MLB's top 10 shortstops in 2020: An embarrassment of riches

1. Francisco Lindor, Indians

Very  few players have the skills to call upon that Lindor has on-demand. Lindor is as easily capable of making an impact on the bases as he is at bat, as he is with the glove. He is an athletic switch-hitter who has  been an All-Star in all four of his full seasons. His 18.3 WAR is tops  among all shortstops since 2017, a time span where he has averaged 34  home runs, 21 stolen bases and 110 runs per season. During that same period, no other player has regularly reached those heights.

Lindor  is booting up for the first of two pivotal seasons as he is set to reach free agency following the 2021 campaign. As such — much like Manny Machado two years ago — Lindor will twice be one of the most sought-after  players in the game: First as a huge trade chip from the Indians, who  seem resigned to moving on from their franchise player, and then again as a free agent in line for a guaranteed record-setting contract.

2. Trevor Story, Rockies

Story has been the power standard at the position, with his 72 home runs, .916 OPS and .561 slugging percentage ranking tops among all shortstops the past two seasons. He also checks in at second in batting average (.293) and stolen bases (50) over the time frame.

While Coors Field, his home, certainly doesn’t hurt  — .328/.402/.662 at home versus .260/.322/.445 on the road in 2019 — it doesn’t tell the entire story. Trevor Story is one of the best base runners in the game, and his improved plate discipline has created more opportunities for Nolan Arenado to drive in runs. With his glove, Story committed just eight errors in leading the NL in range factor among shortstops in 2019.

3. Javy Baez, Cubs

Appropriately, Baez is featured on the cover of the newest edition of the "MLB: The Show" video game. This is because no player in the game pulls off more Playstation-worthy highlights with regularity than Baez. His flashy, yet effective moves up the middle, coupled with his extraordinary throwing arm makes him a human highlight reel at Wrigley Field.

Baez’s flair for the big moment carries over at the plate. He is more than two times more likely get an extra-base hit (12.7 percent) than a draw a walk (5 percent of 561 plate appearances). While he didn’t duplicate his NL MVP runner-up effort from 2018, he made his second All-Star team in 2019, finishing with 29 home runs and driving in 85.

4. Marcus Semien, Athletics

The  breakout performance of the year in the American League last season  belonged to Semien. He finished third in AL MVP voting after connecting  for 33 home runs, 43 doubles, scoring 123 runs runs and driving in 92,  all being career-highs.

It was the highlight performance  in a career that has been consistently strong. Since 2015, Semien has  annually produced an OPS over .700, reaching double figures in home runs  and stolen bases. Over the past two seasons, he has taken strides  defensively, producing a defensive WAR over 2.0 both years, leading AL  in shortstop assists in three of the past four seasons.

5. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

On purely offensive merits alone, Bogaerts should be within the top three players at the position. Last season was the best of his career. He had .939 OPS and 85 extra-base hits, both leading all shortstops. His 52 doubles finished second in the AL, behind only his infield mate Rafael Devers, and Bogaerts 7.1 offense-only WAR was fourth-best in the American League.

However, his defense continues to be a liability against Bogaerts reaching his full upside. According to Fangraphs, due to his range limitations, Bogaerts finished last among MLB shortstops with minus-14 defensive runs saved. Overall, he has not finished above replacement level defensively since 2015.

6. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres

Due to injuries, Tatis Jr.’s sensational rookie campaign was limited to only 84 games. But that snapshot provided more than enough to justify the hype that accompanied his big-league debut. The definition of a five-tool performer, Tatis produced a .969 OPS, along with 41 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases. In the field, he put his athleticism on display often, drawing comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez that were more than reasonable to make.

7. Gleyber Torres, Yankees

Due to an early season injury to Didi Gregorius, Torres spent 77 games at his natural position in 2019, while stil  seeing significant action at second base. His defense is a work in  progress, as 11 of his 20 errors came at shortstop. As he shifts over to short in a full-time capacity this season, his maturation with the  glove should follow with consistency.

One thing that is for certain is Torres' bat will play anywhere. Torres connected for 38  home runs, the most among any player who saw the majority of their action at the position.

8. Carlos Correa, Astros

On pure talent alone, there are few that can reach Correa’s level. However, far too often his inability to stay on the field has held him back. In 2019, Correa missed 53  games and has only played more than 110 games once in his five-year career.

But when he is on the field, watch out. In 321 plate appearances, Correa hit 21 home runs and produced a .926 OPS, the second-best showing of his career. He also produced a defensive WAR of more than 1.0 for a fifth straight season. Correa’s upside remains one of the biggest "what ifs" in the game, as by all accounts he still remains an elite performer, despite limited availability.

9. Paul DeJong, Cardinals

DeJong is one of the most overlooked players in the game, even in being mentioned amongst his own teammates. But while Yadier Molina, Paul Goldschmidt and Jack Flaherty are more popular, it has been DeJong who has become the most consistently productive Cardinal in his first three seasons. In 2019, DeJong hit 30 homers, 30 doubles and was selected to his first All-Star Game. While his free-swinging ways continue to keep his on-base percentage down (he is yet to produce better than a .325 OBP), DeJong contributes across the board. He led the NL in double plays turned, assists and defensive WAR among shortstops in 2019.

10. Corey Seager, Dodgers

During a comeback season from Tommy John surgery, Seager provided a strong reminder of what he is capable of. Though he missed all of April, Seager’s 44 doubles led the National League, and his 84 RBIs were the best among NL shortstops. Prior to his injury, Seager had established himself as one of the top young players in the game. Entering his age 26 season, there is plenty of time for him to fully pick back up where he left off.

Left on deck: Tim Anderson (White Sox), Trea Turner (Nationals),  Jorge Polanco (Twins).

Top Prospects: Wander Franco (Rays, No. 1), Royce Lewis (Twins, No. 9), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals, No. 10).