Ranking the 17 Best MLB Players Right Now

The 2025 MLB season is just around the corner, and there’s no better time than now to take a look at the cream of the crop. With so much talent in the league, it can be tough to decide who truly deserves to be at the top. 

But we’ve done the hard work for you—ranking some of the best MLB players right now. Let’s see if you agree.

17. Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox)

Rafael Devers
Openverse

Devers may be one of the best pure hitters in the league today. His bat is lethal, and he’s got the power to take one deep to any part of the park.

16. Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies)

Zack Wheeler
Openverse

Wheeler is a great baseball player due to his elite pitching skills, combining a powerful fastball with a devastating slider that keeps hitters off balance. His ability to consistently perform in high-pressure situations, especially during key games, makes him a valuable asset to any team.

15. Manny Machado (San Diego Padres)

Manny Machado
Photo by Ryan Casey Aguinaldo

Machado is one of the most well-rounded players in baseball. His defense is spectacular, and his bat is consistently in the middle of the lineup. When he’s at his best, he’s unstoppable.

14. Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers)

Corbin Burnes
Openverse

Burnes’ stuff is electric, and he can be unhittable at times. With his ridiculous strikeout numbers and ability to go deep into games, he’s one of the game’s most dangerous pitchers.

13. Kyle Tucker (Chicago Cubs)

Kyle Tucker
Openverse

Tucker is quietly one of the most well-rounded players in the game, with a blend of power, speed, and defensive chops that make him an all-around star.

12. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves)

Ronald Acuña Jr.
Openverse

Acuña is an absolute highlight reel. Whether it’s a home run, stolen base, or a catch in the outfield, Acuña makes something exciting happen every game.

11. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Openverse

Vladdy has the ability to crush baseballs to the moon. His power is unmatched, and he’s just scratching the surface of what could be a historic career.

10. Yordan Álvarez (Houston Astros)

Yordan Álvarez
Wikipedia

Álvarez has an incredibly sweet swing and is one of the most feared hitters in baseball today. His ability to crush the ball is unmatched, and he’s a key part of any team’s offense.

9. José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)

José Ramírez
Openverse

Ramírez is the total package—dynamic at the plate, electric on the base paths, and stellar defensively. He’s a top-tier talent and one of the most fun players to watch.

8. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)

Bryce Harper
Openverse

When Harper is healthy, he’s one of the scariest players to face. His bat can change the momentum of any game, and his passion is infectious.

7. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Freddie Freeman
Wikipedia

Freeman’s bat is pure magic. Whether it’s with runners in scoring position or in the late innings, he’s the guy you want at the plate when it counts.

6. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Mookie Betts Dodgers
Photo by Erik Drost

Betts brings a little bit of everything to the table: a glove that can make the impossible look routine, a bat that can turn the game in a moment, and a personality that keeps things fun.

5. Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)

Francisco Lindor
Openverse

Lindor’s bat is lethal, and his defense at shortstop is next-level. His swagger and leadership are contagious, making him a perfect fit for any team.

4. Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

Bobby Witt Jr.
Wikipedia

Witt Jr. is one of the most exciting young players in the game today. With elite speed and power, plus his strong defensive play at shortstop, he’s a future superstar in the making.

3. Juan Soto (New York Mets)

Juan Soto
Wikipedia

Soto’s plate discipline is legendary. He can work counts, take walks, and hit home runs all in the same at-bat. The only thing more impressive than his bat is his potential.

Read More: The 15 Best MLB Rookie Seasons Ever

2. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Shohei Ohtani
Openverse

Ohtani can do it all. He’s an ace on the mound and a beast at the plate. There’s no one like him in the game today, and he’s changing the way we think about baseball.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Hated MLB Fanbases

1. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Aaron Judge
Photo by Jeffrey Hyde

The top spot goes to the reigning American League MVP. Judge has the power to hit baseballs further than anyone else, and his leadership and consistency make him the top player in the game today. Whether it’s smashing home runs or leading his team to victory, Judge does it all.

Read More: 10 Rising Stars in the MLB to Keep an Eye On

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