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Top-100 Dynasty Shortstop Prospect Rankings

By Eric Cross
Bobby Witt Jr. Shortstop Prospect Rankings

The shortstop position is undoubtedly the most desirable position to play on the diamond. Growing up, everyone wanted to play shortstop due to the notoriety and importance of the position. If a team has a bad defensive shortstop, it shows. If they have a standout shortstop, that shows even more, especially if that shortstop also excels offensively. So, it should be no surprise that my top-100 dynasty shortstop prospect rankings are loaded with talent and deeper than the deepest parts of any ocean on the planet. The top four below all currently sit within my top-8 overall and 14 within my top-50. There are plenty of potential breakouts for 2022 as well that make for great dynasty league targets.

NOTE: The 2022 International signees are not included below. They will be in my next prospect rankings update.

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Top-100 Dynasty Shortstop Prospect Rankings

Tier 1

1. Bobby Witt Jr, KCR

2021 (AA/AAA): 123 G, 564 PA, .290/.361/.575, 35 2B, 33 HR, 29 SB, 9.0 BB%, 23.2 K%, .285 ISO

When it comes to prospects, there are none I’m more excited about for fantasy than Bobby Witt Jr. I’ll admit, Julio Rodriguez has the higher floor, but Witt’s .280+/30+/25+ profile could land him in the first round of fantasy drafts down the road. Witt’s power/speed blend has always been elite and was on full display in 2021 with 33 homers and 29 steals in 123 games combined between Double-A and Triple-A with a .290/.361/.575 slash line. Witt has made strides since the 2019 draft with his contact skills and approach, with some sites even slapping a 60-grade on his hit tool entering 2022 with plus or better power and speed. Witt has fantasy stud written all over him and should be up very early in 2022, potentially even cracking the Royals’ opening day lineup.

2. Noelvi Marte, SEA

2021 (Lo-A/Hi-A): 107 G, 511 PA, .273/.366/.459, 28 2B, 17 HR, 24 SB, 11.7 BB%, 22.9 K%, .186 ISO

Following me on Twitter or reading my previous work likely means you already know how enamored I am with Noelvi Marte’s offensive skillset. In 107 games, mostly in Lo-A, Marte racked up 17 homers and 24 steals with a 11.7% walk rate. Ever since signing with Seattle back in 2019 out of the Dominican Republic, Marte has consistently added good bulk to his frame while maintaining his speed and athleticism as well. I’d almost guarantee he’s bigger than his 6’1/185 listed height/weight and has more room to continue filling out his frame. With plus power already being displayed, further power growth could push Marte into 30-homer territory while adding 15+ steals and a solid AVG/OBP annually as well. He’s my #3 overall dynasty prospect at the moment with a chance of grabbing the top spot once Bobby Witt Jr and Julio Rodriguez graduate this season.

3. CJ Abrams, SDP

2021 (AA): 42 G, 183 PA, .296/.363/.420, 14 2B, 2 HR, 13 SB, 8.2 BB%, 19.7 K%, .124 ISO

If Noelvi Marte isn’t your #1 dynasty prospect in 2023, it’s likely because CJ Abrams or a handful of others leapfrogged him in my rankings. The upside Abrams possesses for fantasy purposes is astronomical and it’s possible he could’ve been #3 overall right now if his season didn’t end in early July following a collision in the field that resulted in a fractured left tibia and sprained left MCL. The excitement in Abrams profile begins with a plus hit tool, double-plus speed, and advanced approach making him perfectly suited for the top of the order. But it’s the development of his power that has me downright giddy.

While he might not possess the power upside of Witt or Noelvi, Abrams contact skills, elite bat speed, and swing path are all building blocks for additional over-the-fence power as he continues to mature physically. If Abrams can get up into the 15-20 homer range to pair with his hit/speed skills, get ready to see his name drafted early in fantasy drafts.

