Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of MLB positions! We're about to uncover some fascinating insights that will change the way you view the game.
The Rise of Shortstops: A Game-Changer
In a remarkable turn of events, shortstops have been outperforming third basemen in the past two seasons. This might seem like a minor detail, but it's a significant shift in baseball history. Shortstops, traditionally known for their defensive prowess, are now hitting for higher OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) than their counterparts.
This trend is not just a blip; it's a long-term development. Since 1912, shortstops have only outhit third basemen twice before 2024, and the historical average favors third basemen by a wide margin. But this generation of shortstops is different. Players like Bobby Witt Jr., Francisco Lindor, and Gunnar Henderson are not only exceptional defenders but also some of the best hitters in the league.
A Shift in Baseball's Norms
Contrast this with the 1970s, when shortstops like Garry Templeton, Dave Concepcion, and Bucky Dent were known more for their defensive skills than their hitting prowess. Today's shortstops are a different breed, and this shift challenges the traditional defensive spectrum, which ranks positions from least to most demanding.
Bill James, in his seminal work "Baseball Abstract," explained this spectrum, with shortstop at the most difficult end. But the game has evolved, and the differences in offensive output between positions have narrowed over the years. In 1977, the OPS spread between positions was significant, but by 2024, it had narrowed to just 64 points.
The Impact on WAR and Player Rankings
This shift in offensive output has a direct impact on WAR (Wins Above Replacement) rankings. Shortstops dominated the WAR leaderboard in 2025, with players like Jeremy Pena and Trea Turner excelling both defensively and offensively. When comparing players across positions, positional adjustments become crucial. For instance, Pete Alonso, a great hitter, might not have the same impact if he had to play shortstop due to the defensive demands of the position.
Ranking the Positions: A Historical Perspective
As we rank the strength of each position across the majors, shortstop takes the top spot with an exclamation point. The position has never been stronger, with an incredible depth of talent. But how do the other positions fare? Let's dive into a historical analysis of each position, grading them based on their strength compared to historical norms.
1. Shortstop: A+
Shortstop is the undisputed leader, with an incredible depth of talent. The top 100 players in Baseball-Reference WAR include 19 shortstops, a testament to their dominance.
2. Catcher: B
Catcher is a position that deserves more respect. With players like Cal Raleigh and Alejandro Kirk leading the way, catchers had their best collective offensive season since 2014. The position is also relatively youthful, with a bright future ahead.
3. Designated Hitter: B
The designated hitter position has seen some ups and downs. While DHs have slipped below league-average hitting in some seasons, they've also had dominant years, led by players like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
4. Left Field: C+
Left field has improved significantly in recent years, moving up to fourth in OPS in 2025. Players like Juan Soto and Riley Greene are leading the charge, with a bright future ahead for the position.
5. Right Field: C
Right field has traditionally been a strong position, ranking first or second in OPS in many seasons. However, with the move of Juan Soto to left field, the position takes a slight hit in depth.
6. Third Base: C
Third base had an incredible run in the mid-2010s, but the position is a bit weak now as that group has aged out. Six of the top nine third basemen in 2025 were over 30, and the minor league pipeline is lacking.
7. Center Field: C
Center field is an interesting position, with exceptional defensive talent but a lack of star hitters. Players like Julio Rodriguez and Pete Crow-Armstrong are leading the way, but more offensive output is needed to boost the position's grade.
8. Second Base: C-
Second base hit rock bottom in 2025, with the worst OPS of the nine positions. However, the position appears to be on the upswing, with young players like Luke Keaschall and Jackson Holliday on the rise.
9. First Base: D+
First base had a slight bounce-back in 2025, but it still finished behind DH in OPS. The position lacks depth, and the outlook in the minors is bleak.
Conclusion: A New Era in MLB?
The rankings and analysis above highlight the evolving nature of MLB positions. The game is constantly changing, and the rise of shortstops as offensive powerhouses is a testament to that. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, it's clear that the diamond is a dynamic place, with positions rising and falling in strength.
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of these rankings? Do you agree with the grades assigned to each position? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this evolving landscape of MLB positions.
