Baseball might be America’s pastime, but for these players, it was also a fast track to endorsement heaven. Whether they were hawking sneakers, breakfast cereals, or razor blades, these stars had companies lining up to slap their faces on billboards and products alike.
Some had iconic commercials, others had entire campaigns built around their swagger. But all of them knew how to play the game on and off the diamond, turning their names into marketing gold.
15. Bryce Harper
With his hair flips and fierce glare, Bryce Harper had marketing appeal from day one. He’s been a poster boy for cleats, energy drinks, and everything in between.
14. Alex Rodriguez
Before and after the drama, A-Rod was a sponsorship magnet. From Wheaties to luxury watches, brands loved his combination of talent and tabloid buzz.
13. Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani is a global superstar with crossover appeal that’s rare in baseball. His endorsements stretch from Japanese airlines to American sports drinks.
12. Jose Canseco
During his steroid-era prime, Canseco’s fame made him a flashy pitchman. He was in video games, ads, and somehow always found a way to sell something.
11. Albert Pujols
Quiet but dominant, Pujols cashed in on a decade of excellence. His face popped up in ads for sports drinks and equipment alike.
10. Derek Jeter
Jeter wasn’t just the Yankees captain — he was a brand ambassador’s dream. He represented everything from Gatorade to Gillette with calm, confident cool.
9. David Ortiz
Big Papi’s charm made him a favorite for both fans and sponsors. His face showed up in everything from Dunkin’ commercials to car ads.
8. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October had swagger before it was cool, and companies noticed. He had candy bars, car ads, and plenty of product pushes in his prime.
7. Mark McGwire
At the height of the home run craze, McGwire was everywhere. He landed massive deals with companies looking to ride the long-ball wave.
6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
He’s carrying on the Guerrero legacy with flair — and sponsorships. From bat companies to gaming brands, he’s racked up impressive partnerships.
5. Fernando Valenzuela
“Fernandomania” wasn’t just a baseball thing — it was a full-on cultural movement. Sponsors rushed to feature him as their go-to Latino superstar.
4. Cal Ripken Jr.
The Iron Man was as dependable for marketers as he was on the field. His clean image made him a perfect face for family-friendly brands.
3. Barry Bonds
Even with controversy, Bonds had an undeniable pull in the endorsement world. Early in his career, he landed several big-name deals before things turned murky.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best First Basemen in MLB History
2. Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey Jr. had the backwards hat, the swing, and the smile — all perfect for endorsements. From shoes to candy to video games, he was everywhere in the ’90s.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Catchers in MLB History
1. Babe Ruth
The original endorsement king, Babe Ruth, sold everything from cigars to cereal. He paved the way for every athlete who ever wanted to cash in on fame.
Read More: Home Run Kings: Ranking the 30 Best in MLB History
