second half, batting .304/.350/.415 with 19 extra-base hits, 30 RBI and nine steals in 55 games. The left-handed-hitting Gordon has good strength to his athletic frame, and he should develop average over-the-fence power once he grows into his body and adds muscle. From a fantasy perspective, Gordon is more likely to contribute in the batting-average department as well as on the base paths. And with just 17 errors in 113 games this season, there’s little doubt about his ability to stick at shortstop long term.
Fantasy Upside: .270+ AVG, 12-15 HR, 10-15 SB
7. Daniel Robertson, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
2015 Stats: 76 G, 335 PA, .274/.370/.418, 48 R, 4 HR, 28 XBH, 39 RBI, 10.5% BB%, 17.0% K%
Acquired from the A’s during the offseason in the Ben Zobrist trade, Robertson was putting together a strong campaign in the Southern League until he was forced to undergo surgery for a broken hamate bone in early June, an injury that cost the 21-year-old roughly two months of the season. That said, Robertson has fared well since returning to Montgomery, batting .293/.416/.406 with six extra-base hits and more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) in 23 games. The right-handed-hitting shortstop’s home-run power has decreased as expected this season outside of the hitter-friendly California League, though he has maintained a consistent approach and continues to be a doubles machine. While the injury and subsequent surgery likely ruined Robertson’s chances of surging through the minors 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: 123 G, 529 PA, .305/.347/.456, 73 R, 8 HR, 51 XBH, 64 RBI, 23 SB, 5.7% BB%, 12.9% K%
Arcia has long been revered as one of the better defensive shortstops in the minor leagues, but his breakout performance at the plate this season has thrust him into consideration for a top-10 overall ranking heading into 2016. The 21-year-old has made strides at the plate this season in his first taste of the Double-A level, as he leads the Southern League in doubles (36), ranks second in hits (149), runs (tied-73) and total bases (223), sixth in batting average (.305) and seventh in OPS (.803). The Brewers don’t need to rush Arcia’s development, but don’t be surprised if the club gives him an audition in the big leagues at some point this month, especially if they plan to shop Jean Segura over the offseason.
Fantasy Upside: .275+ AVG, .325+ OBP, 8-12 HR, 25+ 2B
9. Franklin Barreto, Oakland Athletics (High-A Stockton, California League)
2015 Stats: 88 G, 354 PA, .298/.329/.492, 47 R, 12 HR, 37 XBH, 45 RBI, 8 SB, 4.2% BB%, 18.4% K%
Viewed as the key return for the A’s in their offseason trade of Josh Donaldson, Barreto was having an excellent full-season debut in the California League up until he landed on the disabled list in late July with a wrist contusion. Barreto, 19, 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 in 2015. The right-handed-hitting shortstop was having a huge month before getting hurt, batting .375/.393/.700 with six home runs, six doubles and four RBI across 19 games in July. Barreto’s defense isn’t nearly as advanced as his bat, as evidenced by his career-high 34 errors in 84 games at shortstop this season, though it’s important to keep in mind that high error totals for young shortstops at advanced levels is a fairly common occurrence.
Fantasy Upside: .280+ AVG, 15-18 HR, 25+ 2B, 15+ SB
10. Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies (Triple-A Albuquerque, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Stats: 123 G, 544 PA, .275/.347/.503, 79 R, 18 HR, 66 XBH, 75 RBI, 21 SB, 9.2% BB%, 24.5% K%
Story batted .281/.373/.523 with 10 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, 40 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 69 games for Double-A New Britain before moving up to Triple-A Albuquerque in late June. Though his OPS is down nearly 100 points (.796) at the Minors’ highest level, the 22-year-old has continued to show consistent power (8 HR, 20 2B, 49.2% XBH%) without a jump in his strikeout rate. With the season winding down, Story is two home runs shy of joining the 20/20 club (20 home runs, 20 steals). There’s also a chance the Rockies will promote him at some point this month for an audition in advance of the 2016 season, although that also depends on the club’s offseason plans for Jose Reyes. Regardless, few players are more worthy of a look in September than Story.
