Being a fan, it’s hard to rank the best baseball players of all time, especially, when every year a new player jumps onto the list and a few of my favorite heroes fall behind.
But a coach has to be neutral always, determined by facts, statistics, and impact on the game!
That’s what I’ve planned to do when ranking the greatest baseball players in this list.
It covers more than 100 years of baseball history to go through scores, records, awards, and impacts of every potential MLB player, including Cy Young, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and the list goes on.
I’ve also added a summary of the top baseball players of this year separately.
Best Baseball Players of All Time – At a Glance
Here are the top 25 baseball players of all time listed in the table with their MLB team names:
| Sl. | Player | Nickname | Teams Played For |
| 1 | Babe Ruth | The Sultan of Swat | Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves |
| 2 | Willie Mays | The Say Hey Kid | New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets |
| 3 | Hank Aaron | Hammer | Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers |
| 4 | Ty Cobb | The Georgia Peach | Detroit Tigers |
| 5 | Ted Williams | The Kid | Boston Red Sox |
| 6 | Lou Gehrig | The Iron Horse | New York Yankees |
| 7 | Mickey Mantle | The Last Boy | New York Yankees |
| 8 | Barry Bonds | The Home Run Kid | Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants |
| 9 | Walter Johnson | The Big Train | Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians |
| 10 | Stan Musial | Stan The Man | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 11 | Pedro Martinez | Greatest Pitcher of All Time | Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies |
| 12 | Honus Wagner | The Flying Dutchman | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 13 | Ken Griffey Jr. | God’s Gift | Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds |
| 14 | Greg Maddux | Mad Dog, The Professor | Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres |
| 15 | Mike Trout | God’s Gift | Los Angeles Angels |
| 16 | Joe DiMaggio | Yankee Clipper | New York Yankees |
| 17 | Roger Clemens | Rocket | Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros |
| 18 | Mike Schmidt | Greatest 3rd Baseman | Philadelphia Phillies |
| 19 | Frank Robinson | The Judge | Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians |
| 20 | Rogers Hornsby | The Rajah | St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, Boston Braves, Chicago Cubs |
| 21 | Cy Young | Denton True Young, Cyclone | Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Americans/Red Sox, Cleveland Naps/Naps, Boston Rustlers/Beaneaters, Cleveland Indians |
| 22 | Tom Seaver | Tom Terrific | New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox |
| 23 | Rickey Henderson | Man Of Steel | Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 24 | Randy Johnson | The Big Unit | Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants |
| 25 | Christy Mathewson | Big Six | New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds |
1. Babe Ruth: “The Sultan of Swat”
Babe Ruth, originally named George Herman Ruth Jr., was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He became one of the most famous baseball players of all time, known for his exceptional abilities both as a hitter and a pitcher.
Ruth’s career spanned 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1914 to 1935, during which he played for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Braves.
His extraordinary performance on the field and his larger-than-life personality off the field earned him the nickname “The Sultan of Swat” “Behemoth of Bust” and the “Great Bambino.”
Babe Ruth’s achievements are monumental. He held several records in baseball with a significant impact on American sports history.
Babe Ruth’s Career Statistics
Babe Ruth’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 7x World Series Champion | 1915, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 32 |
| Hall of Fame | 1936 |
| All-Star Games | 1933, 34 |
| MVP | 1923 |
2. Willie Mays: “The Say Hey Kid”
Willie Mays is often hailed as one of the greatest black baseball players in the history of the sport.
This guy is a baseball legend, not just because he shares the same birthday as my favorite actor, George Clooney (May 6th, a glorious day indeed!)
He played for the Giants and later, the Mets, during his professional career, leaving behind an impressive record of achievements.
What set Willie apart was his talent both at batting and fielding. This guy could hit a baseball like nobody’s business. He could send balls flying out of the park.
When it comes to catching fly balls, Willie had this ability to make impossible catches look effortless.
He could steal bases, like a magician seemingly teleporting from one base to another in an instant.
Willie Mays was rightfully acknowledged in 1979 for his contributions to the world of baseball. He was also recognized as “Major League Player of the Year.”
His induction into the Hall of Fame solidified his place among the sports figures. Let me tell you he truly deserved it.
