Here are the Top 10 shortstop prospects for 2025
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
Shortstops always attract the spotlight. Francisco Lindor and Bobby Witt Jr. finished second in league MVP voting last year, with Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Merrill (as a rookie) also placing in the top 10. All of them factored prominently in past editions of MLB Pipeline's preseason Top 10 Shortstops rankings with the exception of Henderson -- who was our top-rated third baseman in 2023.
This year's Top 10 Shortstops group also should be packed with future stars. The position claimed 25 of the spots on our upcoming Top 100 Prospects list -- the most ever -- with the first 10 shortstops ranking in the upper third. The three best -- Carson Williams (Rays), Jordan Lawlar (Diamondbacks) and Marcelo Mayer (Red Sox) -- return from our 2024 rankings and should graduate to the Majors this season.
Williams, Lawlar and Mayer all were high school first-rounders in the 2021 Draft, as was Colson Montgomery (White Sox), who just missed the top 10. The 2023 prep class also features plenty of upside with first-rounders Colt Emerson (Mariners) and Aidan Miller (Phillies) and supplemental first-rounder Kevin McGonigle (Tigers) in the top 10, and Cooper Pratt (sixth round, Brewers) and Arjun Nimmala (first round, Blue Jays) climbing toward it.
The Top 10 (ETA)
1. Carson Williams, Rays (2025)
2. Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks (2025)
3. Marcelo Mayer, Red Sox (2025)
4. Sebastian Walcott, Rangers (2026)
5. Leodalis De Vries, Padres (2027)
6. Colt Emerson, Mariners (2026)
7. JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals (2026)
8. Aidan Miller, Phillies (2026)
9. Kevin McGonigle, Tigers (2027)
10. Jacob Wilson, Athletics (2025)
Complete list »
Top tools
Hit: Wilson (70)
The son of former All-Star Jack Wilson, Jacob led NCAA Division I in contact rate his final two seasons at Grand Canyon in 2022-23, striking out just 12 times in a combined 492 plate appearances (2 percent) and setting a school record with a .411 average in the latter year. His elite feel for the barrel immediately translated to pro ball. Wilson hit .401 with an 8 percent strikeout rate in 79 Minor League games to earn a quick promotion to the Majors, where he batted .250 with a 10 percent K rate last summer.
Power: Walcott (65)
Scouts were saying Walcott could become the best player ever from the Bahamas even before he signed for $3.2 million in 2023. He has exceptional bat speed and produces elite exit velocities for an 18-year-old, and some evaluators slap top-of-the-scale grades on his raw power. A South Atlantic League all-star in 2024, he topped the High-A circuit in triples (nine), extra-base hits (50) and total bases (192) while batting .261/.342/.443 as its youngest regular, then dominated during a five-game cameo at Double-A.
Run: Lawlar (70)
During his brief time in the big leagues in 2023, Lawlar produced a 30.0 feet/second sprint speed, which is Witt/De La Cruz territory. He has stolen 83 bases in 97 attempts (86 percent) in 244 games, and his quickness also is evident at shortstop.
Arm: Walcott, Williams (70)
Both Walcott and Williams feature plus-plus arm strength, with the separator being that Williams (who's three years older) makes more accurate throws. Some scouts preferred Williams on the mound when they saw him run his fastball up to 95 mph as a California high schooler.
Field: Williams (70)
Williams won a Minor League Gold Glove in 2022 and possesses all the tools to earn similar honors in the big leagues. He has smooth actions, range to both sides, quick hands and an exceptionally strong arm. He can provide web gems and also is reliable on routine plays, committing just nine errors in 113 games last season.
Superlatives
Highest ceiling: Williams
There are so many lofty ceilings on this list, but it's hard to pick against Williams, who could provide 30+ homers per season while winning Gold Gloves. He excelled as the second-youngest regular (age 21) in the Southern League last year, leading the Double-A circuit in runs (83), RBIs (69) and triples (six) while ranking second in slugging (.469), extra-base hits (46) and total bases (203), third in homers (20) and OPS (.821) and fourth in wRC+ (142).
Highest floor: Wetherholt
Wetherholt might have been the No. 1 overall pick last year if a severe hamstring injury hadn't hampered his final season at West Virginia. He topped NCAA Division I in batting (.449) as a sophomore and offers the best combination of hitting ability, power and strike-zone management of anyone on this list.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Rookie of the Year candidate: Wilson
Wilson made his big league debut a year after going sixth overall in the 2023 Draft, immediately lost the next five weeks to a hamstring injury, then returned to start 27 of the Athletics' final 33 games at shortstop. Williams, Lawlar and Mayer all should be big league regulars by season's end, but Wilson may get an extra half-season of at-bats in the Majors.
