Zach Neto, Bo Bichette Among Shortstop Fantasy Baseball Draft Values

We opened a couple new fantasy baseball series on Monday. We are looking at some of my favorite draft busts and steals at every position. We will go over shortstop draft steals here, then draft busts in a different article.

Yesterday we looked at outfield draft steals and draft busts.

More fantasy baseball average draft position data can be found on FantasySP. Draft Genius now has custom head-to-head scoring options and on demand AI expert help for every pick.

Geraldo Perdomo - Arizona Diamondbacks

Perdomo is the top-drafted shortstop who I have as a draft steal in 2026. He's going around pick 62 on average - he's the seventh shortstop off draft boards so far.

Perdomo was the top-scoring fantasy shortstop (using ESPN settings) in 2025. Most are expecting him to fall off in 2026, but if he's able to replicate last year, or even just regresses a bit, Perdomo should be a draft steal again.

I don't mind taking him as my only fantasy shortstop, and it wouldn't cost you a high-end pick. If you do end up taking an additional shortstop, then they could become a trade chip if Perdomo shines again.

There's not much reason to expect a huge dropoff in production for Perdomo in 2026. I'm really intrigued to see how he delivers, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Zach Neto - Los Angeles Angels 

Neto missed time in 2025, otherwise he might be going a lot earlier in fantasy drafts. He's the eighth shortstop taken so far, going around pick 78.

Neto improved for a third straight year, and upped his power, despite playing in fewer games than the season prior. If Neto improves again, he has top-end fantasy SS upside.

I don't love the team around Neto, but with a little improvement, Neto is destined for another big fantasy season in 2026. We'll see if he can indeed take a step forward.

I again would be fine taking him as a starting shortstop, and my only option. The only thing I'd be concerned about is his health, but hopefully he plays in nearly every game in 2026.

Bo Bichette - New York Mets

Bichette is a shortstop for now, but should gain third base eligibility in a hurry. He's the 10th SS off draft boards, going around pick 84 on average.

Bichette had a stellar season in 2025, but also missed time with injuries. He went from a good Blue Jays' lineup to a good Mets' lineup this offseason, so I see him having a similar fantasy season.

That added position eligibility should only add fantasy value to Bichette. I think he's a stellar pick near his ADP, and you could use him at shortstop or third base.

I expect his ADP to rise as the season nears, because right now, it's simply far too low.

CJ Abrams - Washington Nationals

Abrams turned in the best season of his career in 2025. He is SS13 and going near pick 125 right now.

Abrams might not be a high-end fantasy shortstop, but he could be a daily starter in some fashion for all fantasy teams, whether that be at shortstop, an additional infield spot or a utility spot.

I think he's worth taking near his ADP, or even several picks earlier, as I think he's going to outperform that level of pick pretty easily. He's a great second fantasy shortstop, and could push several shortstops taken before him by the end of the year.

Abrams is on an up-and-coming Nationals' roster, and while the team isn't at full form yet, I think they could surprise some in 2026. It should help Abrams to a career-best season.

Jeremy Pena - Houston Astros

Pena turned in his best results in a 125-game season in 2025. He is the 16th shortstop off draft boards this year, and is going near pick 134.

If he can replicate his numbers from last year over closer to a full 162 games, Pena will be a massive draft steal. I'm surprised he isn't going earlier in drafts, but somewhat get it since he has just one year of high-end results, and dealt with injuries last season.

Houston might not boast the best offense around, but it's good enough to make any daily starter a good fantasy asset. Pena is one of the better fantasy hitters on the team, and if hitters around him stay healthy, Pena could shine.

I think Pena has daily starting upside in fantasy leagues, so landing him late is stellar draft value. He'd be a great secondary option at shortstop, and could start daily at an additional infield or utility spot.