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2025 Shortstop Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues

By Wes Hughes
Marcelo Mayer 2025 Shortstop Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues

Some people call it the holiday season, and others of us call it rankings season and what could be a better present than shortstop prospect rankings? We are kicking off the rankings with arguably the most loaded prospect position to get the party started right. At FantraxHQ we rank 400 prospects for all of you fantasy addicts like me out there. I want to start with the Top 20 SS Prospects because it is the most exciting position in my opinion with both insanely young yet incredibly talented players.

If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out Rick Haake’s Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects and George Bissell’s Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

These rankings are 100% my own and though I do love following the MLB Top 100 or Baseball America Top 100, this is fantasy-focused. I love all prospects, but defense doesn’t score fantasy points or win you a category.

  • These rankings are exclusively for prospects focused on their fantasy potential.
  • Stats matter, statcast and park factors are weighted, injuries affect rankings, and future team context is also taken into account, but the bottom line is these rankings are a snapshot in time of a player’s future value.
  • Players with multiple positions were considered but were ranked at their primary position based on where they played their most games in the minors. I.E. Kristian Campbell will be in the 2B rankings.
  • Do your own research. This is a guide, not the prospect gospel. Ultimately, your fantasy team is your own and you should rank and draft prospects based on your vision of them.

More Prospect Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP – (Links will be added as our Prospect Rankings continue)

Top 20 Shortstop Prospect Rankings

20. Jett Williams | New York Mets | Level: AA | Age: 20

Injuries limited Jett Williams to only 148 plate appearances in 2024, but his impressive 2023 season put him on the prospect map. That year, Williams walked nearly as often as he struck out, with 104 walks and 118 strikeouts. He slashed .263/.425/.451, hit 13 home runs, recorded 43 extra-base hits, and stole 45 bases across three levels. Williams’ plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills are elite, as shown by his SwStr% of 9.8% in AAA and 14.6% in AA. For comparison, the MiLB average SwStr% is 18%. He doesn’t chase pitches, evidenced by his 15.5% O-Swing%, which aligns with his tendency to draw walks. While his Zone Contact % is middling at 81.5%, his overall plate discipline and Statcast numbers project well. Williams profiles as a high-average, high-OBP player with the potential to steal 40+ bases at the MLB level.

19. Colson Montgomery | Chicago White Sox | Level: AAA | Age: 21

Colson Montgomery has experienced quite a fall from grace after being considered a top 2 or 3 shortstop prospect entering 2024. The strikeout bug hit him hard this season, with 164 strikeouts in 573 AAA plate appearances. Montgomery was in the conversation to break camp with the White Sox, but he never got into a rhythm. Now, the prospect shine has worn off. Despite his .214/.329/.381 slash line, the talent is still immense, and I remain a believer in his bat. His rankings slide is partly due to playing for a White Sox system that posted the worst record in baseball history. Montgomery’s power potential and bat-to-ball skills are evident, but fantasy relevance will be limited. Until the White Sox field a more competitive roster, his fantasy value on the South Side remains capped.

 

18. Joendry Vargas | Los Angeles Dodgers | Level: RK | Age: 19

Signed out of the Dominican Republic for $2M, Joendry Vargas has shown significant upside in his impressive 6’4” frame. At just 19, he might eventually outgrow shortstop, but he displays quick-twitch movements and excellent instincts at the position. Offensively, Vargas shows a quick swing and a solid approach at the plate, though his power hasn’t fully developed yet. In 2024, he slashed .303/.406/.899 in Rookie ball with 4 home runs and 9 doubles over 171 plate appearances. Vargas also stole 11 bases in a small sample, showcasing average-to-above speed and projecting as a 30-SB threat in the upper minors. His power should develop with time, as he is already physically mature for his age. Vargas profiles well at both shortstop and third base, should he eventually transition to the hot corner.