Highest riser: McGonigle
Every one of our Top 10 Shortstops was highly regarded a year ago. Relatively speaking, McGonigle had the least fanfare, ranking seventh on our Tigers Top 30 after Detroit made him the 37th overall pick in the 2023 Draft. He raised his profile by slashing .309/.401/.452 with 25 extra-base hits, 22 steals and more walks than strikeouts (46 vs. 28) in 74 games between two Class A stops at age 19 before breaking his right hamate in August.
Humblest beginning: Williams
These guys signed for a combined $45,270,800 in bonuses and none of them exactly had a humble entry into pro ball. Williams was the lowest-ranked Draft prospect of the eight draftees (No. 41 on our 2021 Draft Top 250) and received the smallest bonus (a below-slot $2.35 million at No. 28 overall) of the 10 shortstops.
Most to prove: Lawlar, Mayer
Lawlar and Mayer have showed impressive skills but not much in the way of durability as pros. Lawlar played just 23 games in 2024 because of thumb and hamstring ailments and has totaled just 244 contests in four seasons, only one of which hasn't been shortened by injury. Mayer has played in just 272 games, losing time to wrist (2022), shoulder (2023) and back (2024) maladies.
Keep an eye on: Konnor Griffin
Signed for $6,532,025 as the ninth overall pick last July, Griffin had the highest ceiling of any player in the 2024 Draft. Gatorade's national baseball player of the year, he's a potential 30/30 player who can offer plus defense at shortstop or win Gold Gloves in center field. He'll make his pro debut in April.
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Kornberg to broadcast a pair of Marlins Spring Training games
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations and radio play-by-play voice Scott Kornberg will join the Miami Marlins Radio Network for two Spring Training broadcasts in advance of the 2025 season. Kornberg will broadcast the Marlins’ Grapefruit League games against the St. Louis Cardinals (1:10
Jumbo Shrimp preview new PNC Home Plate Club
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of the ongoing Project NEXT renovations at VyStar Ballpark, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and PNC Bank were proud to preview and dedicate the new PNC Home Plate Club in a private ceremony on Wednesday. The PNC Home Plate Club will deliver to fans a brand-new
Fans can meet Bluey at VyStar Ballpark through Jumbo Shrimp VIP experience
PURCHASE BLUEY ADD-ON MEET-AND-GREET EXPERIENCE JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For real life, Australia’s beloved blue heeler Bluey will be visiting VyStar Ballpark for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 3:05 p.m. game on Sunday, June 29. While Bluey will be available throughout the game to meet as many fans as possible, the Jumbo
Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season features fireworks, giveaways, signature promotions
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Affordable Family Fun is returning to VyStar Ballpark for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season in a massive way with 25 fireworks dates, 21 giveaways, five free Military Appreciation Nights, five Forever Vets Animal Hospital Canines and Crustaceans Dog Days (plus one Cat Day) and the club’s
Jumbo Shrimp launch Junior Jumbos Crustacean Kids Club
JUNIOR JUMBOS REGISTRATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Fans 12 years old & under can now take part in the most exclusive hangout in Crustacean Nation, as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp unveiled their Junior Jumbos Crustacean Kids Club. For just $45 per child, Junior Jumbos receive: - One general admission ticket to
Jumbo Shrimp single-game tickets available beginning February 24
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Single-game tickets for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 2025 season will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 24 for all 75 regular season home games from April 1 through September 14. The 2025 season means fans will experience a completely reimagined gameday experience as part
Jumbo Shrimp to become Honey Drippers on May 24-25, August 30-31
HONEY DRIPPERS MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE HERE JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp will celebrate the city’s historic Eastside neighborhood by becoming the Jacksonville Honey Drippers for a pair of Honey Drippers Weekends on May 24 & 25, when the club hosts the Memphis Redbirds with Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. game and
Raines, Ribault continue rivalry with sixth annual High School Heritage Classic
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are bringing the sixth annual High School Heritage Classic back under the lights as historic Duval County Public Schools rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School will meet in an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7
Jumbo Shrimp to hold preseason job fairs Feb. 19, March 15, March 18
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are building their team for another season of Affordable Family Fun at VyStar Ballpark. The club will hold three job fairs for 2025 gameday and food & beverage positions from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15
New manager David Carpenter heads up 2025 Jumbo Shrimp field staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In conjunction with the Miami Marlins, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have unveiled their on-field coaching staff for the 2025 season. Along with new manager David Carpenter, the field staff features newcomers Jorge Hernandez (bench coach), Rob Marcello (pitching coach), Mike Marjama (hitting coach), Tyler Lough (athletic trainer)
Jumbo Shrimp start registration for Feb. 12 National Anthem auditions
