Best Baseball Players of 2025

• Shohei Ohtani
• Aaron Judge
• Bobby Witt Jr.
• Juan Soto
• Mookie Betts
• Francisco Lindor
• Yordan Alvarez
• Freddie Freeman
• José Ramírez
• Gunnar Henderson

Baseball is often dubbed “America’s Pastime” and has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the United States since its origins in the 19th century. From sandlots to sold-out stadiums and huge TV audiences, the sport’s rich history has evolved through eras defined by power pitching and exploding hitting to today’s analytics-driven phenomenon.

While it began in the United States, its popularity today spans continents, with the game’s stars originating in Japan, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Europe. Today, the MLB is home to players from 25 countries from across the globe. 

In this guide, we’ll look at the best of the best in Baseball players. Ranking its legends is a thrilling yet contentious endeavor. In bars, clubs, and sports betting venues up and down the country, fans will disagree about the Top 10 players, but below, we’ve tried to balance styles, metrics, and fun to determine the game’s modern-day legends.

We’ve examined a range of factors, such as championships, longevity, record-shattering achievements, and cultural influence. From Shohei Ohtani’s mind-bending brilliance to Juan Soto’s swagger, these athletes embody baseball in 2025.

Current Top 10 Baseball Players

1. Shohei Ohtani

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Shohei Ohtani is a transcendent figure in baseball, redefining what it means to be a two-way player in the modern era. Born in 1994 in Japan, Ohtani has become the most famous Japanese player since Ichiro Suzuki, becoming a global sensation blending elite-level pitching with explosive hitting abilities.

Ohtani began his career, typically as a player in Japan, in the ruthless high-school baseball environment. Playing at Hanamaki Higashi High School, he hit a Japanese record 99 mph fastball at the Summer Koshien, the premier high school baseball championship in 2012.

He was picked up by the Japanese majors, competing in Nippon Professional Baseball for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he won the 2016 Japan Series and earned the MVP award. He arrived stateside in 2018, signing with the Los Angeles Angels, and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league, becoming the first player to record over 100 strikeouts and RBIs in the same season and winning his first unanimous AL MVP. A year later, he hit 44 home runs and maintained a 3.14 ERA as a pitcher.

In 2024, Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base season. He led the Dodgers to a World Series title and earned his third unanimous MVP. Ohtani’s unprecedented versatility, power, and speed have cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest, inspiring a new generation of players to dream beyond traditional roles.

2. Aaron Judge

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Aaron “All Rise” Judge is a baseball player for the New York Yankees known for his towering home runs and commanding presence. A 6’ 7”, 282 lb physical marvel, Judge combines size, power, and athleticism to dominate the American League since his arrival to the Yankees in 2013.

Judge’s college career could have seen him play football. The Sacramento native was recruited by Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA to play tight-end, but he chose baseball at Fresno State University. In his 2011 season, his Bulldogs team shared the Western Athletic Conference title and played in the College World Series before he was named a freshman All-American.

After initially being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st Round of the 2010 MLB Draft, he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He made his professional debut with the Charleston RiverDogs in 2014 in Class A, earning a .333 batting average, .428 OBP, .530 SLG, and nine home runs.

In 2017, his career trajectory changed as he burst onto the scene in 2017, winning AL Rookie of the Year unanimously after hitting 52 home runs, a rookie record. His 2022 season was historic, as he smashed 62 home runs, breaking Roger Maris’s 61-year-old AL single-season record and earning him his first AL MVP award.

Known for his clutch performances, Judge has delivered numerous walk-off hits and memorable postseason moments, including leading the Yankees to their first World Series appearance in 15 years in 2024.

3. Bobby Witt Jr.

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Bobby Witt Jr is a shortstop for the Kansas City Royals, who, despite being a relative newcomer, has established himself as one of the game’s most electrifying talents since his 2022 MLB debut. Witt was considered a prodigy in high-school baseball, winning the National Player of the Year in 2019 before being drafted second overall in the MLB Draft by the Royals.

