Over the last few weeks, we've evaluated first base and second base dynasty prospects. Both positions have their quirks. First base prospects are usually pure hitters with little defensive utility. Good for fantasy owners, less good for real baseball teams. Second base isn't always a well-regarded position among scouts leading clubs and rankings to under-represent the position in their prospect reports.

Shortstop has many things in common with second base. It is a catch-all position for athletes. Many of these players will eventually become outfielders, second basemen, and third basemen. While I was pretty thorough with the first two positions, I'm certain a few names have slipped through the cracks. That's almost by design - there has to be some kind of limit to the number of players listed. Feel free to call me out on Twitter @BaseballATeam.

Make sure you read more of our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings analysis including dynasty leagues, prospect ranks, and tiers for all positions.

The statistics reported are for the listed level only.

 

Shortstop Dynasty Rankings

1. Corey Seager (SS, LAD, MLB)
Stats: 105 PA, .300/.400/.522, 3 HR, 2 SB, 17.1% K rate, 11.4 BB rate
Age 21

I don't see any reason to spend much time on Seager. A loud debut in September assures that he's owned in even the shallowest keeper league. Prior to his successful stint in the majors, he  was briefly the top prospect in baseball.

Unlike many shortstops, Seager will never be a speed demon. He's expected to move down the defensive spectrum in the future, but he should hold onto a shortstop job for a couple years. He already has 20 home run power.

He's also shown the skill necessary to contribute a high batting average and on base percentage. Depending on where he bats in the lineup, he could be among the top producers in runs, RBI, or both categories. I do expect him to be over-hyped next season. He has the raw talent to repeat his current elite production, but it's more common for the league to adjust.

The Dodgers have a versatile roster. While I anticipate Seager to be a featured component of the offense, a slump could quickly push him to the bottom of the lineup. Just ask Joc Pederson.

 

2. J.P. Crawford (SS, PHI, AA)
Stats: 405 PA, .265/.34/.407, 5 HR, 7 SB, 11.1% K rate, 12.1% BB rate
Age 20

Crawford began the year in High-A. Everything he put in play fell for a hit (.435 BABIP). The fiery start resulted in a promotion to Double-A where he was the youngest player in the Eastern League (and the second youngest in all of Double-A).

He didn't dominate the level, but he more than held his own with a 121 wRC+. That success, his age, and advanced plate discipline has him on the fast track for major league action. He looks like a top-of-the-order hitter in the mold of Francisco Lindor. Crawford has enough power and speed to produce 15-15 seasons in his prime. I suspect he'll be better known for his high average, on-base skills, and gap power.

The Phillies already have a solid if unspectacular shortstop in Freddy Galvis. That will allow the club to gain maximum leverage out of Crawford's promotion. While he might be ready to succeed at some point next season, I only expect a promotion as part of a pennant race. Otherwise, the Phillies can easily justify holding him back until early 2017. That would afford them an additional season of club control.

 

3. Dansby Swanson (SS, ARI, A-)
Stats: 99 PA, .289/.394/.482, 1 HR, 14.1% K rate, 14.1% BB rate
Age 21

The first overall selection of the 2015 draft, Swanson had a solid debut in Low-A ball. Swanson is actually older than both Seager and Crawford, so his dynasty owners should hope he surges through the minors. Despite not stealing any bases this summer, he's said to have good speed and decent power. Like Seager and Crawford, Swanson's carrying tools are the ability to hit for a high average and reach base. He should grow into a top-of-the-order threat.

There is some bust risk that isn't present with the first two names - if only because we've seen so little of him in a pro setting. It's very likely he'll be the Diamondbacks' shortstop of the future within the next few seasons. It's less clear if he'll become a generational talent or just another average shortstop. An aggressive path through the minors would have him reach Arizona in mid-to-late 2017.

 

4. Alex Bregman (SS, HOU, A+)
Stats: 178 PA, .319/.364/.475, 3 HR, 8 SB, 6.7% K rate, 9.6% BB rate
Age 21

Bregman's name was called one pick after Swanson. The Astros were able to sign him quickly so he racked up 311 plate appearances split between two levels. After a solid start in A-ball, he earned a promotion to High-A where his numbers improved.

Bregman should produce double digit home run power with 20 or more steals a season. Some scouts think he'll eventually be a second baseman, but that might work out fine for the Astros. Between Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, it could require an injury or trade to find a spot for Bregman. Third base is always an option too.

The club has no need to rush Bregman to the majors. Dynasty owners should prepare to be patient. I expect him to open the season back in High-A. He could be quickly promoted to Double-A if he keeps up the hitting.