REGISTRATION FORM JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp prepare to open their 2025 schedule of 75 home games on April 1, the club is inviting the talent of Northeast Florida to audition to perform the National Anthem before a Jumbo Shrimp home game during the upcoming season. Individuals
Jumbo Shrimp make offseason additions to staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have announced the hiring of four new front office members in preparation for the 2025 season. A’Niya Sconiers has joined the club as an accounting supervisor. Abby Decker is the Jumbo Shrimp’s new promotions coordinator. Lindsay Plymale has been hired as an account
121 Financial Ballpark becomes VyStar Ballpark
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are excited to announce that 121 Financial Ballpark is now VyStar Ballpark, pending approval of the Jacksonville City Council. The naming rights to Jacksonville’s illustrious ballpark are part of VyStar Credit Union’s merger agreement with 121 Financial Credit Union and will run through
10 days of giving returns with memorabilia, experience-based prizes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are celebrating the holiday season with 10 Days of Giving, the club’s annual two-week promotion that awards memorabilia and experience-based prizes for 2025 home games. This year’s rewards includewatching fireworks from the field, ceremonial first pitch, PNC Homeplate Club seats, 2025 season parking
Jumbo Shrimp offer Holiday Packs for gift-giving season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are providing the perfect gift and stocking stuffer for the 2024 holiday season. Fans have the choice of two different holiday packs that feature undated ticket vouchers for the 2025 season, an adjustable Jumbo Shrimp cap and a $25 e-gift card to the
Holiday season to feature Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals
PURCHASE BLACK FRIDAY BOGO DUGOUT FLEX PLAN (SALE RUNS NOV. 29-DEC. 2) PURCHASE CYBER MONDAY SUITE (AVAILABLE DEC. 2 ONLY) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are excited to roll out their second annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help provide unforgettable gifts and memories for the
Jumbo Shrimp to host seventh annual Very Shrimpy Christmas on Dec. 7
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Fun 4 First Coast Kids are inviting families to kick off the holiday season with the seventh annual Very Shrimpy Christmas from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Admission is only $1 per person at the home
Jumbo Shrimp announce staff promotions, awards
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have promoted a trio of front office staff and announced several winners of the club’s annual staff awards for the 2024 season. David Ratz has been named the Jumbo Shrimp’s vice president, promotions & special events. Cody Davis has also been promoted to
Fall Festival comes Oct. 26 to 121 Financial Ballpark
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jax Melanin Market’s Fall Festival kicks off the club’s offseason event schedule and comes to 121 Financial Ballpark from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. An afternoon of fun awaits with trick-or-treating at vendor tables, craft tables, a face painter, balloon twisters,
Jacksonville takes season finale over Gwinnett 5-1
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a four-home run performance, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp beat the Gwinnett Stripers 5-1 in front of 6,280 fans on Sunday at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (73-76, 38-36) ambushed Gwinnett (72-78, 37-38) starting with the first batter of the bottom of the first. Dane Myers (2) launched
Hostetler, Marsee lead Jumbo Shrimp to Saturday victory against Stripers
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Strong performances from Bennett Hostetler and Jakob Marsee were vital in the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 5-3 victory over the Gwinnett Stripers on Saturday in front of 9,180 fans from 121 Financial Ballpark. Behind 1-0, Jacksonville’s (72-76, 37-36) offense awoke in the bottom of the second. With one
Sixto Sánchez to begin rehab assignment with Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Sixto Sánchez will begin his MLB rehab assignment presented by H2 Health with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. contest against the Gwinnett Stripers. The right-hander is making his first appearance in Jacksonville since 2019, when he tossed 103.0 innings for
Late-inning electricity fuels Jacksonville over Gwinnett 3-2
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a seven-strikeout performance from Robby Snelling, who made his Triple-A debut, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp came from behind to beat the Gwinnett Stripers 3-2 in front of 7,960 fans on Friday at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (71-76, 36-36) trailed Gwinnett (72-76, 37-36) 2-1 starting the bottom
Jacksonville cannot overcome early deficit against Gwinnett
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A six-run first inning for Gwinnett was too much to overcome for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, who fell to the Gwinnett Stripers 9-4 in front of 6,004 fans Thursday from 121 Financial Ballpark. Gwinnett (72-75, 37-35) scored early and often in the top of the first. With
Bruján’s late three-run homer powers Jacksonville over Gwinnett 7-3
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Behind a three-hit game from Agustín Ramírez, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp came from behind to beat the Gwinnett Stripers 7-3 on Wednesday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville (70-75, 35-35) trailed Gwinnett (71-75, 36-35) 3-1 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, Ramírez