The Greatest MLB Shortstops In Modern History
The position of shortstop might be the most important one on the baseball field. A good shortstop needs to be fast, with quick instincts, a strong throwing arm, and (ideally) some decent offensive skills as well.
In the modern era — roughly the 1970s onwards — shortstops became more athletic and more important than ever as the game evolved. Let's take a look at some of the best shortstops from the past 50 years.
Alan Trammell
Often overlooked when it comes to the all-time greats, Alan Trammell will forever have a place in the hearts of Detroit Tigers fans. Along with second baseman Lou Whitaker, Trammell anchored the Tigers' infield for a full 20 seasons.
While his crowning achievement is likely winning the 1984 World Series MVP award with the Tigers, Trammell's Hall of Fame career brought numerous other accolades, including six all-star appearances. Following his retirement, the Tigers retired his iconic number 3.
Marcus Semien
Marcus Semien's career has been somewhat of a slow burn thus far. He split the first eight seasons of his career between the Chicago White Sox and Oakland A's, putting up solid numbers along the way.
It was in 2021 when Semien joined the Toronto Blue Jays that he truly reached elite status. Switching to second base for the season, he put up monster offensive numbers en route to securing a big contract with the Texas Rangers for 2022. He helped the Rangers to the 2023 World Series championship.
Robin Yount
Robin Yount's illustrious career almost didn't happen. In 1978, just a few seasons into his career, the then 23-year-old threatened to quit baseball altogether (and take up pro golf!) in a contract dispute with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Yount and the Brew Crew were able to patch up their differences, however, and he went on to enjoy a 20-year career with Milwaukee. Yount is a member of baseball's elite 3,000-hit club and won the American League MVP award in 1982 and 1989.
Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor still has plenty of fuel left in the tank, but he's already established himself as one of the best modern shortstops in history since making his debut with Cleveland back in 2015.
Following four straight All Star Game appearances between 2016 and 2019, Lindor parlayed his success into a trade - and later a big contract - with the New York Mets. In 2023, he made history as the first shortstop ever to have a five-hit game that included two triples and a home run.
Nomar Garciaparra
Nomar (that's 'Ramon' backwards) had a prime that was truly elite, garnering the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year award along with six all star nods in the first 10 years of his career.
Following his glory days with the Red Sox, Garciaparra became injury-prone and his production was affected as a result. He wound down his career with the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A's. A resurgent 2006 season with the Dodgers saw him with National League Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Carlos Correa
An integral part of the Houston Astros' dominance of the past decade or so, Carlos Correa was a highly regarded prospect ever since being selected first overall in the 2012 MLB draft.
Correa's truly one of the elite defenders in the game, winning the 2021 Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, and Fielding Bible awards. He also earned a World Series ring with the 2017 Astros. Following the 2021 season, he signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.
Troy Tulowitzki
A lanky shortstop who could hit for power, Tulo first made his name in college with the Long Beach State Dirtbags before making it to the big leagues in 2006 with the Colorado Rockies.
While Tulowitzki was always injury prone, he enjoyed a long career in Major League Baseball. He helped the Rockies make it to the 2007 World Series, and also was part of two deep playoff runs with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 and 2016.
Xander Bogaerts
The Aruban-born Bogaerts, who competes internationally for the Netherlands, was first noticed as an amateur free agent by Boston Red Sox scouts as a teenager. He made quick work of the minor leagues and was promoted to the Sox in 2013.
Bogaerts left the BoSox after the 2022 season, but still holds the team's all-time record for games played at the shortstop position. Now with the San Diego Padres, Bogaerts shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Jimmy Rollins
Rollins, along with talented teammates like Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay, helped make the 2000s Phillies a force to be reckoned with. He was an all-star in his second season, won the 2007 National League MVP award, and then the 2008 World Series.
Earlier in his career, Rollins was also an accomplished base thief, leading the National League in stolen bases in 2001. He wrapped up his 17-year career with the Dodgers and White Sox before retiring in 2016.
