Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Top 10 shortstops for 2018
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Top 10 shortstops for 2018

Never in the history of the game has there been such a uniquely skilled set of athletes at the shortstop position. A lot of that can be attributed to the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Edgar Renteria, all players who redefined the position, but not even those players could have predicted what the modern-day shortstop has matured into.

Nowadays, the premier athletes on the field no longer live simply in center field; they're making shortstop their position of choice.

Furthermore, it's remarkable to see just how good these players are so early in their careers. Of the top five shortstops that comprise this list, only one is north of 25 years old, and of the top 10 in full, only one member is in his 30s (and barely, at that). Here is the star-studded top 10 of the game's most impressive position today.

10. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox. After a pair of Silver Slugger-winning campaigns in 2015 and '16, Bogaerts took a step backward a year ago. As a result, his already one-sided value took a bit of a tumble as well after finishing with a negative dWAR mark for the second time in as many years. While his future could very well be at third base as opposed to shortstop, his recent returns at the plate still are strong enough to warrant a mention among the position’s elite. His three-year averages include a .296 BA, .776 OPS, 34 doubles and 98 runs scored. 

9. Brandon Crawford, Giants. As was the case with many of his contemporaries in San Francisco, Crawford is coming off a severe downturn in 2017. He dropped his average by 22 points and on-base percentage by nearly 40, and his OPS hit a four-year low. However, he kept up his superior defensive prowess, finishing in the NL top three in range factor, fielding percentage and fewest errors en route to his third straight Gold Glove win. 

8. Jean Segura, Mariners. After making the NL All-Star team at second base the year before, Segura returned to his natural position upon arriving in Seattle. The approach at the plate that saw him top the NL in hits in 2016 followed him to his old position, as Segura hit .300 with 30 doubles and a 110 OPS+ in an injury-shortened campaign. It is no wonder the Mariners moved quickly to extend him, inking the soon-to-be 28-year-old to a five-year, $70 million extension last June. 

7. Didi Gregorius, Yankees. While his more monstrously built teammates get many of the headlines for their home run hitting exploits, it should be noted that Gregorius carried clean-up responsibilities for last year’s Yankees club that topped the AL in long balls. Gregorius finished second among MLB shortstops with 25 homers in what proved to be a breakout campaign for him. He also drove in 87 runs, hit .287 and accounted for a 3.7 WAR, third among MLB shortstops. 

6. Elvis Andrus, Rangers. 2017 was a revival of sorts for Andrus, who is still somehow shy of his 30th birthday as he enters his 10th MLB season. He reinvented himself, hitting a career-high 20 home runs — 12 more than his previous season best. Personal bests in hits (191), runs scored (100) and doubles (44) also highlighted his breakout at the dish. All the while, his defensive prowess and speed stayed strong as ever. Andrus reached 20 steals for the ninth time in nine years and finished in the upper-half of AL shortstops in defensive runs saved as well. 


Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports

5. Corey Seager, Dodgers. Seager is not only the most gifted player on the National League’s best team, but also arguably among the best players in the game period. The fact that he checks in so low on this list is more of a credit to his peers than a distraction from how special of a talent he already is — and can continue to become. He is insanely talented at the plate, owning a .305/.374/.502 split line over his first 1,413 plate appearances. In his first two full seasons, Seager has averaged 24 home runs, 36 doubles and 74 RBI, while playing a better-than-advertised defensive role. He also has a three-home run game in each of the last two seasons. 

4. Andrelton Simmons, Angels. The most gifted defensive player of his generation and one of the top three defensive shortstops of the last century, Simmons changes the game more frequently with his glove alone than any player in baseball. His 32 defensive runs saved in 2017 were more than double that of his closest competition, and his 4.2 dWAR was over a game greater than any other defensive presence at any position. He also contributed career bests with 38 doubles and .752 OPS in a personal-high 158 games. He provided a long-awaited high-end presence to couple with Mike Trout in the Angels lineup — a lineup only set to get better in 2018. 

3. Manny Machado, Orioles. Machado finally got his longtime wish to return to his natural position when the Orioles announced their intention to shift him back to the middle infield for what could be his final season with the club. As a result, he could very well produce one of the greatest offensive seasons at the position since the heyday of A-Rod. Even after a slow start to the year (.230 first-half batting average), Machado finished with his third straight 30-homer campaign while driving in 95 runs. 

