Shortstop Showdown: The 5 Best Picks for Your 2025 Fantasy Baseball Roster

Shortstop is one of the most exciting positions in fantasy baseball as it’s loaded with young stars who can hit for power, steal bases, and rack up runs. And, as you probably know, a strong shortstop can make a huge difference in your lineup.

With fantasy drafts kicking off for the 2025 season, we wanted to highlight the top 5 shortstops to target for your fantasy baseball team.

Rank	Player	Team	Batting Average	Home Runs	RBIs	OPS
1	Bobby Witt Jr.	Royals	.332	32	109	.977
2	Gunnar Henderson	Orioles	.281	37	92	.893
3	Francisco Lindor	Mets	.273	33	91	.844
4	Elly De La Cruz	Reds	.259	25	76	.809
5	Mookie Betts	Dodgers	.289	19	75	.863

1. Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

Witt is the best shortstop in fantasy baseball heading into 2025 and nobody is questioning that.

He put together an elite 2024 season, leading all shortstops in batting average with an insane .332. On top of that, he put up 32 HRs, 109 RBIs, and 125 runs. His .977 OPS ranked just 4th in MLB which goes to show just how dominant he was.

He played in 161 games for KC, proving he’s as durable as he is reliable. His 211 hits and 45 doubles also show he’s more than just a power hitter—he’s an all-around offensive force.

At just 24 years old and with a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award under his belt, Witt is only getting better.

If you have the chance to draft him, don’t hesitate as he’s going to go quick. He’s the best shortstop in fantasy and a first-round pick in any format.

2. Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles)

Henderson took a massive step forward in 2024 and is now one of the best young shortstops in all of baseball.

He hit a decent .281 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 118 runs. Those are some fine numbers for a rookie. His .893 OPS ranked 11th in MLB, telling us he’s capable of providing elite offensive numbers and hanging with the big boys.

What makes Henderson a bit more valuable is that he plays in a loaded Orioles lineup. Baltimore’s offense gives him plenty of chances to drive in RBIs and get runs himself. He also played 159 games last season which means he can stay on the field and keep delivering results.

If you miss out on picking up Witt, Henderson is a fantastic alternative we wouldn’t pass up. He brings in some heavy power, thorough consistency, and a strong supporting cast to boost the numbers.

3. Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)

Lindor continues to be one of the most consistent fantasy options at shortstop.

He finished the 2024 season with some good all-around numbers which include a .273 average, 33 home runs, and 91 RBIs. His .844 OPS ranked 19th, showing he’s still a productive hitter.

He also played 152 games which means he’s a reliable SS and will give fantasy managers steady production throughout the year.

Lindor remains a strong pick because he contributes across multiple fantasy point categories. His 107 runs scored and 39 doubles show he can still get on base and provide reliable XBHs.

If you’re looking for a reliable shortstop with relentless power, we think Lindor is a great option. He probably won’t lead the league in any single category, but he’s one of the safest picks at the position for his all-around production.

4. Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds)

De La Cruz is one of the most exciting young players in baseball and he’s definitely a pick you should get excited about.

His raw talent is absolutely off the charts, and he showed flashes of greatness in 2024 at the plate and on the bags.

He hit a decent .259 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs. While his .809 OPS wasn’t what we’d call elite, it’s his speed that makes him a valuable fantasy asset. He lead the MLB with 67 stolen bases and is always a threat to steal whenever he makes it on base.

The big concern with De La Cruz is his high strikeout rate — he struck out 218 times in 2024. That’s a lot of swings and misses. Maybe he’ll fix that coming into 2025, but for now, that could limit his batting average. If he improves his plate discipline, he could take a huge step forward.

If you’re looking for a high-upside pick, we think De La Cruz is worth the gamble. His power-speed combo makes him a potential fantasy star.

5. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Betts is best known as an outfielder, but his shortstop eligibility makes him a strong fantasy option in 2025. In fact, because of this, he’s also one of the top second basemen for fantasy picks as well.

He hit .289 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs in his 2024 campaign. His .863 OPS ranked 15th, showing he still has plenty of offensive firepower even at his age.

The biggest concern with Betts is his health. He played in just 116 games in 2024. He’s 32 years old and injuries have started to become a factor. However, when he’s on the field, he’s one of the best hitters in the ballgame.

If he stays healthy, Betts will be a great fantasy shortstop who’s been on the field for 150+ games. He’s a high-floor player who can contribute in multiple categories at multiple positions.

Get Your Fantasy Baseball Lineup Ready

Shortstop is stacked with talent in 2025. Having a fairly strong player in the position can give your team an edge over the rest of the league.

Witt is the clear top choice with his elite batting average and power. He’s shaping up to be a future HOFer. Henderson is a great second option with his run production and power numbers. Lindor remains a safe and steady pick year after year, while De La Cruz offers a huge upside and tons of stolen bases. Betts, if he remains healthy, gives you an experienced star with multi-position eligibility.

As spring training begins in the coming weeks, watch for injuries and lineup changes for these top shortstops. But based on last year’s numbers and the teams around these players, these are the 5 best shortstops to target in your fantasy baseball draft.