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Atlanta Braves positional previews vs. NL East: shortstop

By Jonathan Magel

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a team workout at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a team workout at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Didi Gregorius #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Didi Gregorius #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Philadelphia Phillies

This was the tough team to gauge considering how their projected starting shortstop, Didi Gregorius is coming off of Tommy John surgery. It’s hard to grade how good he’ll be after missing most of 2019 and even when he was healthy his performance was sub-standard.

However, considering the Phillies carry two of the three best shortstops in the Division with Jean Segura and Didi, I thought that second was the place for them.

In 2019 Didi only played 82 games and batted .238/.276/.441 with 16 home runs. His average was very weak but 16 home runs in essentially half the season is impressive at the shortstop position.

His last full year in 2018 he batted .268/.335/.494 on 27 home runs. Overall may not have the best average numbers but his slugging numbers more than makeup for it.

He grades out as a good defensive player and will handle the position nicely for the Phillies.

The steamer projects Didi Gregorius to bat .259/.308/.451 with 23 home runs and a WAR of 2.1.

It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to not seeing pitching for some time and if his defensive metrics will change at all coming off of the surgery and having a more-or-less normal off-season (until now).

1. Washington Nationals

For the second through fifth rankings, I’d be okay with any order based on your personal shortstop preferences but there is a clear number one. Trea Turner is simply the best shortstop in the NL East.

In 2019, Trea batted .298/.353/.497 with 19 home runs and 35 stolen bases. His offensive ability is unmatched placing stress on the opposing team.

His speed is a threat regardless of whether he’s in the box or on the base paths. Defensively however he doesn’t grade out the best but his athleticism allows him to provide good enough defense considering his offensive prowess.

Steamer projects .291/.354/.472 with 22 home runs with 39 stolen bases. That provides a WAR of 4.1 which is a jump from 2.4 in 2019.

At only 26 years of age, I would say the Nationals have found a franchise shortstop whose best years may still be ahead of him. Unless the other young guys make strides I’d predict he stays atop this list for years to come.

With Trea Turner’s ability to affect all aspects of the game he comes in ranked as the number one shortstop in the NL East.

dark. Next. Third Base Preview

I’d love to hear your guys rankings and what you value most out of a starting shortstop.

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