Ranking the top shortstops in MLB entering 2026

The 2026 MLB regular season begins on March 25th. Last season had many storylines, with tenured and rookie players having electric seasons. Baseball is the greatest sport in the world, and the upcoming season won’t disappoint. With a week and a half before the 2026 MLB season begins, here are the top five shortstop rankings.

MORE: Top 5 catchers in MLB heading into the season

5. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

After reaching 37 home runs and 92 RBI in his breakout 2024 campaign, Henderson’s production slipped last season. His regression was correlated to Baltimore’s team taking a step back after reaching the playoffs the prior season. The Orioles brought in new faces, including All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, and Gunnar Henderson can rebound following last season’s decline in production.

4. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies

Trea Turner is the most underrated player in baseball. He’s made a career out of consistency and possesses the best bat-to-ball skills in MLB. In 2026, he can be expected to reach 20 home runs, 70 RBI, and 30 stolen bases.

3. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

No player enjoys playing the game of baseball more than Francisco Lindor. His smile and carefree attitude make him easy to root for. This season, Lindor is searching for a fourth consecutive season reaching 30 home runs, 85 RBI, and 29 stolen bases.

2. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds

At 24 years old, De La Cruz continues to improve each season. Last season, he reached 22 home runs and 37 stolen bases for a second consecutive season, while setting a career high in RBI (86). He enters his third full season in 2026 and is poised for even more production.

1. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

The former top minor league prospect has developed into one of MLB’s premier players. 2025 saw Witt Jr.’s numbers regress, but the shortstop reached 20+ home runs, 85+ RBI, and 30+ stolen bases for a third consecutive season. Kansas City’s superstar is ready to produce as he did in 2023 and 2024, where he had back-to-back seasons with 30+ home runs, 95+ RBI, and 30+ stolen bases.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

MARCH MADNESS: Predicting March Madness upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament

NFL DRAFT: New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency

MLB: Dodgers announce Shohei Ohtani’s spring training pitching debut

NHL: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower-body injury

ENTERTAINMENT: Is ‘Bachelorette’ still airing amid Taylor Frankie Paul domestic dispute allegations?
VIRAL: Livvy Dunne shares ‘Baywatch’ training with BTS swimsuit, set photos