Andrelton Simmons
The recently retired Simmons was an underrated defender throughout his 11-year career. A stellar college career helped put Simmons on the map, and he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of Western Oklahoma State College in 2010.
After making his debut with the Braves in 2012, Simmons wound up with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. During his prime, he won four Gold Glove Awards at shortstop - in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018.
Julio Franco
Julio Franco may be most remembered for his unusual batting stance, along with the fact that his career seemingly went on forever. Indeed, Franco did have a long career - making his MLB debut in 1982 and not hanging up his cleats until 2007.
Franco is more than just a long-tenured curiosity, however. During his long career, he was selected to three straight All-Star games, won five Silver Slugger Awards, and was the 1991 American League batting champion.
Hanley Ramírez
Hanley Ramírez was a crucial part of several solid teams in his career, playing shortstop for the Boston Red Sox (twice), Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Guardians. He made his debut for the Red Sox as a 21-year-old in 2005.
Ramírez was known more for his bat than his glove during his playing days, taking home two Silver Slugger Awards and winning the NL batting crown in 2009. He retired following the 2019 season.
Tony Fernández
The late Tony Fernández was one of the best shortstops of the 1980s and early '90s. While he played with seven MLB teams (and one Japanese team) during his career, he'll forever be associated with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Fernández had four separate stints with the Jays. After spending the first eight years of his career in Toronto, he came back to the team in 1993 to become an integral part of Toronto's drive to that year's World Series championship.
Trea Turner
Turner was a highly regarded prospect for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals. Along with Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, Turner helped solidify a young, exciting Nationals team.
Turner then spent two years with the Dodgers, winning the World Series both years, before signing an 11-year, $300 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies going into the 2023 season. He ended that season with 30 stolen bases - and wasn't caught stealing even once.
John Valentin
The 1990s was a time of elite shortstops, with older legends like Cal Ripken Jr. winding down their careers as youngsters like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez made their debuts. With that context, it's easy to forget just how good John Valentin really was.
Valentin was the starting shortstop for the Red Sox between 1992 and 1997, switching over to second base to make room for Garciaparra. While major accolades eluded him, Valentin was honored as a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Trevor Story
The enigmatic Story made a huge splash on his debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2016, immediately becoming an impact player and proving himself to be an able replacement for Troy Tulowitzki.
Following six elite seasons with the Rockies, Story parlayed his success into a six-year contract with the Boston Red Sox following the 2021 campaign. So far, his Red Sox tenure has been largely disappointing, but Story is still young enough that he has time to turn his career around.
Dave Concepción
Concepción, who made his debut in 1970 and is best remembered for his role with the 1970s "Big Red Machine" Cincinnati Reds, might seem like he's from a bygone era. But the Venezuelan legend played for a long time, finally retiring after the 1988 season.
While Concepción was at his best in the 1970s, he was a productive player well into the '80s, being named to eight straight All-Star teams between 1975 and 1982. Today, he ranks second in career games with the Reds.
Barry Larkin
Following the retirement of Dave Concepción, the Reds were fortunate to have another elite player waiting in the wings: Barry Larkin, who was an absolute force to be reckoned with throughout the 1990s.
Larkin balanced elite offensive production with fantastic defence, winning three Gold Gloves and nine Silver Sluggers, to go along with an incredible 12 All-Star appearances. He spent his entire 19-year career with the Reds, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Corey Seager
Seager is part of a baseball family, with older brothers Kyle and Mark both finding success as pros. The youngest Seager is probably the best of all though, with a stellar resume through his first nine seasons in the big leagues.
After winning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2016, Seager helped the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series. He moved to the Texas Rangers in 2022 and continued his success, teaming up with Marcus Semien to take home the 2023 title.
Omar Vizquel
A defensive wizard at shortstop, Omar Vizquel went from being a punchline in an episode of The Simpsons (season 3, episode 23, "Bart's Friend Falls in Love") to one of the most durable shortstops of his era.
Vizquel's long career saw him win 11 Gold Gloves to go with three All-Star nods. At the time of his retirement in 2012, he was the last player in any major North American pro sport to have played in the 1980s.