Willie Mays Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 156.1 |
| AB | 10,924 |
| H | 3,293 |
| HR | 660 |
| BA | .301 |
| R | 2,068 |
| RBI | 1,909 |
| SB | 339 |
| OBP | .384 |
| SLG | .557 |
| OPS | .940 |
Willie Mays Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| World Series | 1954 |
| Hall of Fame | 1979 |
| 24x All-Star Games | 1954-72 |
| 2x MVP | 1954, 66 |
| 12x Gold Glove | 1957-68 |
3. Hank Aaron: “Hammer”
Hank Aaron, who is often known as “Hammerin Hank” is undeniably one of the best baseball players in history. His remarkable career spanned across the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball.
Why do I believe he belongs among the pantheon of baseball legends? Well, it’s quite simple. Hank achieved 755 home runs surpassing Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record.
Imagine hitting a home run every time you stepped up to the plate for 23 seasons! That’s truly remarkable, isn’t it?
Hank consistently maintained a batting average of over .305 year after year despite facing some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. This solidifies his status as a legend.
Hank Aaron Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 143.0 |
| AB | 12364 |
| H | 3771 |
| HR | 755 |
| BA | .305 |
| R | 2174 |
| RBI | 2297 |
| SB | 240 |
| OBP | .374 |
| SLG | .555 |
| OPS | .928 |
Hank Aaron’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| MVP | 1957 |
| Hall of Fame | 1982 |
| 25x All-Star | 1955–75 |
| 3x Gold Glove Award | 1958–60 |
| 2x NBatting Champion | 1956, 59 (National League) |
| 4x NL Home Run Leader | 1957, 63, 66, 67 |
| 4x NL RBI Leader | 1957, 60, 63, 66 |
4. Ty Cobb: “The Georgia Peach”
Ty Cobb, arguably the greatest baseball player of all time, was born on December 18, 1886, in Narrows, Georgia.
He played as a centerfielder for 24 years and achieved numerous successes throughout his career.
Cobb’s lifetime batting average is considered one of his best accomplishments; with an astounding .366.
He was known for his elite skills and for making historic progressions in the league. At a young age, he caused the first players’ strike in baseball.
He refused to play until he received a higher pay rate from Frank Navin, the owner of the Detroit Tigers. This event is often called “The Ty Cobb Revolt.”
Cobb ran off 12 consecutive batting titles that still stand unmatched today. He achieved so much that he retired in 1957 with 30 records. No one could surpass him, which made him an immortal in baseball.
Ty Cobb Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 151.5 |
| AB | 11440 |
| H | 4189 |
| HR | 117 |
| BA | .366 |
| R | 2245 |
| RBI | 1944 |
| SB | 897 |
| OBP | .433 |
| SLG | .512 |
| OPS | .944 |
Ty Cobb’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| MVP | 1911 |
| Hall of Fame | 1936 |
| Triple Crown | 1909 |
| 12x Batting Title | 1907 to 1915 |
5. Ted Williams: “The Kid”
The Splendid Splinter or William was an absolute legend on the field. What should I praise? His stats actually speak for himself. Just take a look at his lifetime batting average of .344! That’s not easy.
Well, there’s more! He also managed to win not just one, but 2 Triple Crowns!
He pocketed 3 baseball awards in a single season too – hitting a home run, stealing a base, and making a diving catch all in one game – a true example of an all-around player.
And baseball fans can’t forget the magical year of 1941. In this season, Williams became the last player to have a batting average above .406.
Without these, he also got 2 Most Valuable Player Awards, 6 American League Batting Titles, and 19 All-Star appearances.
I mean, this guy was practically collecting awards like baseball cards!
Unfortunately, Ted had to take a break from baseball because of World War II. He served his country for almost 5 full seasons.
And even with that interruption, he still managed to leave his mark on the sport. That’s what makes him one of the best baseball players in the history of baseball.
Ted Williams Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 121.8 |
| AB | 7706 |
| H | 2654 |
| HR | 521 |
| BA | .344 |
| R | 1798 |
| RBI | 1839 |
| SB | 24 |
Ted Williams Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 2x MVP | 1946, 1949 |
| Hall of Fame | 1966 |
| 2x Triple Crown | 1942, 1947 |
| 6x Batting Title | 1941, 42, 47, 48, 57, 58 |
| 19x All-Star | 1940-42, 1946-51, 1953-60 |
6. Lou Gehrig: “The Iron Horse”
Considering the early 20s to the end of the 30s era, Lou Gehrig did a remarkable job in baseball to recall him forever.
Throughout his career, he consistently proved himself with exceptional batting skills, with multiple league-leading batting averages and finishing with a remarkable OPS.
His record-setting streak of 2,130 consecutive games, significantly contributed to the New York Yankees’ success year after year.
