After falling out of the rankings heading into last season, Corey Seager placed sixth on The Shredder’s list of the top 10 shortstops for 2021. Prior to that he appeared every year from 2017-19.
Trevor Story ranked No. 1 for a second consecutive season. He’s followed by Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Franciso Lindor and Trea Turner to round out the top five. Placing after Seager were Carlos Correa (No. 7), Bo Bichette, Javier Báez and Tim Anderson.
Because the 2020 season was shortened to only 60 games, The Shredder rankings for the top shortstops in baseball takes into account a three-year sample size. Notable statistics used in the evaluation include WAR and wRC+, plus defense is weighed more heavily than second base and third base.
In addition to Seager, those who were left off The Shredder rankings of top shortstops in 2020 but appear this season also includes Turner, Bichette and Anderson.
Despite not being recognized by the analytical model, Seager went on to have an MVP-caliber season and more importantly, largely remained healthy. His 2.1 WAR last year was good for sixth-best among all shortstops.
Seager appeared in 52 games and finished the season batting .307/.358/.585 with 15 home runs and 41 RBI. He then was arguably the Dodgers’ best player in the postseason as he hit .328/.425/.746 with eight home runs and 20 RBI in 18 postseason games.
Seager was named MVP of the National League Championship Series and World Series, and earned a selection to the All-MLB First Team.
The strong overall year was reminiscent of the level of production Seager provided prior to undergoing Tommy John and hip surgeries in 2018. Being further removed from those operations and having a normal offseason to train were cited as keys to a resurgent campaign.
He was among the Dodgers eligible for salary arbitration this offseason and came to terms with the team on a one-year contract worth a reported $13.75 million. There’s some belief L.A. may look to sign him to an extension prior to Seager becoming a free agent after the 2021 season.
MLB Top 10 shortstops right now for 2021
| Rank | The Shredder | Mike Petriello | Sarah Langs | Vince Gennaro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevor Story (Rockies) | Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) | Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) | Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox) |
| 2 | Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) | Francisco Lindor (Mets) | Trevor Story (Rockies) | Francisco Lindor (Mets) |
| 3 | Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox) | Corey Seager (Dodgers) | Francisco Lindor (Mets) | Corey Seager (Dodgers) |
| 4 | Francisco Lindor (Mets) | Trevor Story (Rockies) | Trea Turner (Nationals) | Tim Anderson (White Sox) |
| 5 | Trea Turner (Nationals) | Trea Turner (Nationals) | Corey Seager (Dodgers) | Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) |
| 6 | Corey Seager (Dodgers) | Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox) | Carlos Correa (Astros) | Trevor Story (Rockies) |
| 7 | Carlos Correa (Astros) | Tim Anderson (White Sox) | Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox) | Marcus Semien (Blue Jays) |
| 8 | Bo Bichette (Blue Jays) | Bo Bichette (Blue Jays) | Tim Anderson (White Sox) | Carlos Correa (Astros) |
| 9 | Javier Baez (Cubs) | Javier Baez (Cubs) | Bo Bichette (Blue Jays) | Bo Bichette (Blue Jays) |
| 10 | Tim Anderson (White Sox) | Carlos Correa (Astros) | Javier Baez (Cubs) | Trea Turner (Nationals) |
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