17. Emil Morales | Los Angeles Dodgers | Level: RK | Age: 18

Emil Morales, hailing from Spain, arguably had an even more impressive season than Joendry Vargas in 2024. The young shortstop’s swing and build draw comparisons to Carlos Correa, with scouts raving about his offensive ceiling. His numbers are impressive, but his work ethic, baseball IQ, and intangibles are what truly set him apart. In his first professional season, Morales led the Dominican Summer League with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a 1.169 OPS. These stats outshine those of Jesus Made, another rising prospect who has climbed into the Top 100 rankings. Morales is absolutely one to watch. Highlights of him show a future Top 50 prospect, especially in the fantasy baseball landscape.

16. Franklin Arias | Boston Red Sox | Level: A- | Age: 19

Franklin Arias is a hit-over-power profile, standing 5’11” with a frame that doesn’t scream 30-homer upside. However, what he lacks in power, he makes up for in nearly every other aspect of his game. His approach is line-to-line, occasionally leaving the yard to right field with a slightly backside-focused swing. Arias was one of the top performers in the 2023 Dominican Summer League, and he built on that success in 2024. Between rookie ball and A-, he hit 9 home runs, stole 35 bases, and recorded 36 extra-base hits. His slash line of .309/.406/.487 highlighted his consistency, with just 65 strikeouts in 372 plate appearances. Arias’ approach and bat-to-ball skills remain his strengths as he develops more pull-side power. With growth and maturity, he projects as a potential 20-home-run, 40-stolen-base type player at the MLB level.

15. Jesus Made | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: RK | Age: 17

Jesus Made was arguably the highest riser among international prospects in 2024, going from unknown to the Brewers’ #4 prospect as a 17-year-old. As a teenager, Made checks every box for a future fantasy superstar. He boasts elite contact skills, more walks than strikeouts, emerging power, and 28 steals while being caught only four times. Made could easily become a consensus top-5 prospect by this time next year. In the DSL, he excelled across nearly every category, finishing 12th in batting average (.331) and 9th in stolen bases. He also posted 39 walks to 28 strikeouts, ranked 3rd in triples, and 8th in OPS. The switch-hitter’s tools are undeniable, drawing comparisons to a young Francisco Lindor. His contact skills are elite, and his power is already emerging from both sides of the plate. Made’s stock is rising rapidly, making him a prime target to acquire while his price remains reasonable.

14. Alex Freeland | Los Angeles Dodgers | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Alex Freeland might be one of the most underrated prospects, finishing his 2024 season at AAA Oklahoma City. While Freeland likely won’t hit above .300, he offers a valuable power-speed combo, especially for points leagues. After hitting .346 at A+ Great Lakes, he earned a promotion and held his own at AA Tulsa. There, he hit 11 home runs and stole 24 bases in 341 plate appearances. Freeland’s peripherals and batted-ball data suggest he’s better than the counting stats indicate. His swinging strike rate across three levels in 2024 was excellent: A+ (5.3%), AA (8.7%), and AAA (7.9%). By comparison, the MiLB average was 18%. At AAA, Freeland posted an 86.8% Zone Contact rate, well above average for the level. His passive approach stands out—he swung only 40% of the time but maintained a 90% contact rate. This ranks in the lower third for swings but the upper third for contact rate. Freeland’s underlying metrics reveal significant untapped potential.

13. Luke Keaschall | Minnesota Twins | Level: AA | Age: 21

If you want to know what scouts mean by “dirtbag” or “gritty,” look no further than Luke Keaschall. He isn’t just a scrappy role player; Keaschall combines power, speed, and plus bat-to-ball skills. He checks all the boxes for fantasy baseball managers. In 2024, Keaschall ranked in the top 20 of all MiLB players in OPS and WRC+, posting a .903 OPS. He slashed .303/.420/.483 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases over the season. Only two MiLB players hit .300 or better, had 15+ home runs, and stole 20+ bases in 2024. Keaschall was one of them, alongside Kristian Campbell, MiLB hitter of the year and the #10 prospect in baseball. Keaschall is a personal favorite because, while he may not flash plus-plus tools, he has no weaknesses. His all-around game makes him valuable in both points and roto leagues.

