2022 Prospect Position Rankings: Shortstop

Position Rankings are voted on by Baseball America staff members. Players are listed at their primary positions.

RATING: 5 Stars (out of 5)

Bobby Witt Jr. is the reigning Minor League Player of the Year and has a case to be the No. 1 prospect in baseball. He is joined in the Top 10 by CJ Abrams and Anthony Volpe, and major league-ready Oneil Cruz isn’t far behind. That elite group at the top is complemented by a deep well of high-upside players spread across all levels of the minors, with 24 shortstops overall making the BA Top 100 Prospects.

BEST HITTER: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals

Witt led the minors with 72 extra-base hits and finished one stolen base shy of a 30-30 season in his full-season debut in 2021. With plus-plus power, plus-plus speed and a mature feel for making adjustments in the batter’s box, his offensive upside is as high as any prospect in the game. 

BEST DEFENDER: Nick Allen, Athletics

The diminutive Allen is the best defender in the minors at any position. His quick first step, efficient angles and elite instincts allow him to get to any ball in every direction. He scoops up everything—including bad or awkward hops—smoothly with his soft, reliable hands and makes every throw with his above-average, accurate arm and quick release. He makes both the jaw-dropping plays and the routine ones and will be a perennial Gold Glove winner if he hits enough to play everyday.

SLEEPER: Ryan Kreidler, Tigers

Kreidler is a polished defender who moves remarkably fluidly for his physical 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame. He’s a plus defender at shortstop, and arguably plus-plus, and has begun to show unexpected offensive potential with easy, flick-of-the-wrist power and above-average speed. He hit .270 with 22 home runs, 58 RBIs and 15 stolen bases across Double-A and Triple-A last year and stood out on his own volition playing alongside top prospects Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.