Introduction

The landscape of Major League Baseball is ever-evolving, and each season brings forth new talent alongside established stars. As we dive into the 2026 MLB preseason, the shortstop position emerges as a focal point, showcasing both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. This article presents the Bleacher Report's preseason position rankings for shortstops, exploring players’ past performances, their offensive and defensive contributions, and expectations as we gear up for another thrilling baseball season.

Rising Stars and Established Veterans

The shortstop position for the 2026 season boasts a mix of established stars such as Francisco Lindor (New York Mets), Corey Seager (Texas Rangers), Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies), and Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), alongside emerging talents like Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), and Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds). These players not only define their franchises but also serve as key figures in a competitive MLB landscape.

The New Wave of Talent

Among the brightest prospects, Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers) and Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh Pirates) are poised to make their MLB debuts in 2026. McGonigle, coming off a stellar 2025 performance in the Arizona Fall League, showcased a .362 batting average and a high on-base percentage. Despite the Tigers not needing to rush him into the lineup, he certainly has the potential to make an impact during spring training.

Conversely, Konnor Griffin's journey to the big leagues may require more seasoning, as he has played only 21 games at the Double-A level. Nonetheless, he represents the next generation of shortstops ready to step up in the majors.

2026 Preseason Rankings

Following a thorough analysis, players have been ranked based on performance expectations for the upcoming season. Factors include their offensive and defensive contributions and past track records. Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders:

1. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

With a 136 OPS+ and a .295 batting average in the previous season, Witt remains the face of his franchise. Last season, he won his second straight Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, and at just 25 years old, he is the best all-around player in the sport.

2. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

Lindor returned to All-Star form, amassing a 129 OPS+ with 31 home runs. He has been instrumental for the Mets, claiming his second 30/30 season and building a case for Cooperstown.

3. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies

Claiming one of the NL batting titles, Turner is a dynamic player on both sides of the field. His combination of speed and defensive prowess makes him one of baseball's elite shortstops.

4. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Henderson has established himself as one of the game’s elite offensive shortstops despite a slight drop in his performance. At only 24 years old, he is well on his way to becoming a franchise cornerstone like Cal Ripken Jr.

5. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

Despite injury setbacks, Seager has maintained a strong WAR total, displaying his power with a 151 OPS+ last season. His achievements put him on a trajectory possibly leading to the Hall of Fame.</h3>

6. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

Betts had a full season at shortstop and maintained his value as a player. While his offensive numbers didn’t match his prior standards, he continues to be a crucial element of the Dodgers' lineup.

7. Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks

Perdomo entered the spotlight with significant production, cushioning his team’s lineup as an All-Star. His impressive numbers make him one of the rising stars in the MLB.

8. Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros

Peña bounced back from modest previous seasons to reach an impressive 132 OPS+. With an All-Star selection under his belt, he has proved his worth and consistency.

9. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds

A dynamic and exciting talent, De La Cruz had a superb first half last season. His progression this year will be essential in solidifying his status in baseball.

10. Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants

After improving mid-season, Adames has demonstrated his capability to hit for power while showcasing good defense. His performance in the second half of the season signals great potential.

Conclusion

The shortstop position in MLB for the 2026 season is teeming with talent, both from seasoned stars and rising youngsters eager to prove themselves. As teams across the league prepare for Opening Day, the race for position rankings sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Players like Witt Jr., Lindor, and Turner will undoubtedly be focal points on their teams, while emerging stars like McGonigle and Griffin represent the future of the sport. Fans can look forward to watching how these players perform as the season unfolds.