Top 20 Shortstops of all time in MLB
Below is a countdown of the top 20 shortstops of all time—strictly focusing on on-field performance and ignoring any PED or off-field controversies. This list leans toward the belief that modern players often have certain advantages (training, technology, etc.) but fully respects the legends who paved the way. Each player’s summary aims to highlight their impact, skill set, and place in baseball history. Enjoy!
Shortstops 20 thru 11
20. Andrelton Simmons
Key Teams: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs
Career Highlights: 4 Gold Gloves, multiple seasons leading MLB in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at SS
Summary:
Widely lauded as one of the greatest defensive shortstops of his generation (and perhaps of all time), Andrelton Simmons excelled at gobbling up grounders, gunning down baserunners with a rocket arm, and making highlight-reel plays look routine. His advanced defensive metrics—especially Defensive Runs Saved—are off the charts, clearly demonstrating his near-superhuman range and efficiency. While his offensive contributions never reached the superstar level, he was consistently serviceable at the plate, generally putting together decent batting averages and occasional gap power. In an era loaded with athletic, two-way shortstops, Simmons still stood out primarily because of his defensive wizardry. His glove alone was enough to make him a valuable big-league contributor, and he holds a rightful spot among the most purely skilled defenders in baseball history.
19. Trea Turner
Key Teams: Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies
Career Highlights: World Series champion (2019), multiple seasons with 20+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases
Summary:
Speed is Trea Turner’s calling card, but he’s far from a one-dimensional player. At shortstop, he uses his agility and quick hands to provide steady defense. Offensively, he’s been one of the most dynamic table-setters and run-producers of the modern era. Turner consistently flirts with batting titles while stealing 30 or more bases in a season—sometimes pushing for the league lead. Yet he also offers surprising pop, posting multiple 20+ homer campaigns. His rare combination of elite speed and legitimate power is reminiscent of a new-wave shortstop who can do a bit of everything. Whether hitting atop the order or driving in runs from the heart of the lineup, Turner has become an irreplaceable piece for any contender, and his prime years still have him rising on many all-time lists.
18. Troy Tulowitzki
Key Teams: Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees
Career Highlights: 5-time All-Star, 2 Gold Gloves, multiple top-5 MVP finishes
Summary:
At his peak, Troy Tulowitzki was among the most feared shortstops in the league—offensively and defensively. A towering presence at 6-foot-3 with remarkable range, he combined soft hands and a cannon arm to routinely rank among the best defenders at his position. Offensively, in hitter-friendly Coors Field (and on the road as well), “Tulo” posted 30+ home runs and 90+ RBIs in multiple seasons, all while batting around or above .300 when fully healthy. Injuries unfortunately derailed the latter part of his career, preventing him from racking up the cumulative stats that would have strengthened his Hall of Fame case. However, his high peak—where he excelled in nearly every facet of the game—earns him a spot among the best shortstops to ever play.
17. Nomar Garciaparra
Key Teams: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics
Career Highlights: 6-time All-Star, 2-time AL batting champion, Rookie of the Year (1997)
Summary:
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nomar Garciaparra was one of the brightest stars in baseball, sharing the spotlight with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez as part of a new generation of offensively gifted shortstops. Nomar quickly made his mark by winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award, followed by back-to-back batting titles. Known for his meticulous pre-at-bat ritual and lightning-quick wrists, he slugged for high averages and posted 30-homer power in his prime. Though injuries robbed him of the chance to maintain that production for a longer stretch, Garciaparra’s peak remains among the best in the position’s history. When healthy, he was a truly dynamic hitter who combined speed, surprising pop, and strong defense.
16. Joe Cronin
Key Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox
Career Highlights: 7-time All-Star, player-manager, .301/.390/.468 slash line
Summary:
A fiery competitor in the 1930s and early ’40s, Joe Cronin was a powerhouse at a time when shortstops were largely defense-first players. His robust offensive numbers—particularly his .390 on-base percentage—stand out as extraordinary for that era and position. Cronin had a keen eye at the plate, complemented by a surprising power swing that resulted in multiple 100-RBI seasons. He doubled as a player-manager for much of his career, guiding his teams with a combination of on-field skill and leadership acumen. Though lesser-known to modern audiences than some of his shortstop peers, Cronin’s consistent offensive production and managerial success underscore his important place in baseball lore.
