Who are the best baseball players of all time? Top 30 MLB players ranked

Major League Baseball (MLB) has been one of America’s most popular games for over 100 years. The league was established in 1876 and has created careers for many players who have gained popularity worldwide. These MLB players have showcased their talents in various ways on the field. These are the best baseball players of all time.

Shohei Ohtani (L), Johnny Bench (C), and Roger Clemens (R) are among the best baseball players of all time. Photo: Sarah Stier, Louis Requena, Brettmann (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesTABLE OF CONTENTS30 best baseball players of all time1. Babe Ruth2. Willie Mays3. Hank Aaron4. Barry Bonds5. Ty Cobb6. Lou Gehrig7. Ted Williams8. Stan Musial9. Walter Johnson10. Mickey Mantle11. Pedro Martinez12. Ken Griffey Jr.13. Randy Johnson14. Mike Trout15. Honus Wagner16. Greg Maddux17. Rickey Henderson18. Roger Clemens19. Joe DiMaggio20. Albert Pujols21. Frank Robinson22. Alex Rodriguez23. Josh Gibson24. Tom Seaver25. Bob Gibson26. Roger Hornsby27. Mike Schmidt28. Roberto Clemente29. Johnny Bench30. Shohei OhtaniWho is the best baseball player in the World?Is Shohei Ohtani the best baseball player ever?Who is the home run king?In compiling the list of the best baseball players of all time, we used recorded data, acknowledging that rankings may change with new developments. This list was crafted with data and insights from trusted sources such as ESPN, MLB News, and The New York Times. The parameters used to rank the players include talent, stats, awards, and expert opinions.

Major League Baseball players are some of the most talented people in the World. They boast unique skills and personalities. From legends like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Lou Gehrig, here is a list of the best baseball players ever.

RankNameTeam1Babe Ruth Led in home runs 12 times, won seven World Series, MVP award2Willie Mays 24 All-Star awards, 12 Gold Glove Awards, World Series 3Hank Aaron Batting champion, RBI leader, World Series champion, NL MVP4Barry Bonds 8 Gold Glove Awards, 7 MVPs, MLB home run record, 500 stolen bases5Ty Cobb 12 batting titles, 15 American League titles, Triple Crown, Hall of Fame 6Lou Gehrig 6 World Series, 7 All-Star, 23 Grand Slams, MVP, Triple Crown7Ted Williams 2 MVP awards, 6 batting titles, 2 Triple Crowns, 19All-Star games 8Stan Musial 24 All-Star games, 3 World Series wins, 3 MVPs, 7 batting champion9Walter Johnson3 Triple Crowns, 2 MVPs, a World Series championship, Hall of Fame 10Mickey Mantle20 All-Stars, 7 World Series championships, 3 MVPs, Hall of Fame11Pedro Martinez3 Cy Young Awards, Triple Crown, 8 All-Star, World Series champion12Ken Griffey Jr. 7 Silver Slugger Awards, 10 Gold Gloves, MVP, Hall of Fame13Randy Johnson 5 Cy Young Awards, World Series MVP, 10 All-Star, Hall of Fame14Mike Trout 11 All-Star, 3 MVPs, 9 Silver Slugger Awards, AL Hank Aaron Award15Honus Wagner5 Stolen bases, 2 World Series, Hall of Fame16Greg Maddux 18 Gold Glove Awards, 4 Cy Young Awards, 8 All-Stars, World Series17Rickey Henderson2 World Series, 10 All-Stars, 12 Stolen bases, AL MVP, Living Legend Award, Hall of Fame18Roger Clemens2 World Series, 7 Cy Young Awards, MVP, 11 All-Stars, Hall of Fame19Joe DiMaggio 9 World Series, 3 MVPs, 2 batting championships, Hall of Fame20Albert Pujols 11 All-Stars, 3 NL MVPs, 2 World Series21Frank Robinson 14 All-Stars, 2 World Series, 2 MVPs, Gold Glove Award, Rookie of the Year 22Alex Rodriguez14 All-Stars, 3 MVPs, 10 Silver Slugger Awards, 2 Gold Glove Awards 23Josh Gibson800 home runs, Puerto Rican batting title, Hall of Fame24Tom Seaver3 Cy Young Awards, 12 All-Stars, Hall of Fame25Bob Gibson9 All-Stars, 2 World Series, World Series MVP, Hall of Fame26Roger Hornsby2 MVPs, Two Triple Crowns, World Series, Hall of Fame27Mike Schmidt10 Gold Glove Award, 12 All-Stars, World Series MVP, 12 Silver Slugger Awards28Roberto ClementeAll-Stars, Hall of Fame, 12-time Gold Glove Awards, 2 World Series29Johnny Bench10 Gold Glove Awards, 2 MVPs, 2 World Series, Hall of Fame1. Babe Ruth American baseball player George Herman Ruth (1895 – 1948) was known as ‘Babe’ Ruth. Photo: MPI
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: George Herman Ruth Jr. Primary position: Pitcher, OutfielderTeam(s): Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston BravesStats: 2,873 hits, 714 home runs, 2,214 RBIs, 123 steals, 1.164 OPS, 206 OPS+Babe Ruth, known as The Bambino or The Sultan of Swat, is the greatest baseball player ever. The sports personality led the American League in home runs 12 times and worn seven World Series titles. He was among the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