Witt is characterized by a rare combination of power and speed, becoming only the second shortstop in MLB history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2023 and 2024. Witt had an outstanding 2023, registering 30 home runs, 10 triples, and 45 stolen bases. The next year, he cemented his status with his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and finished second in the AL MVP voting. Witt also led the Royals to its first postseason appearances in nearly a decade.

Known for his blazing speed, elite defense, and clutch hitting, Witt’s style of play has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. The Texan was rewarded for outstanding performances over the previous two years with an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension. With the world at his feet, Witt seems set to continue securing his status over the next decade.

4. Juan Soto

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New York Mets Dominican outfielder Juan Soto is a four-time All-Star and five time Silver Slugger winner who remains one of the most exciting and dynamic players in all of professional baseball. Soto signed for the Washington Nationals in 2015, and played in the minor leagues until 2018 when he made his debut, becoming the youngest player in the league at just 19 years old.

Soto’s rookie season was historic, setting multiple teenage records, including 79 walks and a .406 OBP. His defining moment came as he led the Nationals to its first-ever World Series title, earning the Babe Ruth award for his postseason heroics. Soto moved from the Nationals to the San Diego Padres in 2022, facing the Nationals just ten days after being traded. He received a 45-second-long standing ovation from the crowd upon his return. Soto took his new team to the National League Championship Series in his first season.

Soto’s playing style is marked by his legendary “Soto Shuffle,” designed to intimidate pitchers, and his two-strike approach, which allows him to drive the ball deep into the outfield. Soto constantly ranks among the league leaders in OBP, walks, and home runs.

In 2024, Soto was traded to the New York Yankees on a one-year, $31 million contract, leading his team alongside fellow star Aaron Judge to the World Series, the Yankee’s first since 2009. Following the series, he became a free agent and signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with crosstown rivals New York Mets, the largest contract in professional sports history.

5. Mookie Betts

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Mookie Betts is one of his generation’s most dynamic and versatile players, becoming a Los Angeles Dodgers legend in the process. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Betts has excelled in various positions in his career, playing outfield, second baseman, and shortstop for the Dodgers following a stellar six-season tenure with the Boston Red Sox.

A three-time world champion, winning in 2018, 2020, and 2024, Betts is an eight-time All-Star and has won seven Silver Slugger Awards and six Gold Glove Awards. He showcases a rare combination of offensive prowess and defensive steel. His 2018 season, ending in a World Series triumph with the Red Sox, was historic, as Betts became the first player to win the MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, battle title, and world championship in the same year.

Betts is known for his speed, power, and high baseball IQ. A leadoff hitter with an outstanding knack for getting on base, he constantly confounds statisticians and ranks among the league leaders in runs scored, home runs, and stolen bases. His clutch performances in postseason play have cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.

6. Francisco Lindor

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Affectionately known as Mr Smile for his infectious grin, Francisco Lindor is a shortstop for the New York Mets. Born in Puerto Rico, Lindor rose to prominence with the Cleveland Guardians before becoming a cornerstone for the Mets after joining the team in 2021. A switch-hitter with elite defensive skills, Lindor has consistently dazzled fans with his power, speed, and glove work.

Success has followed Lindor throughout his career, including in 2016 when he led the Guardians to the World Series with a string of clutch performances. In 2023, he joined the 30-30 club, collecting 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season.  His defensive prowess, marked by incredible range and a strong arm, has redefined the shortstop position. Offensively, Lindor’s ability to hit for average and power from both sides of the plate makes him a constant threat.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Lindor’s infectious personality and leadership have made him a fan favorite. He has become a legend in his home, Puerto Rico, and has represented his country in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic. For the 2023 season, he was named team captain after a vote from his fellow players. 