4. Anthony Volpe, NYY

2021 (Lo-A/Hi-A): 109 G, 513 PA, .294/.423/.604, 35 2B, 27 HR, 33 SB, 15.2 BB%, 19.7 K%, .310 ISO

Without question, the biggest breakout prospect of 2021 was Yankees shortstop, Anthony Volpe. After beginning the season not even inside many top-400 prospect lists, Volpe now enters 2022 as my #10 overall prospect. That’s what happens when you excel across the board offensively at elite levels and flirt with a 30/30 season at age 20. Volpe is only listed at 5’11/180 but don’t let his size fool you. There’s plus raw power here thanks to his contact skills, bat speed, and raw strength and Volpe has displayed an easy plus hit tool with an exceptional approach and plus speed as well. So, let’s recap the above. Plus hit tool and approach? Check. Plus power and speed? Check. You know what? Now I’m questioning why I don’t have him higher than 10th. Expect him to be several spots higher in my next update. Volpe is legit.

5. Marco Luciano, SFG

2021 (Lo-A/Hi-A): 106 G, 453 PA, .258/.344/.471, 17 2B, 19 HR, 6 SB, 10.6 BB%, 26.9 K%, .213 ISO

Honestly, I almost put Luciano in the 2nd tier. After seeing Luciano live in the Arizona Fall League and really digging into his profile this year, I’ve dropped him a bit in my rankings. This is still a top-20 overall prospect with elite raw power, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s more of a 50-hit, 50-speed type that hits .260-.270 with around 10 SB annually to pair with 25+ homers. That’s still a great profile overall, but not quite as majestic as it might’ve been 12 months ago. After a solid showing in Lo-A, Luciano struggled at Hi-A to the tune of a .217/.283/.295 slash line and 37.2% strikeout rate in 36 games. Again, I’m still projecting him to be good or even very good, but now is a great time to sell as his perceived value is higher than his actual value.

Tier 2

6. Oneil Cruz, PIT

2021 (AA/AAA): 68 G, 302 PA, .310/.375/.594, 16 2B, 17 HR, 19 SB, 9.3 BB%, 22.8 K%, .284 ISO | MLB: 3/9, HR

It’s difficult to contain one’s excitement when watching Oneil Cruz play. The 6’7 shortstop has flashed elite raw power which really translated in games this past season. When you add in his brief cup of coffee with Pittsburgh, Cruz cranked 18 in 71 games while also swiping 19 bags and hitting over .300. His bigger frame and longer levels could lead to a bigger strikeout rate in the Majors, but I’m not expecting it to soar above 30% or anything. Most likely, I think we’re looking at a slightly better version of Jazz Chisholm with a bit more AVG and HR, but slightly less speed. Cruz has the makings of a fantasy star.

7. Marcelo Mayer, BOS

2021 (RK): 26 G, 107 PA, .275/.377/.440, 4 2B, 3 HR, 7 SB, 14.0 BB%, 25.2 K%, .165 ISO

The #4 overall pick lands in a Boston organization with a top-notch track record of developing offensive talent. Mayer might not have the sexy ceiling, but the floor here is incredibly high for a prep prospect with a potential plus hit tool, above-average or better power, and around average speed. His swing is quick and compact from the left side with a knack for barreling up pitches and driving the ball consistently. As he matures, additional over the fence power should materialize, however, Fenway Park can be tough on left-handed power. We could be looking at a Corey Seager profile minus a little power, but adding a touch of speed. Mayer’s defensive skills should allow him to stick at shortstop too with Bogaerts likely moving off the position in a few years.

8. Jordan Lawlar, ARI

2021 (RK): 2/5, SB

A torn labrum quickly ended Jordan Lawlar’s professional debut, but also created a nice buying opportunity. In my eyes, Lawlar has the highest upside in the 2021 class with an above-average hit tool, above-average to plus raw power potential, and plus speed. The knock has been his bat speed, but that’s not overly concerning to me at this time. If he can really tap into his raw power and add some bulk to his frame, Lawlar has the chance to be a top-10 dynasty prospect in time. He’ll likely fall a couple of spots in your FYPD, but don’t let him slip past #4 overall.