15. Xander Bogaerts
Key Teams: Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres
Career Highlights: 2 World Series titles (2013, 2018), multiple Silver Slugger Awards, multiple All-Star selections
Summary:
Xander Bogaerts emerged from Aruba onto the MLB scene and quickly proved himself as a reliable run-producer with a knack for high batting averages and gap-to-gap power. Over the years, he has steadily increased his power output—posting multiple 20+ HR seasons—while simultaneously improving his plate discipline and on-base skills. Though advanced defensive metrics sometimes question his range, Bogaerts consistently shows sure hands, improving footwork, and a strong throwing arm, making him at least an average (and often above-average) defender. His leadership and calm presence were a cornerstone of Boston’s success in the late 2010s. Now continuing his career in San Diego, he remains one of the premier two-way shortstops of the modern era.
14. Pee Wee Reese
Key Teams: Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers
Career Highlights: 10-time All-Star, 2-time World Series champion, iconic “Boys of Summer” leader
Summary:
Pee Wee Reese was the cornerstone shortstop of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the famed “Boys of Summer” who broke barriers alongside Jackie Robinson. Reese’s leadership and steady glove were crucial to the Dodgers’ success, helping them reach seven World Series in a 10-year span, including their breakthrough title in 1955. Offensively, he was a pesky leadoff-style hitter, consistently scoring 80–100 runs a season and working counts with a disciplined approach. More importantly, Reese was heralded for his clubhouse presence and moral leadership during a transformative time in baseball history. While his counting stats might not leap off the page compared to modern sluggers, Reese’s all-around contributions and intangible qualities elevate him among the game’s best shortstops.
13. Corey Seager
Key Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers
Career Highlights: Multiple All-Star selections, NL Rookie of the Year (2016), NLCS and World Series MVP (2020), World Series champion (2020)
Summary:
At 6-foot-4, Corey Seager exemplifies the modern trend of bigger shortstops who combine power-hitting prowess with enough defensive skill to stay at the position. A left-handed hitter with a smooth, line-drive stroke, he’s capable of hitting .300+ while also belting 25–30 homers a year. During his time with the Dodgers, Seager was a postseason hero in 2020, powering the team to a championship while collecting both NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Some have questioned whether he’d shift to third base as he ages, but so far, he has proven adept enough defensively to remain a solid shortstop. As he continues to build his résumé, he has the potential to climb even higher on lists like this one.
12. Francisco Lindor
Key Teams: Cleveland Indians/Guardians, New York Mets
Career Highlights: Multiple Gold Gloves and All-Star selections, switch-hitting power/speed threat
Summary:
Francisco Lindor burst onto the scene as a face of Cleveland’s young core in the mid-2010s. Right away, he showcased a platinum-level glove, combining impressive arm strength, acrobatic range, and sure-handedness in the field. At the plate, Lindor offers a rare blend of power and speed from both sides, regularly posting 30-homer seasons while also stealing 20 or more bases. His infectious smile and energy made him one of the most marketable stars in baseball, and he’s often cited as the epitome of a modern shortstop: a true five-tool player who can thrive in any part of the lineup. Transitioning to the bright lights of New York, Lindor has remained an elite shortstop, anchoring the Mets’ infield with leadership and flair.
11. Alan Trammell
Key Team: Detroit Tigers
Career Highlights: 4 Gold Gloves, 6-time All-Star, 1984 World Series MVP
Summary:
Alan Trammell was a model of consistency and loyalty for the Detroit Tigers, spending his entire 20-year career in the Motor City. He formed half of one of the best double-play duos ever, partnering with second baseman Lou Whitaker for nearly two decades. Trammell contributed consistently with the bat, hitting for average, providing doubles power, and adding occasional pop. He had multiple seasons with a batting average above .300 and was integral to the Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship run, earning MVP honors in the Fall Classic. His smooth fielding, strong game instincts, and postseason heroics earn him a well-deserved place among the top shortstops in baseball history.
