Top 10 SS Prospects 2026 (Preseason)
Tim brings us his top 10 shortstop prospects for the 2026 season
These prospect rankings are based on FANTASY value, not on real life value. Proximity to the majors is also prominent in the equation, though these rankings are taking a longer-term / dynasty look on these guys (think of it more as a 3-5 year plan). Rather than getting into writing little bios on all of these hitters, I’ve decided to keep my rankings simple by providing the most recent year’s stats of each player across all levels, a player comp, a small blub on the player’s prime skills for fantasy including my tool grades / pitching arsenals and an explanation of my ranking that may include trending data.
NOTE: Rookie status is determined by 130 ABs, or 50 IPs at the Major League level.
1. SS/OF Konnor Griffin (Pirates)
ETA: Late 2026
Comp: Light Fernando Tatis Jr. with an Elly de la Cruz statistical profile
Prime Skills: Griffin is a big righty with a good arm as a high school pitcher and he has some massive power upside. The high stance and high and tight hands in his swing reminds me of Fernando Tatis Jr. and like Tatis, he will probably have plenty of swing and miss to go with the damage. Tools for days here as Griffin has already posted a max EV of 114.2 and has a 90th percentile EV of nearly 108. The hit tool is better than expected, but still might only tune in at slightly above league average as he could do better on the angles ala Elly de la Cruz coming up (52% groundball rate and only 7 degree average launch angle). Griffin was able to get 48 extra bas ts in 122 games in 2025 in addition to the 65 stolen bases on the season.
Hitter Tool Grades:
Hit: 50/55
Plate Approach: 45/55
Power: 60/70
Speed: 70/70
Ranking Explanation: Griffin has the highest upside of any prospect in baseball and has shown this season to have a much safer hit tool than previously expected after some changes to his batting stance. He could maximize his skillset further by becoming more efficient on the basepaths and improving his bat path for better angles to generate a higher level of quality contact. Griffin seemingly improved upon being promoted from low A to AA throughout the course of the season and while some think he will break camp, especially with all the power he has shown - I still doubt it unless we get the magic contract. Griffin is the top prospect in baseball and also the top SS prospect as he looks like a future fantasy first rounder for quite some time.
Prospect Rank: 1
2. 2B / SS Kevin McGonigle (Tigers)
ETA: Early 2026
Comp: Chase Utley wannabe, but the profile might be more like Nomar Garciaparra
Prime Skills: This kid has an insane hit tool and plate skills with developing power. Despite lackluster angles in our limited statcast data available with only a 6.3% barrel rate and a 103.6 90th percentile, he has recorded much higher max EVs to last year constantly touching 111 and reportedly hitting 112 mph. He’s a doubles machine with 31 doubles in only 88 games this year and pretty crazy 52 extra base hits in those 88 games, which has to be the highest XBH / game played in the minores.
Hitter Tool Grades:
Hit: 60/70
Plate Approach: 70/70
Power: 55/60
Speed: 45/50
Ranking Explanation: It’s hard to show concern for a guy with such a honed hit tool and a nicely developing power stroke, however the speed has taken a dump this year as he went from 22 steals and only 2 caught stealing last year to only 10 steals and 7 times caught stealing this year. There are also some injury concerns I have that nobody wants to discuss, but he only played in 74 games last year after breaking a hamate bone and this year has only played in 88 games after starting the year late from a high ankle sprain. Griffin has a higher power/speed upside, but in a points league, I’m probably picking McGonigle first overall. I have a feeling McGonigle breaks camp with the team and should make a run for Rookie of the Year. Wetherholt may be just as good for fantasy value though - or close enough, as I expect more steals from Wetherholt.
Prospect Rank: 2