For instance, Gehrig played a crucial role in the Yankees’ 6 World Series championships. His strong performances in those high-pressure games helped lead the team to victory.
Among these, I admire him for his humble and gracious nature which I learned after reading Lou Gehrig’s biography.
Sadly, his career was cut short by the debilitating disease.!
Lou Gehrig Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 113.8 |
| AB | 8001 |
| H | 2721 |
| HR | 493 |
| BA | .340 |
| R | 1888 |
| RBI | 1995 |
| SB | 102 |
| OBP | .447 |
| SLG | .632 |
| OPS | 1.080 |
Lou Gehrig’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 2x MVP | 1927 |
| Hall of Fame | 1939 |
| Triple Crown | 1934 |
| Batting Title | 934 |
| 7x All-Star | 1933-39 |
| 7x World Series | 1927-28, 1932, 1936-38 |
7. Mickey Mantle: The Last Boy
Mickey Mantle, the iconic New York Yankee who reigned from 1951 to 1968, is truly one of baseball’s greats.
To get an idea about his fame, the cost of Mickey Mantle Topps’s baseball card is around $12.6 million.
Though he couldn’t reach the 700 home run club, yet, hit a whopping 536 home runs and won three MVP awards throughout his career.
He also achieved one of baseball’s most storied accomplishments – winning 7 World Series titles.
Furthermore, Mantle was recognized with 20 All-Star selections in that span.
For me, what makes him an undefeatable baseball player is his performance as a switch hitter alone.
He posted a .421 on-base percentage. And that’s set an all-time record for switch hitters that stands today nearly 60 years later.
Mickey Mantle Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 110.2 |
| AB | 8102 |
| H | 2415 |
| HR | 536 |
| BA | .298 |
| R | 1676 |
| RBI | 1509 |
| SB | 153 |
| OBP | .421 |
| SLG | .557 |
| OPS | .977 |
Mickey Mantle’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x MVP | 1956, 57, 62 |
| Hall of Fame | 1974 |
| Triple Crown | 1956 |
| Batting Title | 1956 |
| 20x All-Star | 1952-65, 67, 68 |
| 7x World Series | 1951-53, 56, 58, 61-62 |
| Gold Glove | 1962 |
8. Barry Bonds: The Home Run Kid!
With 762 home runs, Barry Bonds showed the world that he was downright unstoppable. He made hitting home runs like a walk in the park.
Legendary players like Hank Aaron considered Barry as the greatest. That’s like being the arch-nemesis of Batman.
8 Gold Glove Awards, 12 Silver Slugger Awards, and 7 MVP titles – those are just casual additions to his trophy cabinet.
And you can’t overlook his 1992 MVP award, it was really special!
Barry retired in 2007, leaving behind a legacy for his fans and next-gen baseball players.
So, here’s to you, Barry Bonds, the Home Run Kid, and one of the best baseball players. Cheers! 🍻
.
Barry Bonds Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 162.8 |
| AB | 9847 |
| H | 2935 |
| HR | 762 |
| BA | .298 |
| R | 2227 |
| RBI | 1996 |
| SB | 514 |
| OBP | .444 |
| SLG | .607 |
| OPS | 1.051 |
Barry Bonds’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 7x MVP | 1990, 92-93, 2001-04 |
| HR Derby Champ | 1996 |
| 2x Batting Title | 2002-04 |
| 14x All-Star | 1990, 92-98, 2000-04, 07 |
| 8x Gold Glove | 1990-94, 96-98 |
| 12x Silver Slugger | 1990-94, 96, 97, 2000-04 |
9. Walter Johnson: Barney – “The Big Train”
Walter Johnson was an MLB baseball pitcher who entered the Hall of Fame in 1936. Nicknamed “Barney” and “The Big Train”, he has cemented his name as one of the greatest pitchers throughout history.
Born on November 6, 1887, Walter came up with the Washington Senators and proceeded to become a sensation from 1907 onwards.
He had 10 full seasons with sub-2 ERA marks, completed 531 of 666 starts, and won 417 games with 20 losses or less per season numbered among them for six consecutive years.
“His record 110 shutouts have been bettered only by Cy Young who played many more seasons than him.”
Johnson’s career achievements include:
- Winning 2 MVP trophies in 1913 and 1924
- Making it to the World Series in 1924
- 453 complete game mark stands high even amongst modern-day players
- 24-inning scoreless streak sets record
- 12 strikeout titles
Johnson ended his playing career at age 47 after setting several records between 1907 – 1927 that still stand strong today!