As a pure talent alone, it would be easy to rank Machado as the top player at the position, but let’s see how effectively his glove carries over to a full-time load at shortstop after an elite run at third base. The odds are heavily in his favor to not skip a beat, however. 

2. Francisco Lindor, Indians. Lindor added another trick to his already sizable collection a year ago in the form of a serious power increase. The switch-hitting stud clubbed 33 homers, tops in baseball at the position. He also connected for a career-high 44 doubles and equaled the 99 runs scored a year prior. While his power increase came at the expense of a lowered batting average, the Indians are unlikely to complain about the stunning collection of on-demand skills Lindor puts on display with regularity. 

Lindor is the definition of a franchise centerpiece: a generational talent who will continue to be surrounded by success due to his presence. The proof is in the product. Since his debut in June 2015, the Indians have a collective .582 winning percentage. In that time, Lindor has accounted for 15.8 wins, and the Tribe twice has won the AL Central. As a capper, during the club’s historic 21-game winning streak last summer, Lindor hit .360 with nine home runs and drove in 20 runs. 

1. Carlos Correa, Astros. A badly timed thumb injury derailed what was shaping up to be an MVP-caliber effort for Correa, who still outperformed many of his 2016 totals in 44 fewer games. He made up for the time lost with five postseason homers and helped guide the Astros to their first World Series victory in franchise history. 

That postseason performance sealed the fact that Correa is in a class of his own even compared to the most exceptional talents the position possesses today. His power potential is seemingly limitless, launching a career-high 24 home runs in 2017 despite playing just 109 games, and while his stolen base totals are declining as his power climbs, the exceptional athleticism he possesses makes him a force in the field as well. 

The edge that Correa has over Lindor is slim, but at only 23, Correa is primed to join the likes of A-Rod and Cal Ripken Jr. as one of the great anomalies ever at the position.

Left on deck: Trea Turner (Nationals), Addison Russell (Cubs), Paul DeJong (Cardinals), Trevor Story (Rockies)

Matt Whitener

Matt Whitener is St. Louis-based writer, radio host and 12-6 curveball enthusiast. He has been covering Major League Baseball since 2010, and dabbles in WWE, NBA and other odd jobs as well. Follow Matt on Twitter at @CheapSeatFan.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

ESPN Predicts Mets-Twins Trade One Week Before Deadline
MLB

ESPN Predicts Mets-Twins Trade One Week Before Deadline

The New York Mets are a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East, but their pitching staff is still injury-ravaged despite the recent returns of Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Brandon Waddell (hip), Dedniel Nuñez (elbow), Max Kranick (flexor), Paul Blackburn (shoulder), Tylor Megill (elbow), Griffin Canning (Achilles), Drew Smith (elbow), A.J. Minter (lat), Danny Young (elbow), and Christian Scott (elbow) are alll on the Mets' IL. The MLB Trade Deadline is July 31 at 6 p.m. EST, so the front office has one week to add healthy arms from around the league this season. ESPN's David Schoenfield predicted on Thursday that New York would trade for a Minnesota Twins reliever. "One guarantee of the trade deadline: The Mets will add to the bullpen, probably with more than one trade. Though the rotation still ranks fifth in ERA, that was built off a hot start," he wrote. "More importantly, the only Mets starter to complete six innings since June 7 has been David Peterson. As a result, manager Carlos Mendoza has run relievers Reed Garrett, Huascar Brazoban, Jose Butto and Ryne Stanek into the ground. The bullpen had a 2.78 ERA through May, but that figure is over 5.00 since the beginning of June (ranking near the bottom of the majors)." "The Twins have two high-profile relievers in [Jhoan] Duran and [Griffin] Jax, both of whom are under team control through 2027, so they'll be much more expensive than your usual short-term relievers if the Twins decide to trade one or both," he continued. "Duran would be harder to deal -- but bring more in return -- so we'll say Jax will go. Don't be fooled by his 4.09 ERA: He has 68 strikeouts and 12 walks in 44 innings with a 97-mph heater. He's an elite strikeout reliever, the type you want on the mound in October." The Mets are hot despite their injuries, as they're on a four-game winning streak and just swept the Los Angeles Angels. Next up is a road trip against the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. New York right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes (8-5, 3.48 ERA) will face Giants right-hander Logan Webb (9-7, 3.08 ERA) on Friday.