12. Konnor Griffin | Pittsburgh Pirates | Level: RK | Age: 18

Konnor Griffin, the consensus top high school player in the 2024 first-year player draft, is described as “an absolute toolshed.” This means he is above average in all five tools, showcasing a rare all-around skill set. His lowest-graded tool is a 50-hit, which is still considered above average for an 18-year-old who reclassified. Griffin is a physical specimen at 6’4” and 205 pounds, with 50-hit, 60-power, and 65-run grades highlighting his elite potential. Although he didn’t play after being drafted, his ceiling is unmatched at shortstop in recent years. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. (2019) or Marcelo Mayer (2021) are the last comparable talents at the position. There’s a chance Griffin could outgrow shortstop and move to the outfield, but scouts believe he can be a plus defender at SS. With Oneil Cruz transitioning to the outfield, there are no longer any roadblocks in the organization. If Griffin stays healthy and performs as expected, he should be a top-10 prospect by this time next year.

11. Kevin McGonigle | Detroit Tigers | Level: A+ | Age: 19

Kevin McGonigle was one of the biggest risers in prospect rankings this season, as the Tigers’ 2023 first-round pick. He dominated Low-A Lakeland, slashing .326/.407/.470 with 20 stolen bases in 271 plate appearances. After being promoted to A+ West Michigan, he stumbled but remains too skilled a hitter for that to be the norm. Despite his .214 average at A+, he maintained an impressive 44/28 BB/K ratio and hit 25 extra-base hits, including five home runs. McGonigle’s smooth, quick swing generates more power than his frame suggests, making him an exciting offensive prospect. His advanced approach against left-handed pitchers shows in his ability to drive the ball into the left-center gap. If McGonigle continues developing power, he could become a top-10 fantasy shortstop or a top-5 second baseman if he moves positions.

10. Felnin Celesten | Seattle Mariners | Level: RK | Age: 19

Felnin Celesten is another standout in Seattle’s recent development success, despite his 2024 season being cut short by a hamate injury. Before the setback, he led many Complex League stats, slashing .352/.431/.568 with three home runs and four triples. He also displayed solid defense and a strong arm. Ranked as the #2 international prospect in 2023 behind Ethan Salas, scouts raved about his loud tools and immense potential. Many believe Celesten has the highest ceiling of any international shortstop prospect in the past decade. Even at 19, Celesten’s potential to jump multiple levels in 2025 is clear with a healthy season. Scouts and internal personnel are struggling to contain their excitement about him. Celesten is clearly too advanced for rookie ball, as shown by his .999 OPS prior to his injury. By the time all is said and done, Celesten could be the best prospect in their system. That includes other elite names like Laz Montes, Colt Emerson, and Cole Young.

9. Leodalis De Vries | San Diego Padres | Level: A- | Age: 18

Leodalis De Vries, the prize of the 2024 International Signing Period, is graded as above average in all relevant fantasy categories: 55-hit, 55-power, and 55-run. The switch hitter displayed his power-speed combo early, hitting 11 home runs and stealing 13 bases in 360 plate appearances. He spent the entire season at A-, making him one of the youngest players at the level at just 17. The Padres challenged him aggressively, and despite a .237 AVG, his .361 OBP shows promise. His stats are less concerning when you consider he faced players 2-3 years older on average. De Vries struck out at a 23.3% rate, which was average for the level and actually encouraging. He possesses top overall prospect potential and has shown the makeup to handle the Padres’ aggressive developmental approach. Unlike others who may falter under pressure, De Vries seems capable of thriving as he moves quickly through the system.