Walter Johnson Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 165.1 |
| W | 417 |
| L | 279 |
| ERA | 2.17 |
| G | 802 |
| GS | 666 |
| SV | 34 |
| IP | 5914.1 |
| SO | 3509 |
Walter Johnson’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 2x MVP | 1913, 24 |
| Hall of Fame | 1936 |
| 3x Triple Crown | 1913, 18, 24 |
| World Series | 1924 |
| 5x ERA Title | 1912-13, 1918-19, 24 |
10. Stan Musial: “Stan The Man”
Musial was mainly known for his impeccable play during an impressive 22-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Primarily a left fielder and first baseman, “Stan The Man” compiled numerous awards and records before retiring after the 1963 season.
Along with 3 MVP awards, he led the National League or tied five times in categories such as hits (7), runs scored (5), and total bases (6).
Awards-wise, Stan Musial received 24 All-Star selections from 1943 to 1955 alone—the 2nd most in MLB history at that time.
He was even honored by Barack Obama with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Additionally, his 3630 hits would eventually lead him into Cooperstown’s Hall Of Fame class alongside many other amazing MLB players of all time!
Stan Musial Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 128.6 |
| AB | 10972 |
| H | 3630 |
| HR | 475 |
| BA | .331 |
| R | 1949 |
| RBI | 1951 |
| SB | 78 |
| OBP | .417 |
| SLG | .559 |
| OPS | .976 |
Stan Musial Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x MVP | 1943, 46, 48 |
| Hall of Fame | 1969 |
| 24x All-Star | 1943-44, 1946-63 |
| 3x World Series | 1942, 44, 46 |
| 7x Batting Title | 1943, 46, 48, 1950-52, 57 |
11. Pedro Martinez: “Greatest Pitcher of All Time”
Pedro Martínez, born on October 25, 1971, in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic is one of the best baseball pitchers.
Martinez was an impressive pitcher from the start and quickly developed into a dominant Major League Baseball player.
Throwing right-handed he formed part of five teams:
- Los Angeles Dodgers,
- Montreal Expos,
- Boston Red Sox,
- New York Mets,
- Philadelphia Phillies
During his career between 1992 and 2009, he won 219 games with a superb 2.93 earned run average (ERA).
He also struck out 3,154 batters which saw him receive three Cy Young awards that are given to the best pitchers each year.
His superlative performance throughout both regular season play and postseasons set him far apart from the majority of ballplayers, both before and after him.
Pedro Martinez Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 83.9 |
| W | 219 |
| L | 100 |
| ERA | 2.93 |
| G | 476 |
| GS | 409 |
| SV | 3 |
| IP | 2827.1 |
| SO | 3154 |
| WHIP | 1.054 |
Pedro Martinez Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| Hall of Fame | 2015 |
| Triple Crown | 1999 |
| 3x Cy Young | 1997, 99, 2000 |
| 8x All-Star | 1996-00, 2002, 2005-06 |
| World Series | 2004 |
| 5x ERA Title | 1997, 99, 2000, 02-03 |
| 3x Al Strikeout Leader | 1999-00, 02 |
12. Honus Wagner: “The Flying Dutchman”
Wagner was a highly celebrated and honored MLB baseball player who spent 21 years in the league, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Born on February 24th, 1874, Wagner is one of the best to ever step foot on a baseball diamond and his impressive records stand testament to that fact.
Wagner was also known for leading the league in stolen bases five times, capturing eight batting titles along with it – making him one of only 3 players who have accomplished such a feat. The other two are Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby.
He won one World Series Championship in 1909 throughout his time in Pittsburgh as well as 3 National League Pennants.
Outside of this, Honus left fans breathless on outfield plays assisted by incredible athleticism.
No wonder historians often claim “The Flying Dutchman” was ahead of its time.
Honus Wagner Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 131.0 |
| AB | 10439 |
| H | 3420 |
| HR | 101 |
| BA | .328 |
| R | 1739 |
| RBI | 1732 |
| SB | 723 |
| OBP | .391 |
| SLG | .467 |
| OPS | .858 |
Honus Wagner’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| Hall of Fame | 1936 |
| 8x Batting Title | 1899-13 |
| World Series | 1909 |
13. Ken Griffey Jr.: “The Natural Kid”
Griffey Jr. made his Major League debut in 1989 and quickly became one of the best players in the sport.
ESPN named him the 13th greatest MLB player of all time for his impressive
- 630 home runs, 1836 RBIs,
- 10 consecutive Golden Glove awards,
- election into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
He also holds an American League record for most home runs hit with 56 in 1997.
