Mar 3, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang (27) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The number before each shortstop’s name represents their overall rank in the 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings.
At this point, I would highly recommend that you would have already drafted your shortstop. This list will be full of serviceable short-term options. I do not think there is a single player on this list who will exceed 15 homers or steals in 2015.
18. #264 Jed Lowrie Houston Astros
If you still have not drafted a shortstop by this point, then you are almost punting the position. While Lowrie has respectable power for his position, there is no category that he will excel in. I would rather invest in a stolen base specialist like Alcides Escobar even if his RBI production will be down.
19. #272 Erick Aybar Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Erick Aybar is another very boring choice at shortstop. He fits the bill if you want a player who costs nothing and puts forward below average fantasy numbers. I would leave Aybar sitting on waivers in most leagues.
20. Not ranked Jung Ho Kang Pittsburgh Pirates
Jung Ho Kang is receiving a good bit of hype for his power potential and “sleeper” status, but the word is certainly out about Kang. I have never seen him play before this year’s Spring Training, but I fear that he will not get enough at-bats. Jordy Mercer and Neil Walker should be the double play combo on most days, but Jung Ho Kang has significant upside compared to the other shortstops drafted at this juncture.
21. Not ranked Chris Owings Arizona Diamondbacks
Chris Owings seems to have a little more pop in his bat than the average SS, but I would be surprised if he exceeds 15 bombs. You could easily make the case that Owings is a few spots too low, but I would not feel good regardless if Owings was starting for me in a mixed league unless it was 16+ teams.
22. Not ranked Brandon Crawford San Francisco Giants
Brandon Crawford should put up similar numbers to Owings without the tiny bit of fanfare. I think he will be a solid SS stream when your starter is not playing that day. He has improved at the plate for four straight seasons, and I like the fact that Crawford will almost never be replaced in the lineup because his glove and arm are so good.
23. Not ranked Andrelton Simmons Atlanta Braves
Call me when UZR/150 is a category in your fantasy league. I guess he could hit the 17 homers again like he did in 2013, but Andrelton Simmons is on the Braves for his defense exclusively.
24. Not ranked Brad Miller Seattle Mariners
With Chris Taylor breaking his wrist, the shortstop job opens up for Brad Miller. Like the previous three shortstops I highlighted, Miller is likely to have poor counting stats and be a way to just fill a blank space in your roster.
25. Not ranked Francisco Lindor Cleveland Indians
Francisco Lindor is arguably the best shortstop in the Minor Leagues. His plus defense is ready for the show, but the Indians likely want to continue his development in the Minors. Lindor could be a solid fantasy option in the future and will probably receive a call-up at some point in 2015, but I just included him because there are no relevant fantasy options at this point.