Ranking MLB positions: Best, worst spots on diamond for 2026 - ESPN

ESPN

by David Schoenfield

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article highlights a significant shift in Major League Baseball (MLB) over the past two seasons: shortstops are now outperforming third basemen offensively, with a higher OPS (on-base plus slugging). This marks a notable reversal of historical trends, where third basemen typically dominated offensive metrics. In 2024 and 2025, shortstops produced an OPS of .728 and .723, respectively, compared to third basemen's .701 and .705. This change reflects a new generation of shortstops who excel both defensively and offensively, with players like Bobby Witt Jr., Francisco Lindor, and Trea Turner leading the way. Historically, the defensive spectrum ranked positions based on offensive requirements, with designated hitters (DH) and first basemen (1B) requiring higher offensive output, while shortstops (SS) and other defenders prioritized strong fielding over hitting. However, the gap between OPS across positions has narrowed significantly over the decades, from a spread of .154 in 1977-1979 to just 64 points in 2024, with designated hitters at .742 and catchers at .678. This decline in OPS disparity highlights a more balanced offensive landscape. The rise of elite-hitting shortstops has disrupted traditional positional hierarchies. Shortstops now rank among the top position players in WAR (Winning Above Replacement), as they combine strong defense with impactful

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Originally published on ESPN on 3/3/2026