Clearly, Ken Griffey Jr.’s statistics speak for themselves; however, there is much more that makes up this amazing athlete’s story.
He revolutionized modern baseball by introducing backflips instead of sliding into bases or catches! His style of play actually made baseball more popular amongst youth athletes.
Ken Griffey Jr. Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 83.8 |
| AB | 9801 |
| H | 2781 |
| HR | 630 |
| BA | .284 |
| R | 1662 |
| RBI | 1836 |
| SB | 184 |
| OBP | .370 |
| SLG | .538 |
| OPS | .907 |
Ken Griffey Jr. Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| MVP | 1997 |
| Hall of Fame | 2016 |
| 13x Al-Star | 1990-2000, 04, 07 |
| 3x HR Derby Champion | 1994, 98, 99 |
| 10x Gold Glove | 1990-99 |
| 7x Silver Slugger | 1991, 93, 94, 96-99 |
14. Greg Maddux: “Mad Dog” “The Professor”
Maddux’s famous titles actually make people assume he had an interesting career, indeed he did. He was reportedly one the best baseball pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
Also, he’s the only pitcher in MLB history to win 15 games for 17 straight seasons.
He won his first Cy Young Award in 1992 and went on to win three more consecutively from 1992-1995.
Maddux was known for mastering everything from pitch selection to lateral movement. He had 3,371 strikeouts over his career 46.
Greg Maddux Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 106.6 |
| W | 355 |
| L | 227 |
| ERA | 3.16 |
| G | 744 |
| GS | 740 |
| SV | 0 |
| IP | 5008.1 |
| SO | 3371 |
| WHIP | 1.143 |
Greg Maddux Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 4x Cy Young | 1992-5 |
| Hall of Fame | 2014 |
| 8x All-Star | 1988, 92, 94-98, 2000 |
| World Series | 1995 |
| 18x Gold Glove | 1990-02, 04-08 |
| 4x ERA Title | 1993-95, 98 |
15. Mike Trout: “God’s Gift”
From the recent list, Mike Trout is my favorite American baseball center fielder. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 with the 25th overall pick.
In his nine seasons, he holds several batting records. He also ranks 1st among active outfielders for career slugging percentage (.587) and is 3rd in stolen base percentage (84.65%).
At present, Mike Trout is considered by many experts as one of the best players of his generation.
His combination of power and speed on both offense and defense has been recognized by multiple awards.
Mike Trout Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 85.3 |
| AB | 5398 |
| H | 1623 |
| HR | 368 |
| BA | .301 |
| R | 1106 |
| RBI | 940 |
| SB | 206 |
| OBP | .412 |
| SLG | .582 |
| OPS | .994 |
Mike Trout’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x MVP | |
| Rookie of the Year | |
| 11x All-Star | |
| 9x Silver Slugger |
16. Joe DiMaggio: “Yankee Clipper”
DiMaggio made his Major League debut with the New York Yankees in 1936. He was a 3-time American League’s Most Valuable Player.
In 1941, DiMaggio set an extraordinary record – he achieved a 56-consecutive game-hitting streak, which couldn’t be defeated even today!
Golf champion Ben Hogan described DiMaggio as “the greatest all-around player I ever saw”.
Joe DiMaggio Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 79.1 |
| AB | 6821 |
| H | 2214 |
| HR | 361 |
| BA | .325 |
| R | 1390 |
| RBI | 1537 |
| SB | 30 |
| OBP | .398 |
| SLG | .579 |
| OPS | .977 |
Joe DiMaggio Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x MVP | 1939, 41, 47 |
| Hall of Fame | 1955 |
| 9x World Series | 1936-39, 41, 47-51 |
| 13x All-Star | 1936-42, 46-51 |
| 2x Batting Title | 1939, 40 |
17. Roger Clemens: “Rocket”
Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros – Clemens has his mark in all famous teams. But what makes him one of the best baseball players of all time?
Clemens’ dominance on the Baseball diamond has few equals in MLB history. During his 24 years playing professionally (1984 to 2007), he
- Struck out 4672 batters
- Won two Triple Crowns
- Never lose more than 6 consecutive decisions from April 2000 to February 2005.
With a .658 winning percentage, he ranks 16th all-time among pitchers (with at least 200 decisions.)
His 4916.2 innings pitched stand live in 9th amongst qualified leaders in that stat category.