 

5. Franklin Barreto (SS, OAK, A+)
Stats: 364 PA, .302/.333/.500, 13 HR, 8 SB, 18.4% K rate, 4.1% BB rate
Age 19

To many baseball fans, Barreto was the throw-in portion of the Josh Donaldson trade. After all, Brett Lawrie is an established major league player. Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin both spent part of the season in the rotation. Even though he's a long way from the majors, Barreto was probably the A's top target in the trade.

Barreto isn't a can't-miss prospect. He's a relatively safe bet to develop into something due to high quality bat control. He's viewed as a future high average hitter with decent power and above average speed. Any discussion of Barreto should mention his size - 5'9''. Very few major leaguers are smaller in stature. Small players have less margin for error, but they can still make it work (see Altuvel, Jose).

He spent time on the disabled list with a wrist injury, torpedoing the hopes of those who thought he could reach the majors at some point next season. I expect him to open 2016 back in High-A with the possibility of a quick promotion to Double-A. If he continues to hit .300, he could still push Marcus Semien down the defensive spectrum at some point next year. A 2017 debut is more likely. At his peak, 10-15 home runs and 20 stolen bases are possible. He could contend for batting titles.

 

6. Trea Turner (SS, WAS, MLB)
Stats: (AAA) 205 PA, .314/.353/.431, 3 HR, 14 SB, 20% K rate, 6.3% BB rate
Age 22

Turner was acquired from the Padres in the three team Wil Myers-Steven Souza trade. He'll have a chance to start for the Nationals next season with Ian Desmond on the way out of town. His job isn't guaranteed. The club does have the option to use Yunel Escobar at shortstop with Danny Espinosa at second base.

He debuted with the Nationals this September. He showed a too-patient plate approach. He had a 27.3 percent strikeout rate despite a low 6.4 percent swinging strike rate. He swung at a hair under 40 percent of pitches seen. The league average is above 47 percent. To me, his skill set looks better suited to a slightly aggressive approach.

None of his fantasy traits scream elite. If he can make better use of his patient tendencies by jumping on pitches in the strike zone, he should hit for a solid average. He has the speed to take 20 to 25 bases, but he might be more careful in the majors. There is a chance he'll bat second ahead of Bryce Harper. That would be a coup for his value.

 

7. Trevor Story (SS, COL, AAA)
Stats: 275 PA, .277/.324/.504, 10 HR, 7 SB, 24.7% K rate, 5.8% BB rate
Age 22

With Tulowitzki out of the way, Story has an obvious path to playing time. It's widely assumed the club will trade Jose Reyes over the winter. That would leave Story in a head-to-head competition with fellow prospect Cristhian Adames (also a solid middle infield prospect).

Story was the 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft. He's taken a step-by-step path through the minor leagues and finally reached Triple-A last season. His production largely mirrored his first half numbers in Double-A. However his walk rate halved in Triple-A. That tells me he'll take a more aggressive approach when he feels challenged. Expect a low OBP while he adjusts to the majors.

Assuming he breaks camp as the starting shortstop - and it's no guarantee - Story can be counted on to reach double digits in home runs and stolen bases. Those numbers play in most dynasty leagues just due to the sheer depth of the format. However, he's not an automatic stud in redraft and shallower keeper leagues.

The Coors Field effect should at least open fantasy platoon opportunities with Story. He'll be one of the most powerful shortstops in baseball when playing at home. There's at least a chance he never looks back, but I see him as a guy who will need a couple seasons to adjust to major league pitching.

 

8. Orlando Arcia (SS, MIL, AA)
Stats: 552 PA, .307/.347/.453, 8 HR, 25 SB, 13.2% K rate, 5.4% BB rate
Age 21

After a solid full-season debut in 2013, Brewers shortstop Jean Segura has compiled a disappointing 64 wRC+ over 1,141 plate appearances. Put another way, he's been 36 percent worse than the league average hitter over that period. To his credit, he has stolen 45 bases. That's his only positive contribution.

Segura is just 25. There is plenty of time for him to improve to league average with the bat. He's also an adequate defender. This ensures he'll have some trade value on the open market. The Brewers will still have a hard time trading him, but Arcia provides them with incentive to do so.

The 21-year-old prospect is a solid hitter with a similar profile to Segura. His carrying tools are speed and contact skills. He has a modicum of power and could hit over 10 home runs a season at Miller Park. Arcia's defense is expected to exceed Segura's, providing further impetus for a change.

While he lacks the offensive ceiling of the guys ahead of him, he's a safe bet to play everyday by early 2017. If Segura is traded over the offseason, Arcia should have a chance to break camp with the club. I think it's more likely Segura remains with the club until at least midseason.

 

9. Tim Anderson (SS, CWS, AA)
Stats: 550 PA, .312/.350/.429, 5 HR, 49 SB, 20.7% K rate, 4.4% BB rate
Age 22

Anderson is your classic middle infield burner. The presumed heir apparent to Alexei Ramirez, Anderson is probably at least a season away from a regular role. His minor league numbers have been bolstered by high BABIPs. Those usually decline toward league average in the majors.

