The 2026 fantasy baseball season is upon us, and with it, the excitement of drafting the right players to build a championship-winning team. Shortstop, a position often overlooked, is set to be a key area of focus for many managers. With a deep pool of talent and a relatively even distribution of values throughout the draft, shortstop offers a unique opportunity to build a strong middle infield. Here's a breakdown of the top targets, sleepers, and prospects to watch at shortstop for the upcoming season.
Top Targets
Bobby Witt
Witt is the clear-cut top shortstop in fantasy baseball. His exceptional skills and consistent performance make him a top-three pick in most drafts. Witt's ability to hit for power and average, coupled with his speed, makes him a valuable asset in any fantasy team.
Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson
These two players are also common first-round picks. De La Cruz and Henderson offer a blend of power and speed, making them excellent choices for managers looking to build a well-rounded team. Their potential for high-end production in both categories makes them attractive options early in the draft.
Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor, and Zach Neto
These players are also in the top 35 picks, offering a mix of speed, power, and hitting ability. Turner's speed and Lindor's power make them valuable additions to any team, while Neto's versatility and consistency make him a reliable option throughout the draft.
Value Targets
Mookie Betts
Betts' ADP has dropped due to a poor 2025 season, but his career-high wRC+ and K% suggest that regression is on the horizon. At 33 years old, Betts is still capable of bouncing back, and his third-place ranking in the most favorable hitter's park for righties over the past three seasons makes him an attractive value pick in the 4th or 5th round.
Corey Seager
Seager is a top-15 hitter when healthy, and his elite Statcast page further emphasizes his potential. Despite being a significant injury risk, Seager's ADP has been unfairly punished. A potential 'steal of the draft' if he stays healthy, Seager is a must-consider pick around the 100th overall spot.
Sleepers
Ezequiel Tovar
Tovar had a down year in 2025, but his elite defense and Coors Field advantage make him a solid sleeper. His low composite ADP and high value as a second baseman highlight his potential for a strong 2026 season.
Carlos Correa
Correa's move to third base and his history of injuries make him a risk, but his hitting ability and cleanup role in Houston make him a bargain in fantasy drafts. His ADP outside the top 250 picks further emphasizes his value.
Overvalued
Geraldo Perdomo
Perdomo's breakout 2025 season was impressive, but his limited track record and new top-60 ADP make him a risky pick. His power is limited, and his spring speed suggests that stolen bases may take a step back. While not a true bust, Perdomo's risk-reward profile is less favorable compared to other options at shortstop.
Prospects to Watch
Konnor Griffin
Griffin is one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, with a 165 wRC+ and 65 stolen bases in 2025. His elite speed and power make him a potential fantasy superstar, but his timeline remains uncertain. The Pirates' approach to contract extensions and the challenges of playing in PNC Park are factors to consider.
JJ Wetherholt
Wetherholt is a strong option in deep and keeper leagues, but his lack of fantasy upside makes him a less attractive pick compared to Griffin. His role as the Cardinals' new second baseman is a positive, but his shortstop eligibility may be lost after 2026.
Kevin McGonigle
McGonigle is another top prospect who might be more ready to contribute than Griffin. His hitting ability and potential for impact in 2026 make him a valuable addition to any team, despite his lack of power/speed fantasy potential.