José Reyes
During his prime in the 2000s, José Reyes was one of the best shortstops in the game, both defensively and with the bat. He anchored the Mets' infield between 2003 and 2011 before spending time with the Marlins, Blue Jays and Rockies - and a final stint with the Mets.
Reyes was a true five-tool player, leading the league in stolen bases between 2005 and 2007, winning the 2011 batting title, and going to four All-Star games.
Rafael Furcal
Furcal flew under the radar for much of his career, but that doesn't change the fact that he was a steady and reliable shortstop for 15 seasons. He was signed as an amateur free agent by Atlanta in 1996 and made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2000.
The best years of Furcal's career were spent with the Braves and Dodgers, and his best year overall may have been his 2000 rookie campaign. He hit .295 with 40 stolen bases, easily winning that year's NL Rookie of the Year award.
Jay Bell
Another underrated shortstop from the 1990s, Jay Bell was a dependable part of several good teams throughout his career. He was the starting shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their playoff runs in the early '90s before spending a year with the Kansas City Royals.
Bell then became an inaugural member of the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998. The D-Backs defied the odds and won the World Series in 2001, just their fourth season. Bell was their shortstop that year.
Derek Jeter
While there's undoubtedly a Yankees bias in the media and among fans, it's hard to argue with anyone who says that Derek Jeter is one of the greatest shortstops of all time.
Jeter's individual accolades - 14 All-Star appearances, 5 Gold Gloves, 5 Silver Sluggers, and induction into the Hall of Fame - all speak for themselves. But he's probably best remembered as an integral member of five World Series-winning Yankees teams in the '90s and 2000s.
Miguel Tejada
Tejada's later career was marred by a perjury charge related to violating MLB's drug policy, but his early career offensive exploits were an impressive sight to behold. His best years were spent with the Oakland A's in the late '90s and early 2000s.
Tejada truly came into his own in 2002, winning the AL MVP award along with his first of six All-Star nods. Following his time with the A's, he had productive seasons with the Orioles and Astros before retiring after the 2013 season.
Ozzie Smith
The "Wizard of Oz" is a truly iconic player, known as much for the athletic backflips he'd perform on taking the field as he was for his defensive wizardry. After spending his early career with the San Diego Padres, Smith went on to play 15 years for the St. Louis Cardinals.
While he was generally regarded as a light-hitting defensive specialist, Smith came through offensively when it mattered. He was an unlikely hero in the 1985 National League Championship Series, hitting a game-winning home run in Game 5.
Cal Ripken Jr.
Ripken might be best remembered for breaking Lou Gehrig's incredible consecutive games streak, playing every single game for the Baltimore Orioles between May 30, 1982 and September 19, 1998 without taking a game off.
But Ripken's longevity overshadows his elite production at the plate and in the field. The lanky, powerful Ripken broke the mold for shortstops, who were generally smaller defensive specialists. He was elected to an incredible 19 straight All-Star appearances between 1983 and 2001.
Alex Rodriguez
A-Rod has been the subject of all sorts of criticism and bad publicity, from steroid allegations to his much-publicized feud with teammate Derek Jeter. But put this aside, and it's clear that he's one of the best shortstops of all time.
In 1994, he became just the third 18-year-old shortstop since 1900 to play in MLB. While some of his numbers are tainted by steroid rumors, A-Rod's 696 career home runs place him at 5th place on the all-time list.
Brandon Crawford
Yet another shortstop who's been overlooked during much of his career, Brandon Crawford was an important member of two World Series-winning Giants teams in 2012 and 2014. He's the all-time leader in games played at shortstop for the Giants.
Now in the twilight of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Crawford remains a fan favorite in San Francisco, bringing home numerous individual and team accolades during his 13 seasons in the Bay.
Elvis Andrus
While the Texas Rangers wouldn't win their first championship until 2023, they got very close to the big prize many times throughout the 2010s. A big part of this success was Elvis Andrus, who, along with third baseman Adrian Beltre, anchored the Rangers' infield.