2. Willie Mays Willie Mays of the New York Giants. Waist-up photograph with hands on his hips. Photo: Bettman (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Willie Mays Aikens Primary position: First baseman, top slugger Team(s): California Angels, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue JaysStats: 3,293 hits, 660 home runs, 1,909 RBIs, 338 steals, .940 OPS, 155 OPS+Willie Mays was an American professional baseball player who played for 23 seasons. He is best known for his hitting, fielding, and base-running skills. His achievements included being named an All-Star 24 times, winning 12 Gold Glove Awards, and winning the 1954 World Series.

3. Hank Aaron This close-up shows Hank Aaron as an Atlanta Braves outfielder during Spring Training. Photo: Brettman
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Henry Louis AaronPrimary position: OutfielderTeam(s): Milwaukee Braves/ BrewersStats: 3,771 hits, 755 home runs, 2,297 RBIs, 240 steals, .928 OPS, 155 OPS+Many recognize Hank Aaron as Hammer, the true home run king. The sportsman was a two-time NL batting champion, four-time NL RBI leader, and home run leader. He won the World Series champion and the NL MVP in 1957.

4. Barry Bonds Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on at Oracle Park on September 17, 2022, in San Francisco, California. Photo: Lachlan Cunningham
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Barry Lamar Bonds Primary position: OutfielderTeam(s): Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco GiantsStats: 2,935 hits, 762 home runs, 1,996 RBIs, 514 stolen bases, 1.051 OPS, 182 OPS+The American baseball player holds the most home runs record in a single season. He holds the MLB record for most home runs with 762 and is the first player to have 500 stolen bases. Barry Bonds won the MVP award seven times and Gold Glove Award eight times.

5. Ty Cobb A shot of Ty Cobb sliding. Photo: Brettman
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Tyrus Raymond CobbPosition: Center fielderTeam(s): Detroit TigersStats: 4,189 hits, 117 home runs, 1,944 RBIs, 897 steals, .366 BA, .944 OPS, 168 OPS+Ty Cobb, also known as the Georgia Peach, was among the best professional baseball players. He won 12 batting and 15 American League titles, with nine consecutive wins from 1907 to 1915. Ty Cobb was among the players inducted into the 1936 Baseball Hall of Fame.

6. Lou Gehrig Lou Gehrig, first baseman for the New York Yankees, works out at first base before a game at Yankee Stadium in 1926. Photo: Mark Rucker
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Henry Louis Gehrig Jr. Position: First basemanTeam(s): New York YankeesStats: 2,721 hits, 493 home runs, 1,995 RBIs, 102 steals, 1.080 OPS, 189 OPS+Loe Gehrig is a six-time World Series champion and a member of the Major League Baseball All-Time Team. He held the playing record with 2,130 consecutive games and was selected MVP in 1927 and 1936.

7. Ted Williams Outfielder Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox poses for an action portrait during Spring Training in March 1950 in Sarasota, Florida. Photo: Diamond Images
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Theodore Samuel Williams Position: OutfielderTeam(s): Boston Red SoxStats: 2,654 hits, 521 home runs, 1,839 RBIs, 1.116 OPS, 191 OPS+Ted Williams was a talented professional baseball player and manager. He played left field for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball for 19 years. Williams won the AL MVP award in 1946 and 1949 and was selected to play in 19 All-Star Games.

