With the MLB season fast approaching, it’s time for the annual ranking of the Top 100 Players Right Now. MLB Network’s research team has once again analyzed the best players in the game using a unique formula, separate from The Shredder, which determines position rankings.
Here’s a look at the top players heading into 2025:
1) Shohei Ohtani, DH, Dodgers (2024 Rank: 4)
Any doubts about Ohtani’s ability to win a third MVP Award without pitching were put to rest. In his first season with the Dodgers, he made history as the first MLB player to hit 50+ home runs (54) and steal 50+ bases (59) in the same season. His .310/.390/.646 slash line and record-breaking 9.2 WAR as a full-time DH earned him another unanimous MVP award.
2) Aaron Judge, RF, Yankees (2024 Rank: 3)
After setting the AL home run record in 2022, Judge somehow got even better in 2024. He improved in nearly every offensive category, posting a .322 batting average, .701 slugging percentage, and 58 home runs—all MLB bests. With an OPS+ of 223, he remains baseball’s most feared hitter.
3) Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals (2024 Rank: 20)
Witt skyrocketed up 17 spots, thanks to an MVP-caliber season. The young shortstop led the league in batting average (.332), hits (211), and posted a .977 OPS. He also won his first Gold Glove while recording his second straight 30-30 season (32 HR, 31 SB).
4) Juan Soto, RF, Mets (2024 Rank: 7)
Soto landed the largest contract in MLB history—a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets—after an electrifying season. He hit a career-high 41 home runs and led the Yankees to the World Series with a clutch 10th-inning, three-run homer in the ALCS. His 160+ career OPS+ ranks him alongside legends like Mantle, Trout, and Pujols.
5) Mookie Betts, SS, Dodgers (2024 Rank: 2)
Despite missing time with a broken hand, Betts still earned All-Star, Silver Slugger, and MVP votes while excelling at both shortstop and right field. His versatility and elite defense make him one of the most valuable players in baseball.
6) Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets (2024 Rank: 25)
After a slow start, Lindor caught fire in the second half, finishing with a .945 OPS, 26 homers, and 23 steals. His clutch performances helped the Mets reach the NLCS, solidifying him as one of the game’s top shortstops.
7) Yordan Alvarez, LF, Astros (2024 Rank: 8)
In a career-high 147 games, Alvarez proved he’s one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters, posting a .308/.392/.567 line with 35 home runs. His expected slugging (.595) ranked in the 99th percentile, confirming just how elite his power is.
8) Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers (2024 Rank: 5)
Despite facing personal challenges, Freeman remained a key contributor, hitting 22 homers and delivering one of the most iconic postseason moments—a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series.
9) José Ramírez, 3B, Guardians (2024 Rank: 14)
Ramírez nearly joined the exclusive 40 HR, 40 2B, 40 SB club, finishing just one home run and double shy. A rainout on the last day of the season prevented him from reaching that milestone, but his fifth-place MVP finish shows how vital he remains to Cleveland.
10) Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Orioles (2024 Rank: 34)
The 2023 Rookie of the Year took a massive leap in 2024, blasting 37 homers, stealing 21 bases, and posting 9.2 WAR—becoming just the fifth player in the last 25 years to achieve that by age 23.
Who Else Made the Top 20?
Several stars made huge jumps this year, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+39 spots) and Ketel Marte (+47 spots). Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal (No. 11) and Chris Sale (No. 20) also secured their places among baseball’s best.
11-20 Rankings:
11. Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers (⬆ Unranked)
12. Bryce Harper, 1B, Phillies (⬇ 11)
13. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays (⬆ 52)
14. Kyle Tucker, RF, Cubs (⬆ 23)
15. Paul Skenes, SP, Pirates (⬆ Unranked)
16. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF, Braves (⬇ 1)
17. Corey Seager, SS, Rangers (⬇ 6)
18. Ketel Marte, 2B, D-backs (⬆ 65)
19. Zack Wheeler, SP, Phillies (⬆ 28)
20. Chris Sale, SP, Braves (⬆ Unranked)
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