Andrus has not managed to win a World Series in his career, but his two all-star game nods, along with more than 2,000 hits, are enough to cement his legacy as one of the best Texas Rangers of all time.
Mark Belanger
Mark "The Blade" Belanger was the prototypical shortstop in many ways: A small, athletic defensive specialist who made up for his lack of offense with a great glove. Belanger starred for the Baltimore Orioles for more than 15 seasons.
Belanger was the starting shortstop for the O's 1976 World Series winning squad, and won an impressive eight Gold Glove awards between 1969 and 1978. In the early '80s, an aging Belanger made way at shortstop for the Orioles' next great shortstop, Cal Ripken Jr.
Javier Báez
Javy Báez has pieced together an excellent career in Major League Baseball, making his debut in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs. He helped the Cubs win their first World Series in more than a century before he was traded to the New York Mets in the middle of the 2021 season.
Now with the Tigers, Báez continues his excellence in the American League. A two-time All-Star, he's also won numerous accolades for his fielding, including the 2020 Gold Glove and four Fielding Bible Awards.
Édgar Rentería
Rentería was a journeyman for most of his career, spending time with eight different teams between 1996 and 2011. The five-time All-Star could do it all, balancing excellent defense with a bat that came through in the clutch.
Renteria won two world championships — one with the Marlins in 1997 and one with the Giants in 2010. The 2010 World Series is where he firmly established himself as a clutch performer, as he hit two game-winning home runs and won the World Series MVP award.
Fernando Tatís Jr.
The son of former big leaguer Fernando Tatís (Senior), Tatís Jr. has already eclipsed his dad in some ways. He's still in his mid 20s, but has established himself as one of the best shortstops — and best overall players — in the game.
Following his debut in 2019, Tatís became a household name over the next couple of years. His best season to date was 2021, where he led the National League in home runs, made the All-Star team, and won both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards.
Scott Fletcher
Fletcher likely wouldn't make this list if it included the top shortstops of all time, but he's comfortably in the mix if we're only considering the modern era of baseball. Fletcher spent his time with a number of teams and filled in admirably as an everyday shortstop.
He'll also be immortalized forever, as he was the namesake of George W. Bush's dog back when Bush owned the Texas Rangers and Fletcher was their shortstop. The dog, an English Springer Spaniel, was named Spot Fletcher.
Jean Segura
Segura's playing days may be over, as he went unsigned following the 2023 season. If this is the case, he'll go down as one of the more capable shortstops of the 2010s. That said, he was often overshadowed by his contemporaries.
His best years were spent with the Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners, earning an All-Star nod for both teams. While he was never among the elite defensively, his bat was a difference-maker, and he led the National League in hits in 2016.
José Valentín
José Valentín (no relation to John Valentin) enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Baseball, mostly with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox. After injuries limited his range in the field, he had an unexpected late-career renaissance with the New York Mets.
In all, Valentín put up some solid offensive numbers for his career, hitting 249 career home runs (including a career-high 30 in 2004), and being named to the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor. He also served as a coach for his native Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic.
Asdrúbal Cabrera
Cabrera was signed out of Venezuela as an amateur free agent by the Seattle Mariners in 2002, though he never played for the team. He made his debut for Cleveland in 2007 and had his most productive years with the team.
After making two All-Star teams with Cleveland, Cabrera went on to play for multiple teams until his final season in 2021. Following a mid-season trade from Texas to Washington in 2019, he helped the Nats franchise win its first World Series.
Garry Templeton
When Ozzie Smith was traded from San Diego to St. Louis after the 1981 season, Garry Templeton was the player going the other way. Templeton was already a two-time all-star at this point, and was named to one more all-star game with the Padres in 1985.
A member of the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame, Templeton was instrumental in propelling the 1984 Padres to a Cinderella run that saw them fall to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. He wrapped up his career with the 1991 Mets.
Carlos Guillén
Guillén split his time in Major League Baseball between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. It was with the Tigers that he became a star in the early 2000s, earning three all-star nods in 2004, 2007, and 2008.