8. Cole Young | Seattle Mariners | Level: AA | Age: 21

Mariners prospects dominate this list, and Cole Young, the 21st overall pick in the 2022 draft, adds to their embarrassment of riches. Young has consistently improved at every level, spending all of 2024 at AA Arkansas. He displays an all-fields approach, hitting home runs from foul pole to foul pole with impressive precision. His ability to consistently barrel the ball, combined with a career 15% K rate, suggests he can hit .280 or better. Despite his backside approach, his quick pull-side swing generates more power than many realize. Over the past two seasons, Young has hit 20 home runs and stolen 45 bases while climbing from A- to AA. He’s a high on-base, high-average player who also provides speed and some power. Young’s skill set excites fantasy managers looking for a well-rounded shortstop with significant upside.

7. Aidan Miller | Philadelphia Phillies | Level: AA | Age: 21

The 2023 draft was one of the most loaded in recent memory. Without a broken hamate, Aidan Miller might’ve been just a step behind Walker Jenkins and Max Clark. He’s already showing more power than both. Instead, he slipped to 27th overall, making him the likely steal of the first round for the Phillies. Miller, the Phillies’ second-ranked fantasy baseball prospect, advanced three levels in 2024, finishing the season at AA. His slash line of .261/.366/.446 isn’t eye-popping, but the rest of his production is impressive. Miller recorded 45 extra-base hits and stole 23 bases, showcasing his elite tools. His 22% strikeout rate is manageable, and he projects as a 30-homer player as he develops. He also has a strong ability to drive in runs, collecting 60 RBIs before his promotion to AA. Few prospects at shortstop can match Miller’s combination of power and extra-base hit potential. While scouts expect him to move to 3B eventually, Miller has handled shortstop well for now.

6. J.J. Wetherholt | St. Louis Cardinals | Level: A- | Age: 22

If not for hamstring injuries during his junior year, J.J. Wetherholt likely would’ve been the favorite for #1 overall. Despite the setback, he hit .331 with 8 home runs and 30 RBIs, finishing college with impressive numbers. His career line was .370/.468/.625, with 29 home runs, 129 RBIs, and 57 stolen bases. Wetherholt’s offensive potential is no secret, as he was arguably the best pure hitter in the 2024 draft. This potential immediately showed at Low-A Palm Beach, where he hit .295 in his pro debut. In a small sample, he walked more than he struck out, consistent with his college approach. With a healthy season, Wetherholt could climb into the top 2-3 SS rankings or even claim the top spot. His elite bat-to-ball skills, combined with unmatched plate discipline, make him a future OBP monster. He also offers sneaky power and impressive stolen base potential. From a fantasy perspective, Wetherholt has no weaknesses beyond health concerns. If he stays healthy, he’s easily a top-20 prospect and could even debut in the big leagues by 2025.

5. Jordan Lawlar | Arizona Diamondbacks | Level: AAA | Age: 22

Ranking Jordan Lawlar this low might spark criticism, as his offensive potential in a vacuum suggests he should be higher on this list. The issue, however, is his inability to stay healthy, which is critical for fantasy baseball managers. Players like Eloy Jimenez and Giancarlo Stanton show how injuries can limit fantasy reliability. Lawlar’s injury struggles began in May 2023 with a wrist injury that sidelined him at AA. He later suffered a hand injury during the D-backs’ 2023 postseason run. We hoped for a healthy 2024, but it was anything but that. Lawlar’s season began with a ruptured UCL in his thumb, keeping him out until June. Shortly into his rehab assignment, he sustained a hamstring injury that effectively ended his season. Despite limited action, he flashed his potential by slashing .318/.418/.900 in 104 AAA plate appearances. His lengthy injury history raises concerns about development stalling, especially with D-backs GM Mike Hazen suggesting he’ll start 2025 in AAA.