8. Stan Musial St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Stan Musial poses with a baseball bat at Brandenton, Florida, USA. Photo: Brettmann (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Stan MusialPosition: OutfielderTeam(s): St. Louis CardinalsStats: 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, 1,951 RBIs, .976 OPS, 159 OPS+Stan Musial was an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman. He played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and won three World Series rings. Musial won 24 All-Star games consecutively, seven batting champions and three NL MVP.

9. Walter JohnsonA black and white photo of Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Walter Perry JohnsonPosition: PitcherTeam(s): Washington Senators, Cleveland IndiansStats: 417-279, 2.17 ERA, 3,509 strikeouts, 1.06 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 2.57 K/BBWalter Johnson was a professional baseball player and manager from the United States. He won the 1924 World Series championship and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1936. Johnson also won the Triple Crown thrice and the American League MVP award twice.

10. Mickey MantleWashington, DC: New York Yankee slugger Mickey Mantle holds a baseball marked ‘1000’. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Mickey MantlePosition: Center fieldTeam(s): New York YankeesStats: 2,415 hits, 536 home runs, 1,509 RBIs, 153 steals, .977 OPS, 172 OPS+Mickey Mantle is a former American professional baseball player. He won the World Series championships seven times and was named to 20 All-Star Games. With three MVPs, a Tripple Crown and a Gold Glove, he was inducted into the 1974 Baseball Hall of Fame.

11. Pedro MartinezFormer pitcher Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox throws during a team workout on February 20, 2020, at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. Photo: Billie Weiss
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Pedro Jaime Martínez Position: Pitchers Team(s): Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston AstrosStats: 219-100. 2.93 ERA, 3,153 strikeouts, 1.05 WHIP, 10.0 K/0, 4.15 K/BBPedro Martínez is a Dominican-American former pitcher who played for five teams from 1992 to 2009. He won three Cy Young Awards thrice, a Triple Crown and an All-Star eight times. He was the MLB ERA leader five times and was inducted into the American and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

12. Ken Griffey Jr. Ken Griffey Jr. looks on during the 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic Presented by T-Mobile at Globe Life Field on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Daniel Shirey
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Ken Griffey Jr. Position: Outfielder Team(s): Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati RedsStats: 2,781 hits, 630 home runs, 1,836 RBIs, 184 steals, .907 OPS, 136 OPS+Ken Griffey Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. The American athlete won 10 Gold Glove Awards, seven Silver Slugger Awards, and the 1997 MVP award. Griffey Jr. hit a memorable Home Run Derby in 1993 and was elected into the 2016 Baseball Hall of Fame.

13. Randy Johnson Pitcher Randy Johnson of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals won 3-1. Photo: Tim Umphrey
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Randall David Johnson Position: PitcherTeam(s): Seattle Mariners, Arizona DiamondbacksStats: 303-166, 3.29 ERA, 4,875 strikeouts, 1.17 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 3.26 K/BBRandy Johnson won the Cy Young Award five times, All-Star ten times, and World Series MVP. Randy won the 2002 Triple Crown and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015.

14. Mike Trout Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels walks through the dugout at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 4, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Photo: Brandon Sloter
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Michael Nelson TroutPosition: Center fielderTeam(s): Los Angeles AngelsStats: 1,648 hits, 378 home runs, 954 RBIs, 212 steals, .410 OBP, .991 OPS Mike Trout is a renowned baseball centre-fielder for the Los Angeles Angels. He debuted his career in the MLB in July 2011 and is an 11-time MLB All-Star. Trout won 11 All-Stars, 9 Silver Slugger Awards and the 2012 AL Rookie of the Year.

15. Honus WagnerHead and shoulders outdoors portrait of Hans Wagner, a baseball great from the beginning of the 20th century. Photo: Brenttmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Johannes PeterPosition: Shortstop, right fielder, first basemanTeam(s): Louisville Colonels, Pittsburgh PiratesStats: 3,420 hits, 252 triples, 101 home runs, 1,732 RBIs, 723 steals, .858 OPSHonus Wagner, aka The Flying Dutchman, is among the greatest American baseball players ever. Incredibly, the Honus Wagner baseball card is more iconic than the player himself. Wagner led the league five times in stolen bases, won the World Series twice and is a Hall of Famer.