Roger Clemens Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 139.2 |
| W | 354 |
| L | 184 |
| ERA | 3.12 |
| G | 709 |
| GS | 707 |
| SV | 0 |
| IP | 4916.2 |
| SO | 4672 |
| WHIP | 1.173 |
| WAR | 139.2 |
Roger Clemens Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| MVP | 1986 |
| 7x Cy Young | 1986, 87, 91, 97, 98, 01, 04 |
| 2x Triple Crown | 1997, 98 |
| 11x All-Star | 1986, 88, 90-92, 97, 98, 01, 03-05 |
| 2x World Series | 1999, 2000 |
| 7x ERA Title | 1986, 90-92, 97, 98, 2005 |
18. Mike Schmidt: “Greatest 3rd Baseman”
As a decorated baseball player, Mike Schmidt earned his respect in Major League Baseball in his early days.
He was the defensive stalwart and powerful offensive variable on teams during his time with the Philadelphia Phillies.
From 1972 to 1989, he established himself as one of the best third basemen in the history of baseball.
He accomplished 548 home runs — the 7th-highest at the time when he retired in 1989 from MLB.
Mike Schmidt Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 106.8 |
| AB | 8352 |
| H | 2234 |
| HR | 548 |
| BA | .267 |
| R | 1506 |
| RBI | 1595 |
| SB | 174 |
| OBP | .380 |
| SLG | .527 |
| OPS | .908 |
Mike Schmidt’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x MVP | 1980, 81, 86 |
| Hall of Fame | 1995 |
| 12x All-Star | 1974, 76, 77, 79-84, 86, 87, 89 |
| World Series | 1980 |
| 10x Gold Glove | 1976-84, 86 |
| 6x Silver Slugger | 1980-84, 86 |
19. Frank Robinson: “The Judge”
Robinson was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1935 and grew up in Oakland, California. He earned the nickname of “The Judge” because of his unflappable demeanor on the field.
A prodigy since high school, he had an impressive minor-league career.
Robinson had a storied MLB career that saw him break into the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds at age 20 on April 17th, 1956.
He was also one of only a handful to play for five different teams—Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, and Cleveland Indians—over 21 seasons from 1956-1976.
Frank Robinson Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 107.3 |
| AB | 10006 |
| H | 2943 |
| HR | 586 |
| BA | .294 |
| R | 1829 |
| RBI | 1812 |
| SB | 204 |
| OBP | .389 |
| SLG | .537 |
| OPS | .926 |
Frank Robinson Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 2x MVP | 1961 (National League), 1966 (American League) |
| Hall of Fame | 1982 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1956 (National League) |
| Triple Crown | 1966 (American League) |
| 14x All-Star | 1956, 57, 59, 61, 62, 65-71, 74 |
| 2x World Series | 1966, 70 |
| Gold Glove | 1958 (American League) |
| Batting Title | 1989(American League) |
| MGR of the Year | 1989 (American League) |
20. Rogers Hornsby: “The Rajah”
It may surprise you that I’m talking about a player from a century ago in MLB history. So, why should Rogers be on the list of best baseball players of all time?
His single-season batting average of .424 is an unmatched record in the modern era.
True, Ty Cobb and Ted Williams may have surpassed Rogers’s career batting average of .358. That’s still incredibly impressive.
Rogers achieved two triple crowns also. It’s like hitting the jackpot except for money, it’s all about baseball glory.
When you consider metrics like Wins Above Replacement, you start to see Rogers’s value to his team. It’s no wonder he earned admiration from both fans and fellow players.
So, in the directory of iconic names in baseball, Rogers Hornsby cannot be overlooked. He deserves to be mentioned among the best.
Rogers Hornsby Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 127.1 |
| AB | 8173 |
| H | 2930 |
| HR | 301 |
| BA | .358 |
| R | 1579 |
| RBI | 1584 |
| SB | 135 |
| OBP | .434 |
| SLG | .577 |
| OPS | 1.010 |
Rogers Hornsby’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 2x MVP | 1925, 29 |
| Hall of Fame | 1942 |
| 2x Triple Crown | 1922, 25 |
| 7x Batting Title | 1920-25, 28 |
| World Series | 1926 |
21. Cy Young: “Denton True Young” “Cyclone”
Yeah, till now, you’ve heard his name many times as an award. You’ll be amazed to know the baseball player behind the title!
Cy Young was one of the most accomplished and impactful pitchers. During his time in the Major Leagues, he had a record of 27-22.
Cy was dominant on the diamond. He had 511 wins, 316 losses, 749 complete games, and pitched 7356 innings.
