{"id":630083,"date":"2026-03-18T14:28:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/630083\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T14:28:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:28:16","slug":"ranking-the-top-shortstops-in-mlb-entering-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/630083\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking the top shortstops in MLB entering 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019t disappoint. With a week and a half before the 2026 MLB season begins, here are the top five shortstop rankings.<\/p>\n

MORE: Top 5 catchers in MLB heading into the season<\/a><\/p>\n

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5. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles\"\"<\/p>\n

After reaching 37 home runs and 92 RBI in his breakout 2024 campaign, Henderson\u2019s production slipped last season. His regression was correlated to Baltimore\u2019s 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\u2019s decline in production.<\/p>\n

4. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Trea Turner is the most underrated player in baseball. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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3. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

1. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

The former top minor league prospect has developed into one of MLB\u2019s premier players. 2025 saw Witt Jr.\u2019s numbers regress, but the shortstop reached 20+ home runs, 85+ RBI, and 30+ stolen bases for a third consecutive season. Kansas City\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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