As we take a look at the RotoProspects fantasy baseball rankings and projections, we see that shortstop remains one of the deepest and most exciting positions in fantasy baseball, packed with power-speed threats, elite run producers, and high-upside breakout candidates. For the 2026 season, fantasy baseball managers will find a strong mix of power, contact skills, and run production among the top-ranked players.
Here at RotoProspects, we provide 2026 Shortstop Fantasy Baseball Rankings and Projections, broken into tiers. You can check out the entire list of the top 50 shortstops, broken into eight different tiers, by clicking here (subscription required).
Here’s a quick look at the first three tiers.
Tier 1: Superstars everywhere in this tier
1. Bobby Witt Jr. (KC): The consensus top pick in many formats, Witt Jr. (pictured above) provides a staggering 30/34 projection backed by a nearly .300 average. His ability to produce elite counting stats across all five categories makes him the ultimate foundational piece for any roster.
2. Elly De La Cruz (CIN): A true fantasy unicorn, De La Cruz is projected for a position-leading 41 stolen bases and 27 home runs. While the strikeouts are a part of the profile, his game-breaking speed and massive power ceiling offer a week-winning upside that is unmatched in the league.
3. Gunnar Henderson (BAL): Henderson has solidified himself as a Tier 1 anchor, offering a balanced 27/24 profile with an elite .355 OBP. As the engine of a potent Orioles lineup, his run-scoring floor (projected 102 runs) is among the safest in the sport.
4. Zach Neto (LAA): The breakout is officially here, with Neto projected for 28 home runs and 28 steals in a true five-tool coming-out party. His aggressive approach and improved quality of contact have propelled him into the elite conversation at just 25 years old.
5. Trea Turner (PHI): Turner remains a blue-chip asset, projected for a high .279 average and 28 stolen bases as he continues to thrive in Philadelphia. Even as he enters his 30s, his elite sprint speed and reliable contact skills keep him in the premier tier of shortstops.
6. Francisco Lindor (NYM): The model of consistency, Lindor is projected for another 25/23 season with nearly 90 runs and 80 RBIs. His durable profile and heavy volume of plate appearances ensure he remains a top-tier option for managers who value floor and longevity.
| TIER 1 – PROJECTIONS | Age | PA | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 1. Bobby Witt Jr., KC | 26 | 669 | 30 | 105 | 98 | 34 | .296 | .354 | .529 | .883 |
| 2. Elly De La Cruz, Cin | 24 | 655 | 27 | 102 | 90 | 41 | .266 | .336 | .480 | .816 |
| 3. Gunnar Henderson, Bal | 25 | 664 | 27 | 102 | 90 | 24 | .275 | .355 | .490 | .845 |
| 4. Zach Neto, LAA | 25 | 649 | 28 | 86 | 83 | 28 | .254 | .325 | .453 | .778 |
| 5. Trea Turner, Phi | 33 | 636 | 18 | 87 | 76 | 28 | .279 | .329 | .433 | .762 |
| 6. Francisco Lindor, NYM | 32 | 624 | 25 | 87 | 78 | 23 | .257 | .333 | .443 | .776 |
Tier 2: Five-category production and veteran leadership
7. CJ Abrams (WAS): Abrams continues to be a stolen base catalyst, projected for 31 swipes to go along with 19 home runs. If he can take another step forward in his walk rate, his elite speed could push him into the Tier 1 conversation by mid-season.
8. Mookie Betts (LAD): Bringing elite eligibility to the position, Betts offers a massive .350 OBP and 22 home runs in the league’s most dangerous lineup. While the stolen bases have leveled off, his run-scoring potential and batting average stability remain world-class.
9. Jeremy Pena (HOU): Pena has evolved into a reliable multi-category contributor, projected for an 18/19 season with a solid .272 average. His high-volume role in Houston and improved discipline make him a perfect Tier 2 target for those who miss out on the early runs.
10. Bo Bichette (NYM): Now with the Mets, Bichette is looking to capitalize on a fresh start with a projected .283 average that leads the second tier. His ability to spray the ball across the field ensures a high floor for average and doubles, even if the stolen bases have dipped.
11. Corey Seager (TEX): When healthy, Seager is arguably the best pure hitter at the position, as evidenced by his projected .502 SLG and 28 home runs. While he doesn’t run, his elite 10.9% walk rate and power metrics make him a Tier 2 anchor in OBP and SLG formats.
12. Geraldo Perdomo (ARI): Perdomo has become an OBP darling, projected for a .354 mark and 21 stolen bases at the top of the Diamondbacks’ order. His elite 13.6% K-rate makes him one of the most difficult players to strike out, providing a safe floor for runs and steals.
| TIER 2 – PROJECTIONS | Age | PA | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 7. CJ Abrams, Was | 25 | 625 | 19 | 82 | 70 | 31 | .253 | .315 | .418 | .733 |
| 8. Mookie Betts, LAD | 33 | 636 | 22 | 89 | 83 | 10 | .268 | .350 | .455 | .805 |
| 9. Jeremy Pena, Hou | 28 | 642 | 18 | 82 | 73 | 19 | .272 | .328 | .423 | .751 |
| 10. Bo Bichette, NYM | 28 | 633 | 19 | 80 | 81 | 6 | .283 | .333 | .439 | .772 |
| 11. Corey Seager, Tex | 32 | 543 | 28 | 73 | 81 | 3 | .275 | .358 | .502 | .860 |
| 12. Geraldo Perdomo, Ari | 26 | 667 | 13 | 89 | 67 | 21 | .260 | .354 | .391 | .745 |
Get our Full Rankings and Projections for each position
Don’t head into your draft with just a list of names. Our full fantasy baseball rankings projections include C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, DH, SP (coming soon) and RP, all organized by tiers and available with a link to an easy-to-print PDF format.