The MLB offseason has truly come alive with the Winter Meetings concluding and significant contracts being inked. Now is the opportune moment to assess what transpired in 2024 and extract valuable lessons for 2025. By examining each position in detail, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall landscape and identify the best value pockets.

Uncover the Hidden Gems in the Shortstop Realm

2024 Player Rater Review

In 2024, the shortstop position witnessed a notable shift in value. According to the Fangraphs Player Rater, the number of shortstops earning $10 in value increased from 12 in 2023 to 14 in 2024. This growth indicates a potential strengthening of the shortstop fantasy landscape. Mookie Betts' acquisition of shortstop eligibility in 2024 and his continued presence at the position in 2025 have played a significant role. Additionally, young stars like Elly De La Cruz, Ezequiel Tovar, Anthony Volpe, Jeremy Pena, and Zach Neto have emerged, contributing to the depth of the position. Even Oniel Cruz's healthy season has added to the mix, providing a plethora of impactful fantasy players. 2: The rise in shortstop value is not just a fluke. Players like Ceddanne Rafaela, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Ernie Clement, David Hamilton, and Geraldo Perdomo have also shown their worth at different times during the season. These players have provided valuable contributions and have found their way onto many rosters.

2024 Roto Category Review

When it comes to standard Roto 5×5 categories, the shortstop position has been performing exceptionally well. In batting average, the number of shortstops with an average over.240 has increased from 24 in 2022 and 24 in 2023 to 29 in 2024. This suggests a potential renaissance in shortstop hitting. Not only are these players hitting well, but they are also not cheap qualifiers. Kevin Newman, Nicky Lopez, and Miguel Rojas are the few exceptions. However, players like Ceddanne Rafaela, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Ernie Clement, David Hamilton, Geraldo Perdomo, and Josh Smith have been highly useful for stretches of the season. 2: In terms of home runs, the number of shortstops hitting 20 or more has also increased from 9 in 2022 and 9 in 2023 to 12 in 2024. Young players like Elly De La Cruz, Zach Neto, Oneil Cruz, and CJ Abrams have been leading the charge. Bobby Witt Jr., Corey Seager, Willy Adames, Francisco Lindor, Dansby Swanson, and Trea Turner have also been consistent home run producers. This indicates a strong crop of shortstops capable of providing high-end production in multiple categories.

Key Takeaways

This year, the shortstop position is truly exciting. There are five players who seem like locked-in first-round picks - Witt Jr., Henderson, De La Cruz, Lindor, and Betts. Along with these, there are other players like Corey Seager, Dansby Swanson, Ezequiel Tovar, Ha-Seong Kim, Anthony Volpe, and Jeremy Pena who have shown strong multi-category upside. Snagging one of the top five shortstops in the first or second round is a great strategy, and taking any of the top 10 guys is also a viable option. 2: The offseason storylines add an extra layer of intrigue. Questions about how the move to San Francisco will impact Willy Adames, how many games Zach Neto will miss to start the season, and whether Francisco Lindor will continue to lead off in the new Mets lineup are all important considerations. These factors can have a significant impact on the fantasy value of shortstops.

Off-season storylines

How will the move to San Francisco impact Willy Adames for fantasy? This is a crucial question as his performance in a new environment could be affected. How many games will Zach Neto miss to start the season? His health will be a key factor in determining his fantasy value. Will Francisco Lindor continue to hit leadoff in the new Mets lineup? His role in the lineup can have a major impact on his production. 2: Why didn't Trea Turner run as much in 2024? Will we see a speed decline at 32 years old? These are valid concerns as Turner's speed has been a key aspect of his game. Will Ceddanne Rafaela be replaced in the Red Sox lineup? His presence or absence could affect the team's performance. Does Carlos Correa remain in Minnesota? His future with the team is uncertain and could impact the shortstop market.

My top 15 rankings at the position for 2025

Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City RoyalsGunnar Henderson – Baltimore OriolesElly De La Cruz – Cincinnati RedsMookie Betts – Los Angeles DodgersFrancisco Lindor – New York MetsWilly Adames – San Francisco GiantsTrea Turner – Philadelphia PhilliesOneil Cruz – Pittsburgh PiratesCorey Seager – Texas RangersCJ Abrams – Washington NationalsEzequiel Tovar – Colorado RockiesDansby Swanson – Chicago CubsAnthony Volpe – New York YankeesJeremy Pena – Houston AstrosCarlos Correa - Minnesota Twins 2: Zach Neto would be ranked 11th if there was an indication that he will be healthy for the start of the season. His injury status will be closely watched as it could affect his ranking.