Naomi Osaka admits if she wants to face Emma Raducanu again after Washington Open defeat
Tennis

Naomi Osaka admits if she wants to face Emma Raducanu again after Washington Open defeat

Emma Raducanu brought Naomi Osaka’s Washington Open campaign to an end with a performance full of confidence. Raducanu, enjoying her best form in some time, has looked sharp since crossing over from Wimbledon to the US hard courts and is now putting together a strong run on both sides of the draw. Her timing couldn’t be better, with the summer swing in full flow and eyes already turning towards Flushing Meadows later in August. For Osaka, though, this was another frustrating defeat by a player she might have expected to beat. In the aftermath, she was even asked whether it was worth facing Raducanu again anytime soon. Naomi Osaka shares thoughts on Emma Raducanu after defeat at Washington Open After the loss, Osaka took time to break down her performance and also spoke about what impressed her about Raducanu’s game. Starting with her own play, she mentioned: “I think honestly I have been working on my return a lot, and ironically I don’t think it was that bad today. I think she served quite well. I guess just keep working on that, working on my serve. I know it’s one of my biggest weapons. “Today the percentages were off, so hopefully improving that. Then I guess just baseline tennis. I feel like from the baseline, like, I was doing pretty well. I think there are certain situations where she got one more ball back and I was kind of just looking and waiting. So kind of getting more accustomed to being comfortable being aggressive. When asked how facing Raducanu compared to watching her previously, Osaka said: “Oh. So when I say I watched her, it might not have necessarily been her tennis. Might have been like interviews and stuff like that. “Yeah, I mean, I watched her in Wimbledon, but I think it is different playing someone in real life than playing them or seeing them on TV. “So I think for me, honestly, it was really good to get the experience, to feel how her ball is. Yeah, hopefully we meet again.” Naomi Osaka comments on her relationship with fellow players Osaka didn’t just talk about the match itself – she also shared how she’s been interacting with other players off the court. For example, the Japanese star was asked if she’d like to get to know Raducanu or other players better, to which she replied: “I mean, yes, but I don’t know. “I don’t know if I’m, like, I look scary or something, but I have been saying hi to everyone for the past year and a half since I have been back, and I think they still think I’m kind of like extremely introverted and/or have RBF. So we haven’t really, like, proceeded past the ‘Hi, how are you doing’ phase.” Osaka admitted she felt confused after her defeat to Raducanu, having played much better than the scoreline suggested. It’s Raducanu who moves forward into the quarter-finals while Osaka once again finds herself reflecting on what comes next.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
Wrestling

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy

On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin was excited talking about Aaron Rodgers’ TD pass
NFL

Steelers' Mike Tomlin was excited talking about Aaron Rodgers’ TD pass

Mike Tomlin typically keeps a straightforward delivery when speaking with the media, but he had a departure from his usual style on Friday. The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach spoke with the media after training camp practice on Friday. He was asked about a touchdown pass Aaron Rodgers had thrown to DK Metcalf. Tomlin tried to downplay things by saying he wasn’t going to “throw a pep rally.” “That’s what I expect, that’s what I envisioned all summer,” Tomlin said. Despite what he said, Tomlin couldn’t hide his excitement as he talked about it; he had a big smile on his face. It’s not hard to see why Tomlin would be excited. The Steelers haven’t had a quarterback who put up big stats since a few years before Ben Roethlisberger retired. From 2014-2018, the Steelers were in the top 10 in the league in both points scored and yards gained. They haven’t been higher than 23rd in the league in yards since then. Rodgers is 41 and went just 5-12 as a starter with the Jets last season. There is some concern that Rodgers could end Tomlin’s streak, but the veteran coach seems pretty excited about his offense. In addition to Rodgers, the Steelers acquired Metcalf in a trade with the Seahawks and tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with the Dolphins. They also cleaned out George Pickens from their locker room The Steelers are coming off a 10-7 season. They lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Ravens.