His game-changing pitching philosophy made him one of all-time greats.
Cy Young Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 163.6 |
| W | 511 |
| L | 315 |
| ERA | 2.63 |
| G | 906 |
| GS | 815 |
| SV | 18 |
| IP | 7356.0 |
| SO | 2803 |
| WHIP | 1.130 |
Cy Young Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| Hall of Fame | 1937 |
| Triple Crown | 1901 |
| World Series | 1903 |
| 2x ERA Title | 1892, 1901 |
22. Tom Seaver: “Tom Terrific”
“The Franchise”, Tom Seaver was an American professional baseball player who spent his entire career playing for 4 different teams: Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets.
As a right-handed pitcher, Seaver had a successful 20-year career spanning from 1967 to 1986.
He finished with an exceptionally low ERA of 2.86 over 656 games which included 231 complete games.
Seaver also recorded 3640 strikeouts in that period.
In addition to being a consistent performer, his 3,000 strikeouts made him part of the “3,000 Strikeouts Club.” Besides, his 300 wins which he achieved in 1985 placed him in the “300 Wins Club.”
Tom Seaver Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 109.9 |
| W | 311 |
| L | 205 |
| ERA | 2.86 |
| G | 656 |
| GS | 647 |
| SV | 1 |
| IP | 4783.0 |
| SO | 3640 |
| WHIP | 1.121 |
Tom Seaver Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| 3x Cy Young | 1969, 73, 75 |
| Hall of Fame | 1992 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1967 |
| 12x All-Star | 1967-73, 75-78, 81 |
| 3x ERA Title | 1970, 71, 73 |
| World Series | 1969 |
23. Rickey Henderson: “Man Of Steel”
If you’re an Athletic fan, you must have heard about the “Rickey Henderson Field.” This justifies why Rickey is considered one of the best baseball players of all time.
He played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball as a left fielder for various teams including;
- Oakland Athletics
- New York Yankees
- Toronto Blue Jays
- San Diego Padres
- Anaheim Angels
- New York Mets
- Seattle Mariners
- Boston Red Sox
- Los Angeles Dodgers
Rickey made history when he broke Lou Brock’s major league record by stealing 1,406 bases throughout his career; showing why his motto was “lead off first”.
Not only did Rickey leave behind unforgettable memories but also created an innovative style. Leadoffing first changed how team captains looked at their star players ever since then.
Rickey Henderson Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 111.2 |
| AB | 10961 |
| H | 3055 |
| HR | 297 |
| BA | .279 |
| R | 2295 |
| RBI | 1115 |
| SB | 1406 |
| OBP | .401 |
| SLG | .419 |
| OPS | .820 |
Rickey Henderson’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| MVP | 1990 |
| Hall of Fame | 2009 |
| 10x All-Star | 1980, 82-88, 90, 91 |
| 2x World Series | 1989, 93 |
| Gold Glove | 1981 |
| 3x Silver Slugger | 1981, 85, 90 |
24. Randy Johnson: “The Big Unit”
If shortlisting some of the best baseball pitchers in MLB, I’ll have to add Randy Johnson’s name. So, this ranking would be incomplete without his name.
During his tenure in Major League Baseball, Johnson achieved some record-breaking feats that earned him immense recognition.
He was named to the All-Star team ten times between 1990-2004, including four consecutive wins for the Seattle Mariners.
Johnson’s strikeout total exceeds 4,875 – earning him a place amongst elite pitchers.
In addition, he was awarded co-MVP for World Series 2001 where Arizona beat New York Yankees in Game 7 at “Bank One Ballpark” leading them to their first championship title.
His ability to masterfully deliver heat during high-pressure situations helped seal victory after victory throughout his MLB career.
Randy Johnson Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 101.1 |
| W | 303 |
| L | 166 |
| ERA | 3.29 |
| G | 618 |
| GS | 603 |
| SV | 2 |
| IP | 4135.1 |
| SO | 4875 |
| WHIP | 1.171 |
| WAR | 101.1 |
Randy Johnson’s Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| WS MVP | 2001 |
| Hall of Fame | 2015 |
| Triple Crown | 2002 |
| 5x Cy Young | 1995, 99-02 |
| 10x All-Star | 1990, 93-95, 97, 99-02 |
| 4x ERA Title | 1995, 99, 01-02 |
| World Series | 2001 |
25. Christy Mathewson: “Big Six”
Matty aka Christy Mathewson is a Hall of Fame pitcher who made his mark in the National Baseball League. His dominance as a pitcher earned him laurels throughout his MLB career.
