2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #5 - #1

5. Gunnar Henderson - Baltimore Orioles

At the young age of 24, Gunnar Henderson has already made a significant mark in Major League Baseball. The Baltimore Orioles' shortstop and third baseman emerged on the scene in 2022 and rapidly established himself as one of the premier young talents in the sport.

Henderson had a remarkable 2023 season, earning both the American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award. He followed this success by being selected for the All-Star team in 2024. Despite encountering some difficulties this year, Henderson retains his position in the top five due to his extraordinary skills and the potential he displays for future performances.

As a member of the Orioles, Henderson injects enthusiasm and expertise into both his offensive and defensive play. His ability to adeptly handle shortstop and third base makes him an invaluable asset for his team. With a quick swing and an astute baseball intellect, he aids the Orioles in competing within the challenging American League East.

4. Juan Soto - New York Mets

Juan Soto is recognized as one of the most dynamic hitters in contemporary baseball. The 26-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic recently signed a groundbreaking contract—a 15-year deal worth $765 million with the New York Mets, making it the largest agreement in sports history.

Soto's career has included tenures with several teams, such as the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. He played a pivotal role in securing the Nationals' first World Series championship in 2019 and clinched the National League batting title in 2020, boasting an impressive .351 batting average.

What distinguishes Soto is his exceptional ability to navigate counts and consistently reach base. He is famously known for his "Soto Shuffle," a distinctive movement he displays in the batter's box prior to each pitch. Over the course of his career, Soto has garnered five Silver Slugger Awards and has made four All-Star appearances. Although he has experienced a rather slow start with the Mets, many anticipate that he will soon return to his elite level of performance.

3. Bobby Witt Jr. - Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. is currently achieving feats that no other shortstop in baseball history has accomplished. The 24-year-old star for the Kansas City Royals is the only shortstop to register two 30-30 seasons, which means he hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in both 2023 and 2024.

The Royals drafted Witt second overall in the 2019 draft, and he made his Major League debut in 2022. His 2024 season was particularly outstanding, as he made his first All-Star team and won both a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award. Witt earned another All-Star selection in 2025.

Witt brings a combination of speed and power to the Royals' batting lineup. He exhibits the ability to hit for average, steal bases, and deliver impressive defensive performances at shortstop. Furthermore, he represents the United States in international competitions, highlighting the respect and recognition he has garnered worldwide.

2. Aaron Judge - New York Yankees

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 282 pounds, Aaron Judge is not only one of the largest players in baseball but also one of the most formidable hitters. The captain of the New York Yankees holds the American League record for the most home runs in a single season, having accomplished the impressive feat of hitting 62 homers, thereby breaking a record that had persisted for 61 years.

Judge has been honored with the AL MVP Award twice and has been selected for seven All-Star teams. In 2017, he was named AL Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie in history to win the Home Run Derby. His exceptional performance in 2024 earned him a second MVP award as he led all of baseball in home runs and played a crucial role in propelling the Yankees to their first World Series appearance in 15 years.

Following the 2022 season, Judge signed a monumental nine-year contract worth $360 million to remain with the Yankees and subsequently took on the role of team captain. He also achieved the distinction of being the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs and is set to captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

1. Shohei Ohtani - Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani is truly a singular figure in the annals of baseball history. The Japanese superstar, affectionately nicknamed "Shotime," possesses the extraordinary capability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter—an achievement that has not been witnessed since the era of Babe Ruth more than a century ago.

Ohtani has clinched three MVP awards—two while playing for the Los Angeles Angels and one with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, he etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player ever to belting 50 home runs while also stealing 50 bases in a single season. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in leading the Dodgers to victory in the World Series during his inaugural playoff appearance.

Prior to his transition to MLB, Ohtani competed in Japan, where he celebrated triumph in the Japan Series in 2016. He also led Japan to victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, earning the tournament MVP title—a final match that captivated millions of viewers globally.

After the 2023 season, Ohtani signed an astonishing 10-year contract valued at $700 million with the Dodgers. Despite being unable to pitch in 2024 due to an elbow injury, he still delivered one of the most remarkable seasons as a batter. Now that he has resumed pitching, he reclaims his status as the most unique and invaluable player in all of baseball.