He was generally regarded more for his offense than for his defense, finishing his career with a .285 batting average and 124 home runs. He returned to Seattle — the team he'd made his debut with — in 2012, but announced his retirement before playing any games.
J.J. Hardy
A highly regarded prospect coming out of high school, Hardy was a three-time Arizona all-state selection. After he was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2001 draft, he made his MLB debut in 2005.
Hardy became a mainstay for the Brew Crew in the early 2000s, racking up an all-star nod in 2007. After moving to the Baltimore Orioles in 2011, he was once more an all-star, adding three Gold Gloves and one Silver Slugger to his trophy case.
Dansby Swanson
Swanson has put together a solid MLB career following his debut in 2016. He struggled with sky-high expectations early in his career with the Atlanta Braves, but was able to find his footing as an everyday shortstop.
He came into his own in the 2020s, helping the Braves win the 2021 World Series. Swanson added a couple of personal accolades in the following years, winning Gold Glove awards and being named an all-star in 2022 and 2023.
Yunel Escobar
The Cuban-born Escobar defected to the United States on a raft as a youngster and went on to have a steady career in Major League Baseball. Escobar split his 11-year career between five different teams.
Escobar was never a flashy player and was generally valued more for his offense than his defense. He put up a respectable .282 career batting average and hit double-digit home runs in three separate seasons.
Chris Speier
Speier is most noteworthy for his time with his hometown San Francisco Giants, bookending his 19-year career with two separate stints in the Bay Area. An average hitter, he was most valued for his exceptional arm, which earned him the nickname "The Alameda Rifle."
Speier's excellent defense earned him three all-star nods early in his career, in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He also had a solid run with the Montreal Expos in the late '70s and early '80s.
Erick Aybar
Aybar spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, playing for the Halos between 2006 and 2015. During this time, he earned the 2011 Gold Glove Award and was named to a spot on the 2014 American League all-star team.
While Aybar was valued more for his glove than his bat, he put up respectable numbers at the plate with a .271 career batting average. Following short stings in Atlanta, Detroit, and San Diego, he retired after the 2017 season.
Bill Russell
Not to be confused with the basketball legend, Bill Russell was a capable shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers through the entirety of the 1970s and into the '80s. During this time, he helped the Dodgers to the 1981 World Series title (and also the 1988 championship as a coach).
Russell was also a three-time all-star who showed impressive versatility in the field. Teammate Tommy John said Russell was the best shortstop he ever played with.
Mike Bordick
Hailing from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Bordick came from an area that's decidedly not a baseball hotbed and became a longtime MLB shortstop. He broke into the big leagues with the A's in 1990 and spent his first seven years in Oakland.
His next stop was Baltimore, where he was paired with Cal Ripken Jr. A late-career renaissance saw him split time between the Mets, Orioles (again), and Blue Jays. The slick-fielding shortstop was named to the 2000 All-Star Game.
Greg Gagne
Gagne is beloved in Minnesota for being a crucial cog in the Twins' two World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Gagne was the epitome of the defensive specialist during his time in the Twin Cities.
After the overburdened Twins couldn't afford a contract extension, Gagne went on to spent three productive years with the Royals, then two with the Dodgers, before winding down his 15-year career. While he never won a Gold Glove, he was regarded as one of the game's best defenders.
Marco Scutaro
The Venezuelan native signed as an amateur free agent with Cleveland in 1994. Eight long years later, he finally made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2002.
While Scutaro was a capable part-time player early in his career, he came into his own after his 30th birthday. Following a mid-season trade to the San Francisco Giants in 2012, he won MVP of that year's National League Championship Series en route to a world championship with the Giants.
Dickie Thon
Thon moved around a lot during his 15-year career, splitting time between both leagues. He never lived up to the sky-high expectations set early in his career, but did win an all-star nod along with a Silver Slugger award in 1983.
Unfortunately, after being hit in the eye by a pitch in 1984, Thon never regained his hitting form. He maintained an excellent defensive reputation but became a league average hitter up until his retirement after the 1993 season.