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 CubsCareer 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 PhilliesCareer 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 YankeesCareer 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 AthleticsCareer 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 SoxCareer 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 PadresCareer 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 DodgersCareer 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 RangersCareer 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 MetsCareer 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 TigersCareer 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. Shortstops 10 thru 6 10. Luke Appling Key Team: Chicago White SoxCareer Highlights: 7-time All-Star, 2-time AL batting champion, .310/.399/.398 slash line Summary:Nicknamed “Old Aches and Pains,” Luke Appling was renowned for his uncanny ability to foul off pitches and wear down opposing pitchers. Over a 20-year career (primarily during the 1930s and ’40s), he compiled a .310 batting average and a remarkable .399 on-base percentage—phenomenal numbers for a shortstop of any era. Appling twice led the American League in batting average, showcasing top-tier contact skills, and maintained a disciplined approach at the plate. Although not known for big-time power, he drove in runs consistently and rarely gave away at-bats. His defensive reputation was also strong, and combined with his batting prowess, he ranks comfortably among the greatest shortstops of the pre-expansion era. 9. Robin Yount Key Team: Milwaukee BrewersCareer Highlights: 2-time AL MVP (once as a shortstop, once as a center fielder), over 3,000 career hits, Hall of Famer Summary:Robin Yount began his career as a raw teen phenom and developed into a two-time MVP, winning one award as a shortstop and the other after shifting to center field. During his years at short, he showcased strong range, a reliable glove, and a bat that just kept improving. In his MVP season of 1982 (as a shortstop), Yount hit .331 with 29 home runs, firmly establishing himself as one of baseball’s best all-around players. He reached the 3,000-hit milestone, further cementing his Hall of Fame credentials. While he eventually moved to the outfield to extend his career, his impact as a shortstop was enormous—particularly in proving that a middle infielder could be an elite offensive force. 8. Barry Larkin Key Team: Cincinnati RedsCareer Highlights: 12-time All-Star, 1995 NL MVP, 3 Gold Gloves, 9 Silver Sluggers Summary:Long before the likes of Francisco Lindor and Trea Turner, Barry Larkin was the blueprint for the athletic, five-tool shortstop. A Cincinnati native who spent his entire career with the Reds, Larkin combined a slick glove with a potent bat—winning the NL MVP award in 1995 when he batted .319 and joined the 50-stolen-base club. He was one of the first shortstops to reach 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season, displaying both power and speed. Defensively, he won three Gold Gloves, turning countless double plays with trademark quickness. A clubhouse leader and consistent performer, Larkin helped guide the Reds to a World Series title in 1990 and was deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame for his well-rounded excellence. 7. Ozzie Smith Key Teams: San Diego Padres, St. Louis CardinalsCareer Highlights: 13 Gold Gloves, 15-time All-Star, Hall of Famer Summary:When fans hear the name “Ozzie Smith,” they likely envision acrobatic backflips and jaw-dropping defensive plays. Dubbed “The Wizard,” Smith could do things with the glove that few others in history have even approached. His reaction times, range, and soft hands made him a generational defensive talent, leading to 13 consecutive Gold Gloves. Although he was never a major power threat, Smith transformed himself into a competent contact hitter, especially in the mid-to-late stages of his career. He frequently swiped 30–40 bases a season and was a formidable run-scorer for the Cardinals. Defense, speed, and intangible leadership qualities made Ozzie Smith a generational icon at shortstop. 6. Arky Vaughan Key Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Brooklyn DodgersCareer Highlights: 9-time All-Star, .318/.406/.453 career slash line, 1935 NL batting champion Summary:Arky Vaughan is one of the most underrated hitters in baseball history. A left-handed batting shortstop who excelled in the mid-1930s and ’40s, Vaughan possessed exceptional bat control, plate discipline, and gap power. In 1935, he led the league with a .385 average, a mark few shortstops have ever approached. His career on-base percentage of .406 is staggering, especially for a middle infielder of that era. Defensively, he was considered solid if unspectacular, but his outstanding offensive production more than compensated. While he tends to be overshadowed by Honus Wagner among Pirates shortstops, Vaughan’s advanced hitting metrics and consistent excellence place him firmly among the all-time elite at the position. 