His 1905 season remains memorable for baseball fans with record-setting 31-9 wins and an impressive 1.28 ERA. Both statistics are still a talk amongst die-hard fans of the sport.
During that same World Series performance, he posted 27 complete games while holding batters to a .239 average off of him alone.
Christy Mathewson Career Statistics
| Description | Stats/Score |
| WAR | 106.5 |
| W | 373 |
| L | 188 |
| ERA | 2.13 |
| G | 636 |
| GS | 552 |
| SV | 30 |
| IP | 4788.2 |
| SO | 2507 |
| WHIP | 1.058 |
Christy Mathewson Notable Achievements and Awards
| Achievements and Awards | Years |
| World Series | 1905 |
| Hall of Fame | 1936 |
| 2x Triple Crown | 1905, 08 |
| 5x ERA Title | 1905, 08, 09, 11, 13 |
Who is the Best Baseball Player in the World?
With so many amazing baseball players from past and present, picking the one best of all is always a challenge. But certain iconic figures put them far ahead of their peers in terms of overall greatness and legacy on the diamond.
“Babe Ruth, a Hall of Famer, is often seen as the best player in MLB history.”
He has a Wins Above Replacement of 183.1, the highest ever since 1901. No one has matched his impact on baseball and the record book.
In addition to the legends, several potential modern players are there too: Harper, Machado, Correa, Lindor, Seager, Bryant, Bumgarner, Syndergaard, and Mike Trout.
Trout has been praised for his unbeatable skills by many pros. Another player to watch is Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is an exceptional pitcher and batter, even when he used to play in the Japanese League before coming to the U.S.
It remains to be seen whether any other greats will rise up this year or years onward. Until then, keep your eye out for these names when searching for top baseball players!
10 Best Baseball Players in 2023
The 2023 MLB season is fast approaching and fans are eager to see the next iconic players. Both ESPN and MLB Network have released their rankings of the top 100 players in baseball. Here are the 10 best baseball players right now that they believe will shine this year.
- Shohei Ohtani – SP/DH, Los Angeles Angels
- Aaron Judge – RF, New York Yankees
- Mike Trout – CF, Los Angeles Angels
- Mookie Betts – RF, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Manny Machado – 3B, San Diego Padres
- Nolan Arenado – 3B, St. Louis Cardinals
- Paul Goldschmidt – 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
- José Ramírez – 3B, Cleveland Guardians
- Yordan Alvarez – LF/DH, Houston Astros
- Freddie Freeman – 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What criteria were used to create the list?
A: Different metrics such as batting average, home runs, MVP awards, and All-Star appearances were taken into consideration when creating this list.
Q: How often is the list updated?
A: The list is updated every year with new data to reflect any changes in rankings among current or qualifying players – for example, a rookie making an impact on the field.
Q: Why is Shohei Ohtani so special?
A: Shohei Ohtani is special because he excels both as a pitcher and as a hitter. He leads the league in home runs and RBIs while also boasting an impressive ERA and strikeout numbers as a pitcher. His two-way versatility sets him apart from other players.
Q: Who has the most home runs?
A: Barry Bonds has the most home runs with a score of 762. He left behind some greatest baseball players such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Albert Pujols.
Q: Is Shohei Ohtani better than Babe Ruth?
A: Babe Ruth is often considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Shohei Ohtani’s two-way skills set him apart from Ruth.
Ohtani’s ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter in a more competitive MLB era gives him an edge.
However, comparing players from different eras is challenging, and the final verdict may vary based on personal opinions.
Q: Who has the most hits in MLB history?
A: As of now, Pete Rose holds the record for the most hits in MLB history. Rose amassed a total of 4,256 hits.
Q: Who has the highest WAR in MLB?
A: Babe Ruth currently holds the record for the highest wins above replacement (WAR) in MLB history. His overall value to his team gained him a staggering career WAR of 183.1.
Q: Is Mike Trout the greatest ever?
A: Mike Trout is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of this generation. Trout’s exceptional skills, five-tool abilities, and consistent performance make him a strong contender, but opinions vary among baseball fans.
Wrapping Up
Well, that was a long list with tons of insights about the 25 best baseball players of all time. From Babe Ruth to Mike Trout, these players have left an indelible impact on the sport.
BTW, It seems like you’re a true baseball fan!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this list. Who do you think should be included? Did I miss any deserving players?
Share your opinions and let us know which baseball players have made the biggest impact on you.
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Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.