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)
2015 Stats: 106 G, 456 PA, .258/.342/.379, 51 R, 4 HR, 34 XBH, 46 RBI, 10 SB, 11.8% BB%, 27.0% K%
Ozhaino Albies, Atlanta Braves (Low-A Rome, South Atlantic League)
2015 Stats: 98 G, 439 PA, .310/.368/.404, 64 R, 0 HR, 29 XBH, 37 RBI, 29 SB, 8.2% BB%, 12.8% K%
Christian Arroyo, San Francisco Giants (High-A San Jose, California League)
2015 Stats: 84 G, 384 PA, .308/.348/.471, 46 R, 9 HR, 38 XBH, 41 RBI, 4.5% BB%, 17.2% K%
Javier Guerra, Boston Red Sox (Low-A Greenville, South Atlantic League)
2015 Stats: 109 G, 450 PA, .279/.331/.458, 61 R, 15 HR, 40 XBH, 64 RBI, 7 SB, 6.4% BB%, 23.6% K%
Gilbert Lara, Milwaukee Brewers (Rookie-level Helena, Pioneer League)
2015 Stats: 56 G, 235 PA, .245/.289/.332, 31 R, 1 HR, 12 XBH, 30 RBI, 5.1% BB%, 19.6% K%
Jorge Mateo, New York Yankees (Low-A Charleston, South Atlantic League)
2015 Stats: 117 G, 500 PA, .278/.345/.392, 66 R, 2 HR, 36 XBH, 40 RBI, 82 SB, 8.6% BB%, 19.6% K%
Gleyber Torres, Chicago Cubs (Low-A South Bend, Midwest League)
2015 Stats: 118 G, 510 PA, .289/.350/.378, 52 R, 3 HR, 30 XBH, 61 RBI, 22 SB, 8.4% BB%, 21.2% K%
Dynasty Notables: 21 & Under Club (Alphabetical Order):
Sergio Alcantara, Arizona Diamondbacks (Short Season Hillsboro, Northwest League)
Abiatal Avelino, New York Yankees (High-A Tampa, Florida State League)
Roberto Baldoquin, Los Angeles Angels (High-A Inland Empire, California League)
Gavin Cecchini, New York Mets (Double-A Binghamton, Eastern League)
Yu-Cheng Chang, Cleveland Indians (Low-A Lake County, 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)
Lucius Fox, San Francisco Giants (N/A)
Dermis Garcia, New York Yankees (GCL Yankees, Gulf Coast League)
Jake Gatewood, Milwaukee Brewers (Low-A Wisconsin, Midwest League)
Ruddy Giron, San Diego Padres (Low-A Fort Wayne, Midwest League)
Trace Loehr, Oakland Athletics (Short Season Vermont, New York-Penn League)
Dawel Lugo, Toronto Blue Jays (Low-A Kane County, Midwest League)
Oscar Mercardo, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A Peoria, Midwest League)
Yairo Munoz, Oakland Athletics (High-A Stockton, California League)
Milton Ramos, New York Mets (Rookie-level Kingsport, Appalachian League)
Adrian Rondon, Tampa Bay Rays (GCL Rays, Gulf Coast League)
Jose Rondon, San Diego Padres (Double-A San Antonio, Texas League)
Amed Rosario, New York Mets (High-A St. Lucie, Florida State League)
Hoy Jun Park, New York Yankees (Rookie-level Pulaski, Appalachian League)
Anfernee Seymour, Miami Marlins (Short Season Batavia, New York-Penn League)
Edmundo Sosa, St. Louis Cardinals (Rookie-level Johnson City, Appalachian League)
Cole Tucker, Pittsburgh Pirates (Out 10-12 months – shoulder surgery)
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 (Double-A Trenton, Eastern League)
Yeyson Yrizarri, Texas Rangers (Short Season Spokane, Northwest League)
Top 10 SS Prospects from 2015 Draft:
1. Brendan Rodgers, Colorado Rockies (Rookie-level Grand Junction, Pioneer League)
2. Dansby Swanson, Arizona Diamondbacks (Short Season Hillsboro, Northwest League)
3. Alex Bregman, Houston Astros (High-A Lancaster, California League)
4. Kevin Newman, Pittsburgh Pirates (Low-A West Virginia, South Atlantic League)
5. Richie Martin, Oakland Athletics (Short Season Vermont, New York-Penn League)
6. Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles (Short Season Aberdeen, New York-Penn League)
7. Drew Jackson, Seattle Mariners (Short Season Everett, Northwest League)
8. Jalen Miller, San Francisco Giants (AZL Giants, Arizona League)
9. Blake Trahan, Cincinnati Reds (High-A Daytona, Florida State League)
10. David Fletcher, Los Angeles Angels (Low-A Burlington, Midwest League)
Previous installments from Prospect Positional series:
Third Basemen (Aug. 26, 2015)
Second Basemen (Aug. 19, 2015)
First Basemen (Aug. 12, 2015)
Outfielders (Aug. 5, 2015)
Starting Pitchers (July 29, 2015)
Catchers (July 22, 2015)
Rotoworld Season Pass Prospect Rankings (Updated weekly)
*All stats reflect games through August 31.