16. Greg Maddux Former MLB Pitcher Greg Maddux looks on from the 12th tee during round two of the ClubCorp Classic at Las Colinas Country Club on April 23, 2022, in Irving, Texas. Photo: Alex Bierens de Haan
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Gregory Alan MadduxPosition: PitcherTeam(s): Chicago Cubs, Atlanta BravesStats: 355-227, 3.16 ERA, 3,371 strikeouts, 1.14 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 3.37 K/BBGreg Maddux played 23 seasons in the MLB. He won the World Series in 1995 with the Atlanta Braves, giving them their first World Series title. Mad Dog won four Cy Young Awards, 18 Gold Glove Awards, eight All-Stars, and was elected to the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame.

17. Rickey HendersonFormer Oakland Athletics player Rickey Henderson looks on at RingCentral Coliseum on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Oakland, California. Photo: Lachlan Cunningham
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Rickey Nelson Henley HendersonPosition: OutfielderTeam(s): Oakland AthleticsStats: 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, 2,190 walks, 2,295 runs, .820 OPS, 127 OPS+Rickey Henderson was one of the highest-paid athletes of his time. He won the World Series twice and is a 10-time All-Star. The 1990 MVP led the league with 12 stolen bases and was awarded the Living Legend Award in 2023.

18. Roger ClemensBoston, MA: Head and shoulders portrait of Roger Clemens, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Photo: Brenttmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Roger ClemensPosition: PitcherTeam(s): Boston Red Sox, New York YankeesStats: 354-184 record, 3.12 ERA, 4,672 strikeouts, 1.17 WHIP, 7.7 H/9, 2.96 K/BBRoger Clemens was one of the best starting pitchers ever. He won the World Series championships twice, the Cy Young Award seven times, and became an All-Star eleven times. Additionally, Clemens won the Triple Crown and joined the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

19. Joe DiMaggio Joe DiMaggio poses with a bat at Yankee Stadium. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Joseph Paul DiMaggioPosition: Outfielder Team(s): New York YankeesStats: 2,214 hits, 131 triples, 361 home runs, 1,537 RBIs, .977 OPS, 155 OPS+Joseph DiMaggio was nicknamed the Yankee Clipper, Joe D. and Joltin’ Joe. He won nine World Series championships, three MVPs and two battling titles. DiMaggio joined the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.

20. Albert Pujols Albert Pujols acknowledges the crowd ahead of the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field on July 16, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Stacy Revere
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: José Alberto Pujols Alcántara Position: Center fielderTeam(s): St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles AngelsStats: 703 home runs, 2,218 RBI, .396/.374/.544, .918 OPS, 3,384 hitsAlbert Pujols is a Dominican-Americana former baseball player and manager. He played for 22 seasons in MLB for baseball teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. He won numerous awards, including Baseball America Rookie of the Year, the Hank Aaron Award and the Silver Slugger Award.

21. Frank Robinson Frank Robinson poses for a photo on a field. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Frank Robinson Position: Outfielder, first basemanTeam(s): Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore OriolesStats: 586 home runs,1,812 RBIs, 528 doubles, .926 OPS, 154 OPS+Frank Robinson, also known as The Judge, was a professional baseball outfielder and manager. He played for five teams over his 21-season career. He won 14 All-Stars, NL Rookie of the Year, two-time World Series winner and a Gold Glove Award.

22. Alex RodriguezAlex Rodriguez at the Fox Sports $200,0000 donation for the Boys and Girls Club of Miami on January 29th, 2020, in Miami, FL Photo: Manny Hernandez
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Alexander Emmanuel RodriguezPosition: ShortstopTeam(s): New York Yankees, Seattle MarinersStats: 696 home runs, 3,115 hits, 2,086 RBI, .295 batting average Alex Rodriguez is one of the richest baseball players and an all-time great in baseball. According to Fox Sports, he is a three-time AL MVP and has earned 14 All-Star selections. Rodriguez is the Grand Slam career record holder, World Series championship, and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

23. Josh GibsonA portrait of baseball great Josh Gibson in a Homestead Grays baseball uniform.
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Joshua GibsonPosition: Catcher Team(s): Pittsburgh Crawfords, Homestead GraysStats: 607 hits, home runs 1744, RBIs 7514, steals 40, OBP.4662, OPS 1.177Josh Gibson was nicknamed the Black Babe Ruth for his home run prowess. He won a batting title in Puerto Rico and joined the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Gibson is considered home run king with 800 home runs in his career.

