Since the time of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra, the shortstop position has seen a slight decline throughout the 2000s. The three were franchise cornerstones at the turn of the century, but the position has shown dominance like never before in 2016.
Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Addison Russell, Corey Seager. These are just a few of the names that are leading the way right now. The more amazing part? There are only more on the way. Dansby Swanson, the number one pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, was recently called up to the Atlanta Braves. Trevor Story posted ridiculous power numbers to begin his rookie year; however, injury cut his season short. Trea Turner has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball since being recalled by the Washington Nationals. The position has an embarrassment of riches right now.
Although just 22, Francisco Lindor has become arguably the best shortstop in the game right now. Lindor made his first All-Star Game this season and is already a fan favorite in Cleveland. With a flashy glove and a solid bat, Lindor has put together a spectacular season. His .311 batting average is top 10 in the American League and he has 64 RBI on the season (as of August 29th).
Carlos Correa had a breakthrough 2015 campaign, leading the Astros to a surprise ALDS appearance and winning AL Rookie of the Year. Correa, 21, has lived up to the expectations many set for him in 2016. Although those expectations were high, he continues to be a machine offensively. Anchoring the middle of the Houston lineup, the Puerto Rico product is on pace for a 20 homerun, 100 RBI season. He currently sits fourth in the American League in offensive wins above replacement.
The North Side of Chicago has a bevy of young talent right now. Currently the best team in the National League, the Cubs have many players that steal the limelight. Kris Bryant looks like the front-runner for the NL MVP, and teammate Anthony Rizzo is not far behind him. Despite their huge seasons, 22-year-old Addison Russell has been outstanding in his own right. As of August 29, Russell already has 19 homeruns and 84 RBI, which eclipses his 2015 totals, in 20 less games. Defensive is Russell's strongest aspect, and he is currently second in the MLB among shortstops in defensive runs saved (via Fangraphs).
Preseason MLB award predictions all picked Corey Seager to win National League Rookie of the Year. Fair warning: he probably will. After a strong push from the aforementioned Trevor Story, Seager is now the easy frontrunner. Also just 22 years old, Seager already has 23 homeruns, 37 doubles, and a .920 OPS (on-base plus slugging) as of August 29. Along with those gaudy numbers, Seager is hitting over .320 and was selected to his first All-Star Game.
The previous four names mentioned are the young shortstops everyone focuses on. Baseball fans are lucky enough to know that there are many more on the way. The previously stated trio of Dansby Swanson, Trevor Story and Trea Turner are all rookies that have had solid debuts in the Major Leagues.
However, there are more.
San Francisco boasts arguably the best defensive shortstop in the game with Brandon Crawford, who is 29. Although he has battled injuries in recent years, Troy Tulowitzki is one of the most exciting players when he is healthy. Xander Bogaerts, 23, has had another strong season in Boston batting over .300, and he started the All-Star Game for the American League.
Excluding Swanson, there are also nine other shortstops within the top 25 prospects in Major League Baseball (via MLB.com). Alex Bregman is a shortstop by trade, but has already made the Houston Astros roster due to his strong bat. He has seen time at third base and in left field. The Brewers recently called up their top prospect in Orlando Arcia, who is a shortstop. A breakout star to watch among those nine names is JP Crawford, a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Crawford was the 16th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, and he figures to be a September call-up for the Phillies.
After growing up in a generation where there were only a handful of strong shortstops across the Majors, this looks to be one of the most impactful time periods ever for the position. It will be an exciting time for baseball fans everywhere to watch these young men grow into the captains of their respective infields.
