This article is part of our Farm Futures series.
Shortstop is the best position. These guys all have that "it" factor, at least in the first few tiers. Premium athleticism is required to stick at the six defensively, and over the past decade, the best shortstops have become middle-of-the-order run producers in addition to their defensive exploits. It is now one of the deepest positions in fantasy. I did a startup dynasty draft earlier this offseason and took a long-term dynasty approach, and of course that entailed taking over a half dozen shortstops/potential shortstops in my first 17 picks.
TIER ONE
1. Royce Lewis, Twins
2. CJ Abrams, Padres
These two have such fantasy-friendly games. If they reach their ceilings, they will hit for a high average, likely hitting first or second in a good big-league lineup, while also stealing 25-45 bases (Lewis on the low end, Abrams on the high end) and hitting 20-30 home runs (Abrams on the low end, Lewis on the high end).
TIER TWO
3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
4. Jazz Chisholm, Marlins
5. Noelvi Marte, Mariners
6. Tyler Freeman, Indians
Witt, Chisholm and Marte are the power/speed prospects to dream on. They each have the potential to grow into 35-45 HR power and the speed to steal 20-plus bases. Freeman easily has the best hit tool of the bunch and should also get to double-digit home runs and steals. I had Freeman in the second base tiers last year, but I now think he lines up to
Shortstop is the best position. These guys all have that "it" factor, at least in the first few tiers. Premium athleticism is required to stick at the six defensively, and over the past decade, the best shortstops have become middle-of-the-order run producers in addition to their defensive exploits. It is now one of the deepest positions in fantasy. I did a startup dynasty draft earlier this offseason and took a long-term dynasty approach, and of course that entailed taking over a half dozen shortstops/potential shortstops in my first 17 picks.
TIER ONE
1. Royce Lewis, Twins
2. CJ Abrams, Padres
These two have such fantasy-friendly games. If they reach their ceilings, they will hit for a high average, likely hitting first or second in a good big-league lineup, while also stealing 25-45 bases (Lewis on the low end, Abrams on the high end) and hitting 20-30 home runs (Abrams on the low end, Lewis on the high end).
TIER TWO
3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
4. Jazz Chisholm, Marlins
5. Noelvi Marte, Mariners
6. Tyler Freeman, Indians
Witt, Chisholm and Marte are the power/speed prospects to dream on. They each have the potential to grow into 35-45 HR power and the speed to steal 20-plus bases. Freeman easily has the best hit tool of the bunch and should also get to double-digit home runs and steals. I had Freeman in the second base tiers last year, but I now think he lines up to take over for Francisco Lindor at shortstop at some point in 2021.
TIER THREE
7. Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks
8. Maximo Acosta, Rangers
9. Ronny Mauricio, Mets
Perdomo is the hit tool/OBP guy. Mauricio is the power projection guy. Acosta is the five-tool long-term stash.
TIER FOUR
10. Braden Shewmake, Braves
11. Robert Puason, Athletics
12. Bryson Stott, Phillies
Shewmake and Stott have limited ceilings unless they develop into .300 hitters, which is possible. Puason is a long-term project. His upside rivals most on this list, but he will not be a fast mover through the lower levels.
TIER FIVE
13. Brice Turang, Brewers
14. Liover Peguero, Pirates
15. Gabriel Arias, Padres
16. Adam Hall, Orioles
17. Brainer Bonaci, Red Sox
18. Jose Garcia, Reds
19. Eduardo Garcia, Brewers
20. Oswald Peraza, Yankees
These guys all either have clear flaws, limited ceilings, or distant ETAs. Arias is the only one who won't be much of a contributor in steals, but he is also the most likely to have a long big-league career. Bonaci, E. Garcia and Peraza have the highest ceilings in my opinion, but they are also the furthest from actualizing their ceilings.
Honorable Mention: Estiven Machado, Gunnar Henderson, Jose Salas, Rafael Morel, Maikol Escotto, Alexander Vargas, Anthony Volpe, Osleivis Basabe, Yasel Antuna, Juan Garcia, Jose Devers, Glenallen Hill Jr., Anthony Rodriguez, Aeverson Arteaga, Vaughn Grissom, Jose Pastrano, Adael Amador, Jeremy Pena, Freudis Nova, Taylor Walls, Wilmin Candelario, Logan Davidson, Rikelvin De Castro, Kyren Paris, Kevin Made, Alejandro Pie, Nasim Nunez, Edmundo Sosa, Javier Sanoja, Nick Gordon, Chris Seise, Braylin Minier, Nick Allen, Yordys Valdes, Abiezel Ramirez, Lucius Fox, Juan Guerrero, Darell Hernaiz, Matthew Lugo, Luis Verdugo, Deivid Alcantara, Wenceel Perez, Hugo Sanchez, Nick Maton, Jamari Baylor, Randy Vasquez, Willmer De La Cruz, Keyber Rodriguez, Anderson Tejeda, Dawry Martinez