24. Tom SeaverA portrait of Tom Seaver wearing Boston Red Sox’s uniform. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: George Thomas SeaverPosition: PitcherTeam(s): New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red SoxStats: 311 hits, 12 home runs, RBIs 86, 2.86 ERA, 3,640 strikeoutsGeorge Thomas Seaver was a professional baseball pitcher. He played for 20 seasons for different teams in MLB. He won three Cy Young Awards and 12 All-Stars and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.

25. Bob GibsonA photo of pitcher Bob Gibson wearing St. Louis Cardinal’s uniform. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: George Thomas SeaverPosition: PitcherTeam(s): St. Louis CardinalsStats: 2.91 ERA, 3,117 strikeouts, 1.19 WHIP, 251 winsBob Gibson was a baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. He won two Cy Young Awards and two World Series and was named World Series MVP in 1964 and 1967. The player was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

26. Roger HornsbyRogers Hornsby of the St. Louis Cardinals holding a bat. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Rogers Hornsby Position: Second baseTeam(s): St. Louis Cardinals Stats: 358/.434/.577, 1.010 OPS, 301 home runs, 135 steals, 169 triplesRoger Hornsby was an American baseball infielder, manager, and coach. Rogers Hornsby has several achievements, including the World Series, two MVPs, two Triple Crowns, and seven batting wins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1942.

27. Mike SchmidtFormer Philadelphia Phillie Mike Schmidt throws out the first pitch at Citizens Bank Park on October 31, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo: Chris McGrath (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Michael Jack SchmidtPosition: FielderTeam(s): Philadelphia PhilliesStats: .267/.380/.527, .908 OPS, 548 home runs, 1,595 RBI, 2,234 hitsThe former professional has had a complicated career with the Philadelphia Phillies for 18 years. He helped the Phillies win the 1980 World Series and earned 12 All-Star selections. Schmidt also won 10 Gold Glove Awards and Silver Slugger Awards and appeared in the Hall of Fame.

28. Roberto ClementeA close-up photo of Roberto Clemente in a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey. Photo: Brettmann
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Roberto Enrique Clemente WalkerPosition: Right fielderTeam(s): Pittsburgh Pirates Stats: .317/.359/.475, .834 OPS, 240 home runs, 166 triplesRoberto Clemente played 18 seasons in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates as a baseball right fielder. Clemente was a four-time batting champion, won the Gold Glove Award 12 times, and became the first Latin-American player in the Hall of Fame.

29. Johnny BenchJohnny Bench, #5 of the Cincinnati Reds, poses for a photo before a National League game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in this undated photo. Photo: Louis Requena
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Johnny Lee BenchPosition: CatcherTeam(s): Cincinnati RedsStats: .267/.342/.476, .817 OPS, 389 home runs, 1,376 RBI, 2,048 hitsJohnny Bench is an American baseball player known as the best catcher in MLB history. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and earned 14 All-Star Game selections. Johnny Bench won the Gold Glove Award 10 times, the MVP award twice, and the World Series twice.

30. Shohei Ohtani Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers strikes out at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024, in the Bronx borough of New York City. Photo: Elsa
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Shohei OhtaniPosition: Pitcher, designated hitterTeam(s): Los Angeles Dodgers Stats: .946 OPS, 225 home runs, 567 RBI, 878 hits, steals 145Shohei Ohtani is a hitter and a pitcher, making him among the greatest players in baseball history. Shohei Ohtani was named the 2024 NL MVP, World Baseball Classic MVP 2023, and 2021 All-Star.

Who is the best baseball player in the World?Many of baseball’s best players have emerged at the top in different eras, including Babe Ruth, Roger Clemens, and Honus Wagner.

Is Shohei Ohtani the best baseball player ever?Shohei Ohtani is one of the best basketball players of the modern era. He has been compared to Babe Ruth, one of the greats.

Who is the home run king?Barry Bonds is the king of home runs, leading the pack of all-time home run scorers. He has a record of 762 home runs between 1986 and 2007.

People have always debated about the best baseball players of all time, sparking endless arguments among fans. However, players’ stats, wins, and contributions to the sport must be considered to appear in the list. The above is a list of the best baseball players of all time.

Legit.ng published an article about the best NBA players ever. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has produced some of the most talented players in the World. These NBA players are trained, which makes them do their best in the sport.

The best NBA players consist of good sportsmanship, best performance, and a commitment to the sport. The players on this list have been commended for their outstanding performance on and off the court. Find out who the best NBA players of all time are.

Source: Legit.ng