Ranking the best hitters in MLB history can be subjective, but many experts agree on a few key names based on career achievements, statistics, and impact on the game. Here’s a widely accepted list of some of the greatest hitters in MLB history, though the exact ranking can vary depending on the criteria used (e.g., batting average, home runs, RBIs, overall impact). Here’s a general consensus on a top 10 list, not ranked in any specific order:
- Babe Ruth:
- Teams: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves
- Achievements: 714 home runs, .342 career batting average, 2,214 RBIs
- Impact: Revolutionized the game with his power hitting, setting the standard for slugging prowess.
- Hank Aaron:
- Teams: Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers
- Achievements: 755 home runs (all-time record until 2007), .305 career batting average, 2,297 RBIs
- Impact: Known for his consistency and power, breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record.
- Ted Williams:
- Teams: Boston Red Sox
- Achievements: .344 career batting average, 521 home runs, 2,654 hits
- Impact: Last player to hit over .400 in a season (.406 in 1941), considered one of the greatest pure hitters.
- Willie Mays:
- Teams: New York/San Francisco Giants, New York Mets
- Achievements: 660 home runs, .302 career batting average, 1,903 RBIs
- Impact: Known for his all-around game, including power hitting, speed, and defense.
- Barry Bonds:
- Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants
- Achievements: 762 home runs (all-time record), .298 career batting average, 2,558 hits
- Impact: Holds the record for most home runs in a single season (73) and for a career, though his career was marred by allegations of performance-enhancing drug use.
- Lou Gehrig:
- Teams: New York Yankees
- Achievements: 493 home runs, .340 career batting average, 1,995 RBIs
- Impact: Known for his incredible consistency and durability, a key player in the Yankees’ success during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Rod Carew:
- Teams: Minnesota Twins, California Angels
- Achievements: .328 career batting average, 3,053 hits, 18 All-Star selections
- Impact: Renowned for his exceptional batting average and hitting prowess.
- Johnny Bench:
- Teams: Cincinnati Reds
- Achievements: 389 home runs, 2 MVP awards, 14 Gold Gloves
- Impact: One of the greatest catchers in MLB history, with notable hitting ability and leadership.
- Stan Musial:
- Teams: St. Louis Cardinals
- Achievements: .331 career batting average, 475 home runs, 3,630 hits
- Impact: Known for his consistency and excellence throughout a long career.
- Mickey Mantle:
- Teams: New York Yankees
- Achievements: 536 home runs, .298 career batting average, 1,509 RBIs
- Impact: Known for his power and speed, Mantle was a key player for the Yankees during their dominant years in the 1950s.
Notes:
- Criteria Variability: Different sources and analysts may rank these players differently based on varying criteria like era, playing conditions, and statistical measures.
- Honorable Mentions: Players like Ichiro Suzuki, Nap Lajoie, and Frank Robinson are also frequently mentioned in discussions about the greatest hitters.
Best Hitters in MLB in present times
As of the 2024 MLB season, the best hitters are typically evaluated based on a combination of batting average, home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage (OBP), and slugging percentage. Here are some of the top hitters in MLB today:
1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)
- Batting Stats: Known for his incredible two-way performance, Ohtani is a dominant hitter with power and speed. In recent seasons, he has regularly posted impressive home run and RBI numbers.
- Impact: His unique dual-threat capability as both a pitcher and hitter makes him one of the most exciting players in the game.
2. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
- Batting Stats: The 2022 American League MVP, Judge is known for his immense power. He led the league in home runs in 2022 with 62, setting a new AL record.
- Impact: Judge’s combination of power, patience, and defense makes him one of the top overall players in the league.
3. Juan Soto (San Diego Padres)
- Batting Stats: Soto is renowned for his exceptional plate discipline and hitting prowess. He consistently posts high OBP and OPS numbers.
- Impact: Known for his ability to get on base and his power, Soto is a key offensive force.
4. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Batting Stats: A consistent performer with a mix of power and speed, Betts regularly contributes high batting averages, home runs, and RBIs.
- Impact: Betts is a former MVP and one of the most well-rounded players in the game, excelling both offensively and defensively.
5. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Batting Stats: Freeman is known for his hitting consistency, combining a high batting average with power and run production.
- Impact: The 2020 NL MVP, Freeman is a reliable and consistent hitter, a key player in the Dodgers’ lineup.
6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
- Batting Stats: Guerrero is a young slugger with impressive power and a strong batting average. He has been a leading force for the Blue Jays.
- Impact: His potential and performance make him one of the top hitters in the league.
7. Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Batting Stats: Turner combines speed with hitting prowess, often leading the league in hits and stolen bases while maintaining a solid average.
- Impact: Known for his ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities, Turner is a dynamic presence in the lineup.
8. Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox)
- Batting Stats: Devers is known for his power and ability to drive in runs, consistently posting high home run and RBI totals.
- Impact: As a key player for the Red Sox, Devers contributes significantly to their offensive output.
9. Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox)
- Batting Stats: Robert is a young player with a combination of power and speed, showing great promise in his hitting ability.
- Impact: His potential and current performance make him one of the exciting young talents in the league.
10. Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians)
- Batting Stats: Ramirez is known for his all-around hitting ability, contributing both power and speed with high batting averages and run production.
- Impact: A consistent performer and key player for the Guardians, Ramirez is highly valued for his offensive contributions.
Honorable Mentions:
- Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins)
- George Springer (Toronto Blue Jays)
- Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals)
These players are currently among the best hitters in MLB, showcasing a mix of power, average, and overall offensive impact. Rankings can fluctuate based on the latest performances and statistics throughout the season.