5. Ernie Banks Key Team: Chicago CubsCareer Highlights: 512 career home runs, 2-time NL MVP, 14-time All-Star, “Mr. Cub” Summary:Ernie Banks, affectionately known as “Mr. Cub,” brought unprecedented power to the shortstop position in the 1950s. He smashed 40+ home runs in five seasons, ultimately finishing with 512 for his career. Though he later moved to first base to prolong his time in the majors, Banks still logged over 1,100 games as a shortstop. During that prime stretch, he proved that a middle infielder could be the biggest power threat in a lineup, forever redefining expectations for the position. Banks was also beloved for his constant optimism and trademark catchphrase, “Let’s play two!” Even without a postseason appearance in his career, his two MVP awards and prolific slugging cement him as one of the greatest shortstops in history. 4. Derek Jeter Key Team: New York YankeesCareer Highlights: 3,465 hits (6th all-time), 5 World Series rings, 14-time All-Star, World Series MVP (2000) Summary:Derek Jeter, the captain of the Yankees, built his legacy on clutch hitting, remarkable consistency, and a knack for memorable plays in the biggest moments. “The Flip” in the 2001 ALDS and his dive into the stands against the Red Sox in 2004 are etched into baseball lore. Jeter compiled over 3,400 hits, placing him among the all-time leaders, and boasted a career .310 batting average. While advanced metrics question his range at shortstop, no one disputes his extraordinary leadership and durability—logging over 2,900 games at the position. His postseason résumé (158 games, five championships) is arguably unmatched at shortstop. He exemplified a champion’s mentality, and his consistent excellence places him high on almost any list of greatest shortstops. 3. Cal Ripken Jr. Key Team: Baltimore OriolesCareer Highlights: 2-time AL MVP, 3,184 hits, 2,632 consecutive games played (MLB record), Hall of Famer Summary:No discussion of shortstops is complete without Cal Ripken Jr., the legendary “Iron Man” who broke Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played. Beyond the streak (2,632 and counting), Ripken changed how the baseball world viewed shortstops, proving that a bigger frame (6-foot-4) could thrive at the position over the long haul. Offensively, he supplied steady power, surpassing the 20-homer mark in 12 different seasons, and finished his career with over 3,100 hits. His defense was technically sound and consistent, earning him two Gold Gloves, and he claimed two MVP awards. Ripken’s leadership, professionalism, and transformative impact on the position make him an undisputed top-tier shortstop. 2. Honus Wagner Key Teams: Louisville Colonels, Pittsburgh PiratesCareer Highlights: 8 batting titles, ~3,420 hits, Hall of Fame “Original Five” inductee Summary:Honus Wagner, the “Flying Dutchman,” is often considered the gold standard of “old-school” shortstops. Playing in the dead-ball era from 1897 to 1917, Wagner dominated in nearly every aspect—hitting for average, stealing bases, driving in runs, and fielding his position with mastery. He won eight batting titles and finished with a career average of .328. His near-mythic baseball card might eclipse his on-field feats in popular culture, but Wagner’s place in the Hall of Fame (as one of the first five inductees) speaks volumes about his extraordinary talent. Despite playing in an era without many of the modern training advantages, Wagner stood so far above his peers that he remains a near-unanimous pick for the top two or three shortstops of all time. 1. Alex Rodriguez Key Teams: Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, New York YankeesCareer Highlights (at SS): 3-time AL MVP (though two came after he moved to 3B), 344 HR as a SS (all-time best), multiple 40-HR/20-SB seasons Summary:Setting aside any PED controversies and focusing strictly on his on-field performance, Alex Rodriguez stands as the most gifted shortstop in MLB history. When he debuted with the Mariners, A-Rod immediately demonstrated all five tools: pure hitting ability, elite power, a strong arm, defensive range, and good speed. During his prime years in Seattle and Texas, he put up video-game-like numbers, including multiple 40-home-run seasons while playing one of the game’s most demanding defensive positions. Even after shifting to third base upon joining the Yankees, his shortstop resume remained historically unmatched in terms of power production, athleticism, and all-around dominance. Simply put, if you want the highest level of shortstop offense the game has ever seen, nobody did it better than Alex Rodriguez.