Shortstop has lost some of its shine, and the league’s veterans at the position are feeling it.
The Nationals made the latest move last week, shifting C.J. Abrams to second base and giving Nasim Nunez the shortstop job because of Abrams’ defensive issues there.
That change fits a broader trend around the game: the Yankees have moved off Anthony Volpe and Jose Cabellero to make room for George Lombard Jr., the Mariners have moved off J.P. Crawford, the Twins have moved off Brooks Lee and the Brewers have moved off Joey Ortiz.
Add in injuries, age and a surprising amount of regression from some longtime fixtures at the position, and shortstop is in the middle of a real turnover.
The numbers tell the story. Last season, there were eight 30-something shortstops who turned in good years. This season has looked very different, and the downturn has only sharpened with off years from Corey Seager, 32, of Texas, Willy Adames, 30, of San Francisco, and Gunnar Henderson, 25, of Baltimore.
That’s part of why several teams are willing to lean on rookies at a spot that used to be treated with extra caution. The Yankees with Lombard Jr., the Braves with Jim Jarvis, the Tigers with Kevin McGonigle and the Brewers with Cooper Pratt, when healthy, are all in that lane down the stretch.
The Mariners tried it before Colt Emerson landed on the IL, and the Nationals may still do it with Seaver King. The Red Sox may also turn to Franklin Arias.
It’s not as reckless as it sounds. The game has been here before, with young shortstops stepping in and taking hold - Kevin Elster with the 1986 Mets, Brandon Crawford with the 2011 Giants, Andrelton Simmons with the 2012 Braves, Carlos Correa with the 2015 Astros and Seager with the 2015 Dodgers among them.
The bigger point is simple: you do not sit on talent at a premium position.
Shortstop has long been the youngest spot on the field because it demands range, athleticism and a glove-first mindset. But as the game keeps speeding up, youth is beating experience more often than not. For middle infielders, long-term deals into their 30s have never looked shakier.
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