9. Kahlil Watson, MIA

2021 (RK): 9 G, 42 PA, .394/.524/.606, 3 2B, 0 HR, 4 SB, 9.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, .212 ISO

Right behind Lawlar in my overall rankings is Khalil Watson, a pint-sized offensive dynamo. Watson is only 5’9 but his bat speed, strength, and athleticism are all considerable. When Watson gets a hold of one, the sound off the bat is majestic. Watson profiles as 55/60 across the board offensively with the defensive skills to stick at shortstop longterm as well. The middle infield in Miami is going to be an exciting one for the next decade or more with him and Chisholm.

10. Brayan Rocchio, CLE

2021 (Hi-A/AA): 108 G, 491 PA, .277/.346/.460, 26 2B, 15 HR, 21 SB, 6.7 BB%, 21.6 K%, .183 ISO

Without question, Rocchio is the most underrated shortstop prospect within the top-50 overall. The lack of a true standout tool is the likely cause for that. However, Rocchio possesses above-average contact skills with plus speed and around average power. He’ll be a bit more valuable in AVG formats as he’s never produced higher walk rates, but the .270+/15/20 profile is rock-solid for fantasy purposes and there’s a decently high floor here as well.

11. Brady House, WAS

2021 (RK): 16 G, 66 PA, .322/.394/.576, 3 2B, 4 HR, 0 SB, 10.6 BB%, 19.7 K%, .254 ISO

As with most in this tier, House has the potential to vault up into tier one by the end of 2022. The 2021 prep standout scalded rookie-level pitching in his first 16 games and possesses one of the top power ceilings at this position. The raw power is double-plus and House has improved as a pure hitter as well, now projecting as a 50 or 55-grade hitter with .270/30+ upside. House might have to move to 3rd base longterm, but his offensive profile should fit in just fine at either position. Don’t rule out 5-10 steals as well.

Tier 3

12. Oswald Peraza, NYY: If Anthony Volpe didn’t emerge as a top-10 prospect in 2021, more attention would be focused on the dominant showing Peraza had across three levels. In 115 games combined, Peraza racked up 18 homers, 38 steals, and a .297/.356/.477 slash line. His 55-hit, 50-power, 60-speed profile is highly-enticing for fantasy purposes and he could be up with the Yankees at some point in 2022.

13. Bryson Stott, PHI: Due to the lack of a standout tool, Bryson Stott often goes undervalued in dynasty leagues, but that needs to end. Stott is an above-average hitter with solid OBP skills and a 15/20 power/speed profile. His profile should have him hitting 1st or 2nd longterm in front of Bryce Harper, giving Stott plenty of upside in the runs scored department.

14. Cristian Hernandez, CHC: If I could pick one prospect from this tier that could be a top-10 OVERALL prospect by this time next season, it’d be Hernandez. The uber-talented shortstop signed with the Cubs last January and immediately made his presence felt in his 47-game rookie ball stint. Hernandez has already shown plus or better raw power with above-average speed and a good feel for hitting. The offensive upside here is massive.

15. Orelvis Martinez, TOR: A lot of what I wrote about House above can be applied here to Orelvis Martinez. The 20-year-old Dominican shortstop blasted 28 homers in 98 games last season with a .261/.345/.549 slash line. O-Mart has consistently displayed plus or better raw power, but the hit tool is likely 50-grade at best and I wouldn’t expect more than a handful of steals.

16. Austin Martin, MIN: A mid-season trade sent Martin from Toronto to Minnesota where he now has a slightly clearer path to playing time. However, Martin is a fade for me currently as I have questions about how much he’ll impact the ball longterm. The contact skills and approach are rock solid and Martin has the wheels to steal 20 bags, but I have a feeling he’ll be more of a 10-15 homer type. A .270+/10+/20 profile is still productive for fantasy, but not as impactful as initially expected.

17. Reginald Preciado, CHC: The Cubs are loaded with upside targets in the low minors and Preciado is near the top of that list. Preciado is listed at 6’4/185 with plenty of projection left on his frame. If he fills out that frame a pit, plus power is realistic to pair with around average speed and a decent feel for hitting.

