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Welcome back RotoBallers. We are almost finished with my top 10 series for dynasty rankings at every position. Today we tackle shortstops, a tricky position for fantasy baseball owners every year. You can read the rest of my top 10 dynasty rankings here.
Make sure to also check out our awesome 2016 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard, where you will find my top 400 dynasty rankings. You'll also find RotoBaller staff rankings for all positions, tiered rankings starting to ramp up, MLB prospect rankings for 2016, and much more. Okay, let's get to it.
Top 10 Dynasty Shortstops For 2016
1. Carlos Correa, 21
Drafted in 2012 out of high school in Puerto Rico, Carlos Correa was the first overall pick. After his call up, Correa went on an absolute tear breaking franchise records for hits, doubles and stolen bases over his first 20 games. He went on to have, technically, one of the best seasons ever for a SS, according to Fangraphs' Eno Sarris.
Correa is the first Astro since Jeff Bagwell to win the American League Rookie of the Year. He is projected for over 20 HR and 20 SB. He has the most desirable combination of youth, speed, power, handsomeness, and upside. He also hits for average and plays shortstop. “24/7” is one of fantasy baseball’s hottest commodities and should be as close to untouchable on a fantasy roster as they come.
2. Xander Bogaerts, 23
Bogaerts won’t hit as many homers as Correa, but he can speak four languages. He will also hit for a higher average. They both project to slightly over 80 runs and 80 RBI but Correa gets the edge based on power and youth. Expect Bogaerts to make a huge leap to superstardom in his third full season.
3. Corey Seager, 21
The younger brother of Bob Seager, Corey decided to not join in the silver bullet band and instead pave his own way as a major league baseball player. Seager will provide excellent power at a position that lacks it. Reports say the Dodgers will eventually convert Seager to third base. For now, he’s getting the lion’s share at short, so enjoy the eligibility for a couple more seasons.
In 27 games in 2015, Seager batted an impressive .337/.425/.561, but don't expect him to maintain that pace over the course of the season. His .387 BABIP is a good indicator that his average will likely regress.
4. Troy Tulowitzki, 31
At 31 years old and entering his 10th major league season, Tulowitzki has never once played a full season and only twice has he exceeded 150 games. I used to tell myself that a full season is bound to happen but every year, he proves me wrong.
Despite the near guarantee of an injury plagued season, Tulo still holds elite potential but you can't realistically expect more than 20 home runs and a .270 batting average, which will be great for a shortstop (while he is in the lineup). The 2002 Fremont California High School Athlete of the year has many more awards and accolades on his mantel along with the 2010 ESPN Web Gem Champion and the Topps baseball Major League Rookie All Star Team.
5. Francisco Lindor, 22
Lindor’s minor league track record doesnt bode well for him maintaining the home run pace of 2015 when he hit 12 in 99 games. He is a defensive specialist that should bat near .270 with more than 20 stolen bases. Lindor will contend for a top 5 SS rank in 2016.
With top ranked prospects J.P. Crawford, Brendan Rodgers, Dansby Swanson, Trea Turner and Orlando Arcia all set to make their debuts sometime this season, the surge of young shortstops entering the league will change this list. Lindor’s upside is a 20/20 season, which is just as possible as him pooping the bed.
6. Ian Desmond, 30
Knowing that Desmond was drafted in the third round by the Montreal Expos in 2004 (exactly one pick after Adam Lind) makes Desmond seem a lot older than he really is. Most pundits seem to be down on Desmond after posting a lousy season. It's his only bad year out of the last four. Steamer is projecting a repeat performance, another season south of 20 home runs and 20 steals. Regardless, the Silver Slugger is still a top 10 player at the position even if he's actually a left fielder now.
7. Addison Russell, 22
In his rookie season, Addison Russell batted .242/.387/.389 with 13 home runs. Not great, but when you consider he was 21 years old and playing elite level defense, the Cubbies will live with the low output. AR27 only committed two errors all season, but that doesn't help your fantasy team. Russell has consistently improved at every level up through the minors, so there is a chance the former top prospect fixes some of his issues at the plate and gains value in 2016.
8. Brandon Crawford, 29
In 2015, Brandon Crawford was the top HR and RBI producing shortstop. Other than that, he has a high K%, and his career batting average is only .246. Expect some regression with counting stats.
9. Jung Ho Kang, 28
There is concern over the health of Kang’s injured knee. He will miss time early in the season.
Despite this, Kang is 28 years old and entering his second season in the majors. He was capable of hitting over 40 home runs in Korea, as he becomes more comfortable with major league pitching, I have the hope of cheap power in 2016. With a 2015 slashy of .287/.455/.361 in 126 games with 15 home runs, that is enough to garner top 10 attention before the floodgates open and the deluge of top rank prospect shortstops enter the league.
10. Starlin Castro, 25
I don't like Starlin Castro but I am buying this year. The young SS hit .300 in 2010 and .307 in 2011 at ages 19 and 20. Now at 25, he has two miserable years out of the last three. Last time I checked, he was a hot mess at the plate.
Nobody is expecting him to hit .300 again, but something about becoming a Yankee has a special effect on players. As a Red Sox fan, I just hate it when the Yankees grab someone off the scrap heap and then they perform. Knowing my luck, I will pass on Castro in the draft for Jean Segura and Castro will have a monster year. I don't like Castro.
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