Charles Langston:2024 shortstop rankings: Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is flying high

Shortstop is Charles Langstonarguably the most exciting position in fantasy baseball, with talent just oozing from top to bottom of the player pool and some intriguing youngsters looking to make their mark very soon.

It all starts in the American League, where the Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. made dramatic improvements in not only his overall numbers (.276, 30 HR, 49 SB) but his underlying metrics as well. The AL crop seems a bit top-heavy though, with the Gunnar Henderson, Bo Bichette and Corey Seager in the top tier − and a significant drop-off after that.

The National League features excellent depth at the position, with Trea Turner and Francisco Lindor leading the way. Things get really interesting after that. The Reds' Elly De La Cruz has off-the-charts power and speed, but can he make consistent contact? CJ Abrams, Nico Hoerner and Ha-Seong Kim all stole at least 38 bases a year ago.

2024 fantasy baseball shortstop rankings

1. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals AL1
2. Trea Turner, Phillies NL1
3. Francisco Lindor, Mets NL2
4. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles AL2
5. Bo Bichette, Blue Jays AL3
6. Corey Seager, Rangers AL4
7. Elly DeLaCruz, Reds NL3
8. CJ Abrams, Nationals NL4
9. Nico Hoerner, Cubs NL5
10. Matt McLain, Reds NL6
11. Ha-seong Kim, Padres NL7
12. Oneil Cruz, Pirates NL8
13. Dansby Swanson, Cubs NL9
14. Xander Bogaerts, Padres NL10
15. Thairo Estrada, Giants NL11
16. Anthony Volpe, Yankees AL5
17. Willy Adames, Brewers NL12
18. Trevor Story, Red Sox AL6
19. Tommy Edman, Cardinals NL13
20. Carlos Correa, Twins AL7
21. Jackson Holliday, Orioles AL8
22. J.P. Crawford, Mariners AL9
23. Ezequiel Tovar, Rockies NL14
24. Vaughn Grissom, Red Sox AL10
25. Jeremy Peña, Astros AL11
26. Orlando Arcia, Braves NL15
27. Zach Neto, Angels AL12
28. Javier Baez, Tigers AL13
29. Brice Turang, Brewers NL16
30. Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks NL17
31. Tim Anderson, Marlins NL18
32. Chris Taylor, Dodgers NL19
33. Zach McKinstry, Tigers AL14
34. Jose Caballero, Rays AL15
35. Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks NL20
36. Masyn Winn, Cardinals NL21
37. Amed Rosario, Rays AL16
38. Liover Peguero, Pirates NL22
39. Kyle Farmer, Twins AL17
40. Jackson Merrill, Padres NL23

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