The 2026 MLB season has officially reached the six-week mark—a pivotal time when players shake off early-season rust and start making their mark. This is the beauty of baseball: the season's long grind allows stars to emerge and slumps to be broken. As we head into Week 7, here's our power ranking of the top 10 shortstops who are defining the game right now.
1. Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati) — De La Cruz is on the verge of becoming a household name. His rare blend of size, power, and speed is driving Cincinnati's success and making him a must-watch every night.
2. CJ Abrams (Washington) — Abrams is off to a blistering start, on pace for his third straight season of 19 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He currently leads all MLB shortstops in slugging percentage.
3. Colson Montgomery (Chicago White Sox) — The future in Chicago is bright, and Montgomery is the centerpiece. After showing flashes during his late-season call-up last year, he hasn't skipped a beat in 2026.
4. Aidan McGonigle (Detroit) — This rookie is off to a fantastic start. While he hasn't fully tapped into his power potential, his elite contact skills have him ranked in the top five among MLB shortstops in hits.
5. Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City) — Witt Jr. is experiencing the longest home run drought of his career, but don't count him out. He's still hitting the ball hard, posting a high OBP, and stealing bases. Expect him to reclaim the top spot by season's end.
6. Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore) — Henderson is selling out for power, leading the league's shortstops in home runs. His average and OBP have taken a hit, but as the season progresses, his slash line will balance out.
7. Otto Lopez (Miami) — Lopez's strong start has helped keep the Marlins near the top of the NL East. He's making great contact and reaching base at a high rate. If he keeps this up, an All-Star nod could be in his future.
8. Carlos Correa (Houston) — The veteran has given Houston the flexibility to ease their starting shortstop back into action. Correa is making great contact, and once Jeremy Peña returns, he'll shift back to third base.
9. Corey Seager (Texas) — Seager is locked in for the NL West-leading Rangers, doing early damage with the long ball. His only obstacle to finishing as a top-10 shortstop is staying healthy.
10. Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs) — Swanson is streaky, but right now he's locked in. He's helped the Cubs climb to the top of the NL Central, and when he's hot, he's one of the most reliable shortstops in the game.
These shortstops are setting the pace early, and as the season heats up, expect even more fireworks. Whether you're tracking your fantasy team or just love the game, these are the names to watch.