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MLB: Top 5 Shortstops in Baseball

By Benno Martens

May 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) forces out Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) forces out Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Troy Tulowitzki – Toronto Blue Jays

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, Troy Tulowitzki is off to a nightmarish start in 2016, slashing just .163/.267/.317 with an even 0.0 fWAR through his first 29 games. But a guy doesn’t own two Silver Slugger awards and two Gold Gloves for no reason, so we’re giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Tulo has hit below .280 just once in his career, and showed he can still be an impact player, hitting 17 homers and driving in 70 runs a year ago. Both of those numbers were fourth among all shortstops in MLB in 2015, though his 2.3 fWAR was the lowest he’s posted in a season playing 100 or more games since 2008.

And therein lies the biggest question: can Tulowitzki stay healthy? The 128 games he played between Colorado and Toronto in 2015 were his most since 2011, and he’s already dealt with a fractured a wrist, fractured ribs, a fractured shoulder blade, a torn quadriceps and groin surgery in his 10-year career. This year he’s been slowed by hand and hip injuries, which could be to blame to for his lack of production.

This year’s wRC+ of 61 is only half of his career average, and a strikeout rate of 27.5 percent would far surpass his highest. After struggling to the tune of a .239/.317/.380 slash line in his 41 games with Toronto after the trade last season, the biggest issue may not be injuries, but whether Tulowitzki can finally adjust to the American League. 

Next: Who comes in at No. 4?

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