The latest analysis by Moneyline presents a comprehensive look at the best shortstops for every Major League Baseball franchise over the last 25 years. This exploration focuses exclusively on statistics compiled since the start of the 2000 season, leading to notable selections such as Derek Jeter for the New York Yankees and Jimmy Rollins for the Philadelphia Phillies. While some picks were evident, many required thoughtful consideration, emphasizing individual performance, defensive metrics, and postseason impact.

Stephen Drew, selected 15th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2004 draft, stands out for his consecutive 3-WAR seasons at his peak with 773 games played, a .266 batting average, and 13.2 WAR over his career. His selection comes over Nick Ahmed, a two-time Gold Glove winner, despite Ahmed's impressive defensive prowess and his 12.2 WAR in 888 games. Notable mentions for the Diamondbacks also include Didi Gregorius and Geraldo Perdomo.

For the Oakland Athletics, the debate highlights Marcus Semien and Miguel Tejada, where Tejada's 2002 AL MVP season, coupled with a remarkable .308 batting average and 130 RBIs, ultimately edged him ahead with 18.9 WAR compared to Semien's 20.4 WAR. Defensively underrated Rafael Furcal was named as the best for the Atlanta Braves, acknowledged for his speed and ability in the game.

The list continues with Miguel Tejada marking his presence for Baltimore, recognized for a stellar 2004 with a .311 average, contributing to his 19.5 WAR. Nomar Garciaparra's peak performance in the early 2000s is a significant highlight, boasting an impressive .372 batting average that led to his nomination despite a strong challenge from Xander Bogaerts.

In Chicago, Javier Báez showcased his offensive talents with a remarkable peak including a .261 average and 6 WAR seasons, affirming his status among the best in his franchise, although Alexei Ramírez and José Valentín provided substantial competition.

Tim Anderson’s breakout in 2019, resulting in an AL batting title, marks him as the premier option for the White Sox, surpassing past greats in terms of value and impact during his tenure. Zack Cozart claimed Cincinnati's spot with noteworthy offensive contributions in 2017, reflecting a solid six-year performance.

Francisco Lindor's early success with the Cleveland Indians, shown through his 28.1 WAR, highlights the franchise's commitment to developing top talent, with previous stars like Asdrúbal Cabrera mentioned alongside him. Troy Tulowitzki's substantial WAR during his Rockies days built his reputation, as he impressed with both offensive and defensive contributions.

Carlos Guillen’s strong performance with the Detroit Tigers underscores the franchise's challenges at shortstop post-Alan Trammell, while he earned accolades during his productive peak. The Kansas City Royals' best shortstop is Bobby Witt Jr., who quickly established himself, equating his WAR with franchise milestones set by legends like George Brett.

Andrelton Simmons stands out defensively for the Los Angeles Angels, while the San Francisco Giants celebrated Brandon Crawford's achievements, marking him as one of their greatest shortstops over the years. In the Seattle Mariners' history, J.P. Crawford leads following the brief standout year of Alex Rodriguez.

Despite a strong career with the Mets, José Reyes is challenged by the newer talents of Francisco Lindor, who showcased significant achievements including back-to-back 6-WAR seasons. With this rigorous selection narrative, the article wraps up with the enduring legacy of players like Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins, who have shaped their respective franchises across decades.