2023 Shortstops

Triple-threats are always in short supply, which normally drives up the price. This position is no different. Francisco Lindor (p,s,a) will cost an early 3rd round pick, but look deeper. BABS tabs Dansby Swanson (p,s,a) with the same assets. Seen side-by-side, Swanson feels like the obvious play, some three rounds later than Lindor. Thanks, BABS!

The sought-after speed/batting effectiveness (can’t steal 1st!) asset mix yields options. Tim Anderson’s (SB,AV) stock has fallen. He hasn’t breached the 20 SB mark since 2018. The BA plays, and he will run, but how much? Nico Hoerner (SB,AV) boasts similar assets (and liabilities). Hoerner can be had ~50 picks later. Amed Rosario (S+,a) is similar. Speedier but not quite as adept with the bat. 

Shortstops with power/speed combos aren’t plentiful, but they do exist. The toolsy O’Neil Cruz (PW,SB) has drafters salivating. The possibility of 30/30 feels real, but he is short on experience. Javy Baez (p,SB) is just a tick behind Cruz in assets. He still owns a history of 30 HR pop. Is it that crazy to see Baez outperforming Cruz by season’s end? BABS says no, and Baez’ price tag says he may be worth the wait. Royce Lewis (PW,SB) is not expected to return until mid-season, but could be worth some FAAB down the road. 

In recent years, this has not been a position to chase run production. That said, there are BABSian plays littered throughout. Corey Seager (PW,AV) enters season two in Texas, still squarely in his prime. BABS sees no let-up in the skills, and even brands Corey a positive regression candidate. Speed will have to be found elsewhere, but middle of the order/run-producing shortstops are in short supply. Especially in the fifth round or later (ADP 68). Carlos Correa (p,a) is of a close breed. He’ll be positioned to contribute in four categories. 

Also this, from last season right here in this space:

Willy Adames (PW,a) sports hefty assets, especially at a position starved of top end power. Looking back, was his breakout 2021 season really such a step up? He surpassed the 20 HR mark in 2019 and the power metrics remained consistent during the lost season of 2020. A full season in Milwaukee tabs him as a prime target (30 HR plateau is within reach!) at ADP 136.

Still true, though BABS has cooled on his batting effectiveness. And the cost has increased (now ADP 101).

Wander Franco’s assets (s,A+) are that of an early round selection, but you won’t need one to acquire him. He’s a unicorn: the only SS sporting elite batting-effectiveness skills. Sure, drafters have soured a bit (ADP 91). Around here, that often indicates market inefficiency. Narrative bad, skills great: BUY! But the narrative isn’t all noise: injuries have piled up. He is still young enough to shed the dreaded “injury-prone” tag, so maybe there is some upside in that draft slot. 

After the 10th round, the shortstop position becomes…adventurous. Feeling brave? Bryson Stott (s,a) and CJ Abrams (SB) can be had after round 14. Both are currently projected for full-time at-bats. Young bats with skills and cheap price-tags: a BABS signature recipe. 

 

NOTES: The chart above may vary slightly from the latest database update which was run after this analysis was written. To engage with other readers on this topic, head over to the Reader Forums. If you have a question that would be best answered by one of our experts and benefit everyone, submit it on our Contact Page and put MAILBAG in the Subject Line