7. Yordan Alvarez

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Yordan Alvarez, known as Air Yordan, is a towering figure in baseball metaphorically and physically. He represents his native Cuba with honor and stands at an imposing 6’ 5”. Alvarez defected from Cuba in 2016 and joined the Houston Astros after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Known for his clutch hitting and thunderous power from home plate, Alvarez made an immediate impact upon joining the Astros in 2019, earning the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year with a .655 slugging percentage. He’s shown an ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, including his 2021 ALCS MVP performance and walk-off home run in the 2022 ALDS.

Alvarez’s style of play is marked by his left-handed power swing, which has produced multiple 30-home run seasons, and his ability to hit for average, making him one of the most feared hitters in the game. Alvarez secured his first World Series ring in 2022 and looks set to acquire more as his career develops.

8. Freddie Freeman

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Canadian-American first baseman Freddie Freeman has earned plaudits throughout his career with the Atlanta Braves and, since 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his powerful swing and unorthodox batting stance, Freeman has earned numerous accolades, including eight MLB All-Star selections, two World Series championships (2021, 2024), and the 2020 National League MVP award.

His defining moments include a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, setting a record for consecutive World Series games with a home run, and becoming the first player to homer in the first four games of a World Series. Freeman’s career highlights include three Silver Slugger Awards, a Gold Glove, and the 2024 World Series MVP.

Freeman’s style of play is marked by his exceptional hand-eye coordination, ability to adjust to pitchers, and consistent line-drive hitting. He is also known for his defensive prowess, leading the league in fielding percentage multiple times. Off the field, Freeman’s leadership and sportsmanship have earned him high praise from managers and teammates alike.

9. José Ramírez

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José Ramírez, known as “J-Ram,” is one of pro baseball’s most impressive and versatile players. Ramírez rose from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians. Since his MLB debut in 2013, he has established himself as a six-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a three-time All-MLB Team selectee.

Ramírez led the Guardians to the 2016 World Series, hitting .310 to guide Cleveland to its sixth AL Pennant. Despite losing the World Series in 2016, he continued to improve, and in 2018, he joined the 30-30 club with 39 home runs and 34 stolen bases.

Ramírez is known for his exceptional bat control, power-speed combination, and defensive versatility, having played multiple positions at an elite level. His 56 doubles in 2017 tied for the 19th-most in a single season in MLB history.

10. Gunnar Henderson

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Texan infielder Gunnar Henderson has quickly risen to prominence as one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting young talents. Henderson made his MLB debut in 2022 for the Baltimore Orioles and has become a cornerstone of the franchise. His breakout season in 2023 saw him earn a unanimous American League Rookie of the Year honor and a Silver Slugger Award.

Known for his explosive power, Henderson made history by hitting the longest home run onto Eutaw Street at Camden Yards, a 462-foot blast, and showcased his clutch hitting during the Orioles’ playoff run.

Henderson’s style of play is defined by his rare combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility. He excels at both shortstop and third base. His athleticism, honed through a standout high school career in baseball and basketball, translates seamlessly to the diamond.

By 2024, he was already an All-Star and a contender in the Home Run Derby, further cementing his status as a fan favorite and a rising star. Henderson’s impact on the Orioles and the sport has been huge for Baltimore. At just 23, his legacy is still being written, but his early achievements suggest a future Hall of Fame trajectory.

The Best in the Dugout

Each player listed above embodies the skill of America’s Pastime as it progresses into a new era of unprecedented versatility. From Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance to Gunnar Henderson’s unique blend of power, speed, and defensive acumen, with a helpful sprinkle of the Soto Shuffle, modern baseball players transcend the traditional roles expected of the sport.

Baseball in the 21st century prioritizes hybrid talents, like sluggers with speed, pitchers who can hit, and defenders with offensive firepower, and they hail from a growing number of countries around the world. Gone are the days of players from America’s heartland dominating the rosters. Today, players from Cuba, Dominica, and Japan show baseball’s global reach.

Record-breaking contracts, analytics-driven strategies, and a focus on clutch performance underscore a game that rewards innovation, diversity, and adaptability, cementing today’s stars as pioneers of a dynamic, boundary-pushing era.