18. Pedro Leon, HOU: Thought of as the potential shortstop of the future in Houston, Pedro Leon represents one of the bigger boom or bust prospects on this list. His upside is substantial with a power/speed blend that could land him some 20/20 seasons. However, the hit tool and swing and miss tendencies are very apparent following his first full professional season. Leon needed to shake off some rust after a two-year hiatus from professional ball following his defection from Cuba, and that was noticeable in his .173 AVG and 38.8% strikeout rate in May. June and July yielded improved results and strikeout rates, giving hope of him reaching his potential before a fractured left pinky landed him on the IL. The upside here for fantasy is enticing, but just remember that the floor isn’t as high as most inside the top-100.

Tier 4

19. Royce Lewis, MIN: Following a terrible 2019 season, Lewis turned things around in the Arizona Fall League, winning the league’s MVP award. That fall performance inspired hope of a rebound in 2020 before the pandemic shut down the world and subsequent ACL surgery kept him out of action in 2021. The two-year layoff isn’t ideal, but the skills that made Lewis a top-10 caliber prospect still remain and I’m banking on a rebound in 2022. Just not quite to pre-2019 value levels. Still, he’s a phenomenal buy right now in dynasty leagues while his price is suppressed.

20. Greg Jones, TBR: With a 15-homer, 25+ steal profile, Greg Jones is one of the more attractive prospects in the Tampa Bay system for fantasy purposes. He’s even quieted some of the concerns surrounding his hit tool following the 2019 draft by hitting .297 through his first 120 professional games, albeit, with a 28.4% strikeout rate. He’ll need to get those strikeouts in check moving forward, and who knows how he fits into the Rays’ longterm plans, but his offensive profile is one to be excited about for fantasy.

21. Gunnar Henderson, BAL: An above-average power/speed blend vaulted Henderson inside my top-100 overall, but the hit tool likely isn’t more than 50-grade longterm due to Henderson’s S/M tendencies. If he can cut the strikeout rate some (30.9% in 2021), Henderson could take a nice jump in 2022.

22. James Triantos, CHC: All aboard the James Triantos hype train. Triantos possesses one of the best hit tools in the entire 2021 draft class and has more power projection than he’s currently shown. If the power comes along as expected, Triantos has top-20 prospect upside.,

23. Wilman Diaz, LAD: It wasn’t the greatest professional debut for Wilman Diaz, but I’m still excited by his power projection. This could be a 25-30 homer bat with the ability to flirt with double-digit steals, but Diaz will need to make more consistent contact.

24. Tyler Freeman, CLE: Speaking of consistent contact, that’s the name of the game for Freeman. However, there’s not much else to be excited aboute. At this point, a similar career path to Nick Madrigal is a likely outcome with a high AVG and some speed, but with minimal power.

25. Carlos Colmenarez, TBR: As with Diaz, Colemenarez had an underwhelming debut, but he’s a good buy-low in dynasty leagues right now with solid skills across the board offensively.

26. Jordan Groshans, TOR: The contact skills and bat speed are impressive, but Groshans brings zero speed to the table and his linear swing path doesn’t create much loft. I’m thinking he’s more of a 15-18 homer type than 25+.

27. Elly De La Cruz, CIN: With Elly De La Cruz, it’s all going to be up to how well the hit tool and approach develop. De La Cruz is as toolsy as they come with more projection remaining on his frame, but his approach is exceedingly aggressive and needs to be refined if he wants to reach his lofty potential.

28. Jeter Downs, BOS: The power/speed blend and solid walk rate remained, but Downs contact skills went south for the winter as he endured massive struggles against non-fastballs. I’m still betting on a bounceback of sorts in 2022, but it will be a huge season for his value one way or the other.

29. Eddys Leonard, LAD: The versatile Dodgers infielder broke out in 2021 excelling across the board. The profile lacks a standout tool, but Leonard could be above-average offensively while providing valuable defensive versatility.

30. Matt McLain, CIN: One of the more advanced bats in the 2021 class, McLain combines an above-average or better hit tool with solid speed and sneaky power. He’ll likely always be a prospect that gets undervalued but produces at every stop.

