This is a loaded position that got more so with the announcement that Manny Machado will move back to shortstop this season, in an attempt by the Orioles to increase his trade value. Machado will be a free agent at the end of the year and the Orioles will try to get maximum return for him at the trade deadline.

Speaking of free agency, this could probably be the final year of Elvis Andrus in a Rangers uniform. He can opt out after this season and chances are almost 100 percent that, with Scott Boras as his agent, he will.

When Elvis signed his deal, it seemed to be a smart, club-friendly deal. But then it looked disastrous because Andrus stagnated in his progression. He finally turned it around in 2016, and had a career year offensively in 2017. Suddenly, his $15 million a year is chump change compared to other shortstops. If he has a big 2018, he will look around for better offers.

Good thing for the Rangers, there aren’t a whole lot of teams looking for shortstops. And Manny Machado will be more valued than Elvis Andrus.

Here are my top ten shortstops heading into 2018.