Scouts figure Anderson to be a projectable hitter. They think he can develop more power and better contact skills. He's repeatedly described as a "fluid" athlete - scout jargon for a guy who looks like a player. Since he'll call U.S. Cellular Field home, I'll buy into 12 or more home runs a season with 20-30 stolen bases. If he can also hit for an average, it's a bonus.

 

Names To Watch

Like with second basemen, most of these guys will reach the majors. Unlike the second base list, at least half of the remaining 19 players will probably start for their respective teams (at least for a short period of time). Some are even future All-Stars. It's a very deep position. Since defense matters, don't be surprised to see these guys manning second or third base in future seasons.

Raul Mondesi (SS, KAN, AA)

Mondesi is the youngest player on this list, and he already has some Double-A exposure. The bat needs to develop - he's never been an above average hitter at any level. His raw tools are impressive if he ever figures it out at the plate.

Willy Adames (SS, TAM, A+)

Adames is the Rays top prospect. He has a lot of room for development. Scouts give him strong grades for work ethic and leadership. That won't help your fantasy team, but it does correlate to general success.

Brendan Rodgers (SS, COL, R)

Shortstops were popular this past June. Rodgers, 19, was the third overall selection. Plenty of evaluators like Rodgers more than Bregman, but Rodgers is much farther from the majors.

Nick Gordon (SS, MIN, A)

We're waiting on a breakout from the 19-year-old. He has major league bloodlines as the son of Tom Gordon and brother of Dee Gordon. He doesn't have his brother's speed, but he's expected to find some power to replace the stolen bases.

Amed Rosario (SS, NYM, A+)

Another 19-year-old, Rosario received a 10 plate appearance cup of coffee at Double-A. He'll open next season at the level. He's far from a finished product.

Jorge Polanco (SS, MIN, MLB)

Polanco, 22, offers some power, speed, and solid contact skills. He spent most of the season at Double-A although the Twins called upon him a couple times to help support the major league club.

Daniel Robertson (SS, TAM, AA)

Robertson, 21, hits for decent power for a shortstop. He could also offer a solid average. He missed a big chunk of the 2015 season and may repeat Double-A to start 2016.

Gavin Cecchini (SS, NYM, AA)

Cecchini draws praise for his advanced plate approach. He could produce fantasy value as a top-of-the-order hitter - even if he doesn't have much power or stolen base potential.

 

Cristhian Adames (SS, COL, MLB)

Story is thought to be the next shortstop in Colorado. Adames will get a chance to disappoint him. He beat Story to the majors and has some fantasy potential as a Coors Field hitter. He hit 11 home runs and stole 11 bases at Triple-A.

Deven Marrero (SS, BOS, MLB)

Marrero, 25, received a brief look in the majors this year. He looked overmatched. If he doesn't experience a breakthrough, he'll be a utility man.

Jose Rondon (SS, SDP, AA)

Rondon is currently recovering from a broken elbow. He's an above average defender, but it's unclear if his bat will catch up to the glove.

JaCoby Jones (SS, PIT, AA)

Jones, 23, features exciting power and speed. Unfortunately, there is a lot of swing-and-miss in his profile. He's not as young as a Javier Baez, so there is less time to fix the fatal flaw.

Cornelius Randolph (SS, PHI, R)

The Phillies took Randolph 10th overall last June. The 18-year-old demonstrated advanced plate discipline with 52 hits, 32 walks, and 32 strikeouts in 212 plate appearances.

Leury Garcia (SS, CWS, MLB)

Garcia has kicked around the majors for three seasons without much success. He had his best Triple-A campaign last season which could be a sign that's he's ready for a bigger role.

Nolan Fontana (2B/SS, HOU, AAA)

Fontana is probably a future utility man in the talent heavy Astros organization. He's a patient hitter who works counts. That skill doesn't always translate to the majors.

Luis Sardinas (SS, MIL, AAA)

Sardinas is a no-pop utility man who could get a shot to start at shortstop before Arcia is ready. He may also man third base.

Yairo Munoz (SS, OAK, A+)

Munoz was merely decent in A-ball, but he improved upon promotion to High-A. He has enough power, speed, and defensive talent to be worth consideration in a sufficiently deep league.

Tyler Wade (SS, NYY, A+)

Wade, 20, is a contact hitter with 30 stolen base speed. Even if he wasn't a Yankee, he'd need to prove it at every level.

Christian Arroyo (SS, SFG, A+)

Arroyo is viewed more as a second baseman, but he's still playing shortstop. He has a solid, aggressive plate approach and potential for 10 home runs annually. Finding a defensive home could be a problem.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room