4. Colt Emerson | Seattle Mariners | Level A+ | Age: 19

Colt Emerson impressed during his pro debut as a 17-year-old in 2023 and built on that success in 2024. At Low-A, Emerson slashed .293/.440/.427 with 35 walks to 27 strikeouts, showcasing his advanced approach. This earned him a promotion to A+, where he stumbled but continued to display his elite tools. Emerson also excelled in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .370 in 62 plate appearances. While the AFL is hitter-friendly, hitting .370 anywhere is still impressive. He has the frame to develop more power as he matures, and his left-handed swing is exceptionally pure. Emerson’s quick hands and smooth mechanics give him one of the best swings in the minors. He missed about a month after fouling a ball off his foot in May, which may have affected his later performance. Despite this, Emerson’s high walk rate and low strikeout rate highlight his excellent on-base skills. His bat-to-ball ability and budding power make him an exciting prospect. There’s little doubt Emerson will contribute at the MLB level. The only remaining question is how much power he’ll develop.

3. Carson Williams | Tampa Bay Rays | Level: AA | Age: 21

Carson Williams might possess the best power-speed combination in the minors. The Rays’ top prospect exploded in 2024, homering 20 times and stealing 33 bases. Only two players aged 22 or younger went 20/30 in the minors: Matt Shaw and Williams. Swing-and-miss concerns keep Williams from being the clear-cut #1 on this list. He hit .256 while striking out 144 times and walking 58 times in 505 plate appearances. His 28.5% strikeout rate suggests a potential ceiling cap, but his raw power and speed remain exceptional. Reports indicate his strikeouts stem from plate discipline issues rather than purely swing-and-miss problems. His SwStr% sits at 13.5% for his career—not great, but not terrible either. Even if he never improves his plate discipline, Williams profiles as a .250 hitter with elite power. He has totaled 153 extra-base hits in his minor league career, including 62 home runs. If he improves contact and plate discipline, his ceiling mirrors peak Hanley Ramirez. At a minimum, Williams is a points-league superstar. At his best, he’s a 4- or 5-category contributor. His elite defense ensures lineup opportunities, which further bolsters his fantasy value.

2. Sebastian Walcott | Texas Rangers | Level: AA | Age: 19

Sebastian Walcott won’t turn 19 until March 2025, yet he has skyrocketed up rankings since his 2023 debut. The Nassau product is a physical freak, and is comparable to Williams in skill set, but he is nearly three years younger. His .265/.344/.452 slash line doesn’t immediately stand out, but his performance in 515 plate appearances does. Walcott hit 54 extra-base hits this year, including 11 home runs, showcasing his elite raw power. He consistently earns 60- and 70-grade power ratings, which are rare for a teenager. Nearly every pitcher he faced in 2024 was at least two years older than him. Walcott’s elite bat speed regularly generates exit velocities exceeding 100 mph. However, swing-and-miss concerns tied to his approach remain an issue. He has plus contact skills but a 50% pull rate and high-effort swings lead to poor counts. This inflates his strikeout numbers. Encouragingly, his strikeout rate dropped from 31% in 2023 to 26% in 2024. Walcott showed significant growth and maturity, addressing key weaknesses in his game. If this trend continues into 2025, he could become the top overall fantasy prospect by 2026, barring an MLB call-up.

1. Marcelo Mayer | Boston Red Sox | Level: AA | Age: 22

Other shortstops may have louder tools, but few match Marcelo Mayer’s overall well-rounded skill set. He hits for average (.307 this season), shows solid power (8 home runs in 335 plate appearances), and steals bases (13). That combination makes him a fantasy trifecta. Adding to his appeal, Mayer’s strikeout rate has improved yearly, dropping to 19.7% in 2024. This season, he slashed .307/.370/.480 with 8 home runs, 28 doubles, and 60 runs scored. His .850 OPS and 142 wRC+ would rank in the top 100 minor leaguers with 150+ plate appearances. Mayer missed time in consecutive seasons, with his 2024 cut short by hip and back soreness. Unlike Lawlar, his injuries were soreness-related, not requiring surgery. He has little left to prove at AA and remains a strong bet to reach the big leagues in 2025. Mayer’s well-rounded profile suits both roto and points leagues, though his power might play slightly better in roto formats.

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