MLB Shortstops Post Worst .244 Average Since 1975 as Teams Turn to Rookies
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 18
MLB Shortstops Post Worst .244 Average Since 1975 as Teams Turn to Rookies
1 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 18
Summary
A wave of clubs has already changed shortstops, with Washington shifting C.J. Abrams to second base and teams such as the Yankees, Mariners, Twins and Brewers moving to younger options.
A .244 league batting average and 95 OPS+ make shortstop baseball’s second-least productive position behind catcher, underscoring how sharply the spot has declined this season.
Zero qualified shortstops age 30 or older own an above-average OPS+ of 100, only the third such season in 25 years after 2013 and 2019.
Injuries and regression have hit nearly every veteran regular, from Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts to Francisco Lindor, Trea Turner and Trevor Story.
Contenders including the Yankees, Braves, Tigers and Brewers are now leaning on rookie shortstops down the stretch, reinforcing a broader shift toward youth at a faster, more demanding position.