Best MLB players right now

Shohei Ohtani▲ Rising

He tore his UCL mid-season, kept hitting bombs anyway, then signed a $700 million deal and won NL MVP unanimously without pitching a single inning — because that's how absurd his bat alone plays. In 2024 he became the first 50-50 player in history, going 54 homers and 59 steals for the Dodgers, and now he's stretching his arm back out to pitch again in 2025. There's no argument against him at #1; he's the only two-way threat baseball has seen since Babe Ruth, and he's doing it in the social media era with cameras on him every second.'

added by IJRin 3 rankingsShohei Ohtani

Juan Soto▲ Rising

That signature 'Soto Shuffle' before a pitch has become as iconic as the swing itself — a batting eye so absurd he walks more than players who can't hit at all, then still crushes mistakes into the upper deck. He forced his way from the Nationals to the Padres to the Yankees to now a record $765 million Mets contract, becoming a walking superteam upgrade wherever he lands. Still only in his mid-20s, he's already a lock Hall of Famer purely on plate discipline and power combined at a historic rate.'

added by IJR

Mookie Betts▲ Rising

He won MVP in Boston, won a ring in his first year with the Dodgers, then volunteered to slide over to shortstop in 2024 to make room for Ohtani and Freeman — a superstar sacrificing his own Gold Glove position for the team. Five-tool doesn't begin to cover it: batting titles, elite defense at multiple positions, and a bowling habit serious enough that he's actually competed professionally. He's the most complete baseball player alive, even if his flash gets overshadowed by louder teammates.'

added by IJRMookie Betts

Aaron Judge▲ Rising

The 6'7" outfielder broke the AL home run record with 62 in 2022, then somehow got better, hitting .322 with 58 homers in 2024 to win his second MVP. He's the Yankees captain, the most feared right-handed bat in the league, and the rare superstar who's actually gotten more disciplined and more dangerous as he's aged into his thirties. If Ohtani ever slips, Judge is the only name in the conversation to replace him at the top.'

added by IJRin 2 rankingsAaron Judge

Freddie Freeman▲ Rising

He won a ring and MVP with the Braves in 2021, then somehow got better after signing with the Dodgers, capping the 2024 World Series with a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 that instantly became one of the sport's all-time postseason moments. His swing is a model of smooth, repeatable excellence, batting title after batting title, and he's done it with a warmth and consistency that's made him one of the most respected players in any clubhouse he's joined. A future Hall of Famer still performing like it's his prime.'

added by IJRFreddie Freeman

Ronald Acuña Jr.

In 2023 he became the first player ever to go 40-70, blending video-game power with terrifying speed on the bases for the Braves, and made it look effortless while grinning through every highlight. A torn ACL wiped out most of his 2024, but before that he was arguably the most electrifying player in the sport, a five-tool phenom who turns routine groundballs into highlight-reel infield hits. The talent ceiling here is still the highest on this list when healthy.'

added by IJR

Bobby Witt Jr.

He nearly went 30-30 as a rookie, then broke out fully in 2024 with a .332 average, 32 homers, and 31 steals, dragging the Royals back into playoff relevance almost single-handedly. His defense at shortstop is highlight-reel spectacular — bare-hand plays, absurd arm strength — paired with a smile that makes him the most likable rising star in the league. He's the new-generation shortstop template: power, speed, glove, all in his mid-20s with no signs of slowing down.'

added by IJRBobby Witt Jr.

Bryce Harper▼ Falling

The former No. 1 overall pick turned generational hype into two MVPs, but his signature moment might be the 2022 NLCS walk-off homer that sent the Phillies to the World Series while he was still working back from Tommy John surgery. He's since moved to first base and kept mashing, embodying the ultimate 'put the team on my back' superstar energy Philadelphia demanded from him since he was a teenager on a magazine cover. Still a middle-of-the-order monster whenever the games matter most.'

added by IJRBryce Harper

Paul Skenes▼ Falling

The Pirates called him up in May 2024 and by July he was starting the All-Star Game as a rookie, a feat almost unheard of, armed with a 100-mph fastball and a splinker that made veteran hitters look silly. He led all of baseball in ERA for stretches of his debut season and immediately became the most must-watch arm in the sport. No pitcher this young has arrived with this much hype and actually outpaced it.'

added by IJRin 3 rankingsPaul Skenes

Corbin Carroll▼ Falling

He won NL Rookie of the Year in 2023 by going 25-50, blending speed and pop in a smaller frame that scouts once worried couldn't hold up, then helped drag the Diamondbacks to a surprise World Series appearance that same year. His combination of instincts on the bases and a swing built for doubles-power makes him one of the most exciting under-25 players in the sport. He's the arrival of a new wave of do-everything outfielders, and the ceiling is still rising.'

added by IJRCorbin Carroll