MLB · 11 months ago

2025 MLB Fantasy Shortstop Rankings: Who to Draft and When

Sportsgrid Staff

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1. Bobby Witt Jr.
Leading the pack is Bobby Witt Jr., the electrifying young star from the Kansas City Royals. With his incredible skillset, some analysts are even eyeing him as the #1 overall choice in various fantasy drafts. Witt combines elite talent with youthful promise, making him an irresistible option in dynasty formats. A more productive Royals lineup would only enhance his value, giving him room to showcase his power and speed.
10. Zach Neto
Zach Neto rounds out this list as a high-upside wildcard. His under-the-radar 23/30 season impressed, but he went unnoticed by many fantasy managers. Neto’s Statcast metrics may not jump off the page, yet he could deliver useful totals in 2025, even if his counting stats are modest. His ability to put up numbers quietly might provide an edge for savvy drafters, especially if he remains affordable in drafts. Neto’s status as a sleeper is reinforced by his value in late rounds, a strong option for managers looking to add sneaky speed and power.

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9. Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz is a standout for his unmatched power potential, showcasing some of the highest exit velocities in the game. Though he struggles with strikeouts, Cruz's sheer ability to impact the ball puts him in rare company, alongside heavy hitters like Giancarlo Stanton. His 20/20 season in 2024 demonstrates his potential, and if he can cut down on ground balls in favor of fly balls, he could become a dominant power-speed combo. Cruz’s growth could be huge for managers willing to take on his risk for a potentially massive upside.

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8. Corey Seager
Corey Seager remains an elite talent despite his battle with injuries. After an impressive 1.013 OPS season in 2023, expectations were tempered, yet he still reached the 30-home-run milestone in 2024. The key for Seager is maintaining health as he approaches 30, but if he can stay on the field, he’s a lock for high-level production. His power and contact abilities make him a fantasy mainstay, potentially outperforming higher-ranked picks if he avoids the injury list.

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7. Trea Turner
Trea Turner’s value is boosted by his spot in a strong Phillies lineup, flanked by power hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Although his steals declined, frustrating fantasy managers who banked on his speed, Turner still holds bounce-back potential. His performance dipped toward the end of the season, impacting Philadelphia’s playoff hopes, but a return to aggressive base-stealing could reinstate his elite status. For 2025, Turner is expected to regain his 20/20 prowess if manager Rob Thomson encourages him to utilize his speed.

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6. Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor’s MVP-level season was a pivotal part of the Mets’ success, but some skepticism remains due to his up-and-down history. However, Lindor’s durability and willingness to play day in and day out are valuable attributes, even if some regression is possible as the Mets face potential challenges next year.
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5. Willy Adames
Willy Adames rounds out this tier of top shortstops with underappreciated value. His power indicators—high barrel rate and xSLG percentiles—suggest he’s more than just a one-year wonder. In addition to 30/20 potential, Adames brings a disciplined approach to the plate, drawing 74 walks this past season. Given his current ADP, he’s a bargain for those willing to invest.
4. Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson’s season was a bright spot for the Baltimore Orioles, despite the team’s general struggles. With 37 home runs, a 9.1 WAR, and improved base-stealing, Henderson looks like a future star who can reliably deliver across categories. He’s an anchor for the Orioles and fantasy managers alike, with a chance to hit 25 stolen bases in upcoming seasons.
3. Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts is another prime choice, and with a lineup position flanked by Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, his hitting opportunities are golden. Expected to return to second base in 2025, Betts will offer multi-positional flexibility—a big bonus for fantasy rosters. While his power dipped slightly, Betts remains a high-floor choice for consistency and versatility.
2. Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz stands out as a base-stealing machine, swiping an astonishing 67 bases in 2024. Although some questioned his plate discipline, he proved doubters wrong by maintaining a strong on-base presence. His ADP reflects his high stolen base upside, but he could be a value pick beyond the first round for managers seeking an impact on the bases.
1. Bobby Witt Jr.
Leading the pack is Bobby Witt Jr., the electrifying young star from the Kansas City Royals. With his incredible skillset, some analysts are even eyeing him as the #1 overall choice in various fantasy drafts. Witt combines elite talent with youthful promise, making him an irresistible option in dynasty formats. A more productive Royals lineup would only enhance his value, giving him room to showcase his power and speed.
10. Zach Neto
Zach Neto rounds out this list as a high-upside wildcard. His under-the-radar 23/30 season impressed, but he went unnoticed by many fantasy managers. Neto’s Statcast metrics may not jump off the page, yet he could deliver useful totals in 2025, even if his counting stats are modest. His ability to put up numbers quietly might provide an edge for savvy drafters, especially if he remains affordable in drafts. Neto’s status as a sleeper is reinforced by his value in late rounds, a strong option for managers looking to add sneaky speed and power.

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2025 MLB Fantasy Shortstop Rankings: Who to Draft and When

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