Shortstop is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of baseball. It takes quick feet, lightning-fast reflexes, and a rocket arm to hold it down—and the greats have all of that and more.
Over the years, some shortstops have raised the bar with their raw athleticism, making jaw-dropping plays look routine and turning impossible outs into highlight reels. From defensive wizards to speedsters and pure physical specimens, here are the 15 most athletic shortstops to ever play the game.
15. Jose Reyes
Reyes played the game at full speed all the time, whether it was stretching singles or flashing leather up the middle. His quick-twitch speed and explosive energy made him one of the most electrifying players of his era.
14. Troy Tulowitzki
When healthy, Tulo was the total package—big, strong, agile, and able to make any play on the diamond. He had the rare ability to blend power with graceful defense.
13. Garry Templeton
Templeton was smooth as silk in the field and had wheels to burn on the bases. He made playing shortstop look easy with his fluid range and natural athleticism.
12. Francisco Lindor
Lindor combines elite footwork with an acrobatic flair that makes him must-see TV. Whether he’s ranging deep in the hole or skying for a leaping grab, his athletic gifts are always on display.
11. Alan Trammell
Trammell had that classic blend of agility, consistency, and coordination that made him a staple at short for two decades. He wasn’t flashy, but he was a rock-solid athlete who could do it all.
10. Elvis Andrus
Andrus brought speed, hops, and highlight-reel range to every game. He could cover insane ground and still have enough balance to make strong throws from any angle.
9. Barry Larkin
Larkin had the wheels, the glove, and the smarts to make every athletic play look easy. He glided across the field with the confidence of someone who knew they could make every throw.
8. Javier Báez
El Mago plays the position like a showman with superhero reflexes. His tags, throws, and improvisations are all powered by next-level coordination and athleticism.
7. Hanley Ramirez
At his peak, Hanley was a freakish athlete who made shortstop look like a power position. He had the range, the arm, and the burst to dominate defensively while stealing bags and crushing baseballs.
6. Ozzie Smith
The Wizard’s flips weren’t just for show—he had the springy legs, quick feet, and elite flexibility to cover shortstop like a gymnast. His glove and footwork were second to none.
5. Carlos Correa
Correa is a big, strong shortstop who moves like a much smaller man. His length allows him to make rangy plays most guys wouldn’t even attempt, and he still has the speed and arm to finish the job.
4. Derek Jeter
Say what you want about the metrics, but Jeter’s athletic instincts and body control in big moments were elite. His signature jump throws and headfirst dives speak for themselves.
3. Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis brings a rare blend of size, speed, and electricity to the position. He plays shortstop like he’s in a video game, with highlight plays that bend reality.
Read More: The 15 Best MLB Shortstops Playing Now, Ranked
2. Alex Rodriguez
Before moving to third, A-Rod was a towering athlete at shortstop who could do everything. His combination of power, speed, and arm strength was basically unfair.
Read More: 10 MLB Shortstops Who Were Defensive Assassins
1. Bo Jackson
Yes, Bo briefly played shortstop in the minors and early in his career, and if we’re talking pure athleticism, no one tops him. He had NFL-caliber speed, Herculean strength, and once made throws that looked like CGI before CGI was a thing.
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