Even just a cursory glance at the fantasy baseball player rankings, you can see how the shortstop position remains one of fantasy baseball’s deepest and most dynamic in 2026. It is loaded with elite options at the top and intriguing values deeper into drafts. While stars like Bobby Witt, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson command early-round attention, there are plenty of solid choices further down the fantasy baseball ADP boards who offer a compelling mix of proven production, raw power, or explosive upside, making them targets for managers seeking middle-infield depth or league-winning steals. 

 

 

Geraldo Perdomo -- Looking for Another 20-20 Campaign

Perdomo’s 2025 campaign was a revelation. The switch-hitter posted a .290/.389/.462 slash with 20 home runs, 98 runs, 100 RBI, and 27 stolen bases while staying healthy for a full season—his first time exceeding 500 plate appearances. That breakout vaulted him into the top-12 overall in many roto formats and made him a consensus top-10 shortstop.

For 2026, expectations are more measured but still positive. Projection systems like ours, Steamer and ATC forecast regression in the power department (12-15 HR) due to modest underlying metrics like barrel rate and hard-hit percentage. However, the contact skills, plate discipline, and speed should largely stick. Perdomo is projected for a .260-.270 average, 85-90 runs, 60-70 RBI, and close to 20 steals, with the lineup around him in Arizona providing solid run-producing opportunities.

At an overall ADP of 65-70, Perdomo represents excellent mid-round value. He’s going roughly as the 10th shortstop off the board, often in the 5th-6th round of 12-team leagues. That price accounts for some skepticism about repeating the 20-HR outburst, but even a modest step back keeps him as a reliable five-category contributor. Drafters who faded him last year missed out; this year, he’s a smart anchor for the middle infield or utility spot, especially in roto formats where steals and average matter.

 

 

Colson Montgomery – Blossoming Power

Montgomery exploded onto the scene in the second half of 2025 after a slow start in Triple-A. The 24-year-old lefty slugger slashed .239 with 21 home runs in just 284 plate appearances, showcasing elite bat speed (77 mph), a 14.5-percent barrel rate, and pull-side power that translated immediately to the majors. Strikeout issues (~30-percent) and a low batting average capped his overall impact, but the raw thump was undeniable.

Heading into 2026, Montgomery profiles as a classic high-risk, high-reward power bat. The White Sox have upgraded the lineup with additions like Munetaka Murakami and Austin Hays, which should boost his run and RBI totals. Our fantasy baseball projections point to 20-plus home runs, but with the expectations for a rough season by the Whitte Sox, it’s difficult to project more than 50-plus RBI, and 60-ish runs in a full season. The average may linger in the .230-.240 range with limited speed (2-4 SB). Multi-position eligibility (SS/3B on most platforms) adds significant flexibility.

At an ADP of 185-190 overall, Montgomery is a late-round steal for power-needy teams. He’s typically available in rounds 15-17, well after the position’s top tier dries up. In deeper leagues or those prioritizing home runs and RBI, he’s a strong target who could return first-round value if he trims the strikeouts even slightly. The floor is shaky due to contact woes, but the ceiling makes him one of the most exciting “on the rise” plays at the position.

 

 

Konnor Griffin – NL ROY Favorite

The top prospect in baseball entering 2026, Griffin torched minor-league pitching in his 2025 professional debut. The 19-year-old (turns 20 in late April) slashed a combined .333/.415/.527 across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A, with 21 home runs, 65 stolen bases, and elite athleticism in 122 games. Standing 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he possesses legitimate five-tool potential and led qualified minor-league hitters in wRC+.

Pirates manager Don Kelly has tempered Opening Day expectations, noting Griffin’s limited Double-A reps, so a Triple-A start in Indianapolis is likely. Still, with his advanced approach and tools, a mid-season call-up is very much on the table, potentially making him one of the youngest everyday shortstops in recent memory. Of course, that will also require GM Ben Cherington having the stones to put the current season ahead of the impending free agency clock. Early 2026 expectations are modest major-league production if he debuts, but the long-term upside is superstar caliber: 20+ HR and 30+ SB seasons with a solid average and plus defense.

Griffin’s ADP of 215-220 reflects his speculative nature—he’s a stash candidate more than a Week 1 starter in most redraft leagues. Available in rounds 18+, he’s a high-upside lottery ticket for those with bench space or in keeper formats. His ADP has been rising through February as spring training buzz builds, and a strong camp could push him even higher. In dynasty or deeper leagues, he’s a must-draft; in standard 12-teamers, he’s the ultimate late-round flier with massive breakout potential.

Draft Strategy Takeaways

These three shortstops highlight different paths to fantasy success in 2026. Perdomo provides proven, relatively safe production at a fair mid-round price. Montgomery delivers power at a discount with multi-eligibility upside. Griffin represents the ultimate ceiling play for patient managers willing to wait on prospect development.

Together, they illustrate why shortstop remains a position of opportunity: you can build around elite early picks or mix-and-match these rising options for cost-effective depth. Target Perdomo as your primary SS, then pair him with one of the latter two for maximum roster flexibility. With the 2026 season approaching, these are three names whose ADPs are trending up for good reason—smart drafters will take notice before the values evaporate.