31. Ronny Mauricio, NYM: I’ve struggled with how to value Mauricio over the years, but I’m getting a better grasp on that now. Mauricio projects as a 50-hit, 55-power shortstop that can add a bit of speed as well. Solid, but not a star.

Tier 5

32. Liover Peguero, PIT | 33. Luisangel Acuña, TEX | 34. Jordan Westburg, BAL | 35. Ezequiel Tovar, COL | 36. Jose Salas, MIA | 37. Victor Acosta, SDP | 38. Josh Smith, TEX | 39. Geraldo Perdomo, ARI | 40. Oswaldo Cabrera, NYY | 41. Adael Amador, COL | 42. Jose Tena, CLE | 43. Vaughn Grissom, ATL | 44. Arol Vera, LAA | 45. Jeremy Pena, HOU | 46. Maximo Acosta, TEX | 47. Aeverson Arteaga, SFG | 48. Masyn Winn, STL | 49. Ed Howard, CHC | 50. Colson Montgomery, CHW | 51. Maxwell Muncy, OAK | 52. Jose Rodriguez, CHW | 53. Carlos Jorge, CIN | 54. Kyren Paris, LAA | 55. Gabriel Arias, CLE

Breakout Picks: Jose Salas, Jose Tena, Victor Acosta, Carlos Jorge

Underrated: Oswaldo Cabrera, Josh Smith, Jose Rodriguez

Tier 6

56. Robert Puason, OAK | 57. Manuel Beltre, TOR | 58. Euribiel Angeles, SDP | 59. Freddy Zamora, MIL | 60. Jackson Merrill, SDP | 61. Ryan Kreidler, DET | 62. Carson Tucker, CLE | 63. Cristian Santana, DET | 64. Shay Whitcomb, HOU | 65. Brice Turang, MIL | 66. Daniel Vasquez, KCR | 67. Brainer Bonaci, BOS | 68. Braden Shewmake, ATL | 69. Alex De Jesus, LAD | 70. Will Wilson, LAA | 71. Ji-Hwan Bae, PIT | 72. Carson Williams, TBR | 73. Keoni Cavaco, MIN | 74. Adam Hall, BAL | 75. Maikol Hernandez, BAL

Breakout Picks: Manuel Beltre, Jackson Merrill, Cristian Santana, Daniel Vasquez

Underrated: Ji-Hwan Bae, Carson Tucker, Ryan Kreidler

Tier 7

76. Leonardo Balcazar, CIN | 77. Yeison Santana, CHC | 78. Alexander Vargas, NYY | 79. Kevin Made, CHC | 80. Eduardo Garcia, MIL | 81. Rayne Doncon, LAD | 82. Denzer Guzman, LAA | 83. Nick Loftin, KCR | 84. Manuel Sequera, DET | 85. Osleivis Basabe, TBR, 86, Luke Waddel, ATL | 87. Casey Martin, PHI | 88. Ambioris Tavarez, ATL | 89. Osiris Johnson, TEX | 90. Kaden Polcovich, SEA | 91. Leonardo Jimenez, TOR | 92. Edwin Arroyo, SEA | 93. Javier Francisco, SFG | 94. Tucupita Marcano, PIT | 95. Jeremiah Jackson, LAA |  96. Terrin Vavra, BAL | 97. Gabriel Rodriguez, CLE | 98. Luis Ravelo, BOS | 99. Cody Morissette, MIA | 100. Spencer Schwellenbach, ATL

Breakout Picks: Alexander Vargas, Kevin Made, Denzer Guzman, Javier Francisco

Underrated: Luke Waddel, Eduardo Garcia

Media Credit: Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24), Chris Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh), Jeff Passan

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4 Comments
  1. BB says

    Late to the party here, but no mention of Trey Sweeney? He may not be likely to stick at short, but that’s true of several other guys on this list.

    Reply
    1. Eric Cross says

      I had him listed incorrectly on my sheet as 3B. He’d be right near Gunnar Henderson for me.

      Reply
  2. Keith Gauger says

    No David Hamilton is rather silly

    Reply
    1. Eric Cross says

      He didn’t miss by much.

      Reply
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