Buster Olney's 2026 top 10 at every MLB position: Shortstops - ESPN

ESPN

by Buster Olney

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Buster Olney's 2026 rankings highlight the golden age of shortstops in Major League Baseball, showcasing their unprecedented offensive dominance. Shortstops are now central to teams' success, as they excel both defensively and offensively. The top players, like Bobby Witt Jr., demonstrate elite skills across the board—hitting for power, delivering consistent production, and excelling on the basepaths. With a 9.4 WAR in 2024 and leading the majors in hits and doubles the following year, Witt is a prime example of the modern shortstop's value. Historically, shortstops have evolved from being primarily defensive players to becoming key offensive contributors. In 2025, they accounted for 18.4% of position-player fWAR, the highest rate ever recorded. This shift reflects teams' growing emphasis on developing and acquiring high-end shortstops who can drive lineups and contribute significantly to their clubs' success. Players like Dansby Swanson and Jacob Wilson have shown consistent production, while others like Willy Adames and Masyn Winn are emerging as elite defenders with solid offensive output. The demand for top-tier shortstops has created a competitive market, with teams investing in both established stars and promising prospects. Teams now view shortstop as a

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026