Key Takeaways
- The article ranks the top 20 MLB players ever, balancing traditional stats with overall impact, clutch performance, and cultural influence across eras, from dead-ball legends to modern stars.
- Pitching greats like Mariano Rivera, Sandy Koufax, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Roger Clemens are highlighted for dominance, durability, and redefining what elite pitching looks like.
- All-time position-player icons from Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, and Ted Williams to Ken Griffey Jr., Shohei Ohtani, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and No. 1 Babe Ruth are celebrated for five-tool excellence, record-breaking power, and lasting cultural and historical significance.
Ask 10 baseball fans who the greatest player of all time is, and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Each generation has its own GOAT with fans in his corner, and stacking up the greats from different eras is a tall task.
How do you compare Babe Ruth to Barry Bonds? Or Cy Young to Greg Maddux? And where do you even start with factoring in a modern unicorn like Shohei Ohtani?
Ranking the best of the best isn’t just about racking up stats and calling it a day. Yes, stats matter, but our list also factors in impact — the guys who were just different. We’re talking about the players who really made, or are currently making, a mark in MLB history.
With that in mind, these are the 20 Greatest MLB Players of All Time.
This article was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated.
20. Mariano Rivera
Team: New York Yankees (1995-2013)
Stats: 652 SV, 2.21 ERA, 1,173 SO, 1,283 ⅔ IP
Primary Position: Relief Pitcher
Everyone in the stadium knew what was coming… and it still didn’t matter. Rivera’s cutter might be the most reliable pitch baseball has ever seen. Hitters would just walk back to the dugout shaking their heads after succumbing to Mo—as we all expected. Rivera was differentiated by both his dominance on the mound and his trademark calm. This man had no panic in his body. In the biggest moments in October, the best closer in the game somehow got better. There’s a reason he’s the only unanimous Hall of Famer. When Mo had the ball and the lead, the game was, more likely than not, over.
19. Sandy Koufax
Teams: Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1955-66)
Stats: 165-87, 2.76 ERA, 2,396 SO, 2,324 ⅓ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
Koufax’s dominance on the mound in the 1960s is legendary—he won three Cy Young Awards and an MVP during that decade. Though his career was relatively short and his later playing years were plagued by pain, his impact was profound, with his biggest moments including four no-hitters and one perfect game. With his graceful delivery, Koufax was known for ice-cold performances in clutch moments, especially in the World Series. There’s a reason this guy was known as “the Left Arm of God.”
18. Randy Johnson
Teams: Montreal Expos (1988-89), Seattle Mariners (1989-98), Houston Astros (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999-2004), New York Yankees (2005-06), Arizona Diamondbacks (2007-08), San Francisco Giants (2009)
Stats: 303-166, 3.29 ERA, 4,875 SO, 4,135 ⅓ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
Randy Johnson made batters look fearful and apprehensive from the moment they approached the plate. His stature, delivery mechanics, and velocity set him apart. The Big Unit was 6’10” and fired a scorching fastball that he delivered from a tough angle. He was simply unlike everyone else. The command wasn’t always there early in his career, but once things clicked in Seattle and then especially in Arizona, Johnson became nearly unhittable. He won four straight Cy Youngs with the Diamondbacks, and his performance in the 2001 World Series (3-0 1.04 ERA including a relief appearance in Game 7 on zero days rest) cemented his legacy as one of the best big game pitchers of the modern era.
17. Pedro Martinez
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (1992-93), Montreal Expos (1994-97), Boston Red Sox (1998-2004), New York Mets (2005-08), Philadelphia Phillies (2009)
Stats: 219-100, 2.93 ERA, 3,154 SO, 2,827 ⅓ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
Pedro didn’t necessarily look like the most dominant pitcher on the mound, but looks can be deceiving. He was practically unhittable at times, especially during his years in Boston. In the middle of the steroid era, when offense was exploding across the league, Pedro was shutting entire lineups down. He made elite hitters look…well, far from elite. Pedro’s command was ridiculous, and so was his mental game—he had a confidence and swagger that few other players have ever possessed.
16. Ken Griffey Jr.
Teams: Seattle Mariners (1989-99, 2009-10), Cincinnati Reds (2000-08), Chicago White Sox (2008)
Stats: 284/.370/.538, 630 HR, 1,836 RBI, 2,781 Hits
Primary Position: Center Field
Simply put, Ken Griffey Jr. was That Guy in the ’90s. He made excelling in his sport look easy in a way few athletes ever have. His swing was smooth (wasn’t everything he did smooth?), the pop off his bat was thunderous, and everything he did in center field just felt natural. Griffey was an incredible athlete, and everyone wanted to watch him—and play his video game, Major League Baseball. Before injuries slowed him down, Griffey had a legitimate case as the best player in baseball. He was both a great player and a cultural icon.
15. Shohei Ohtani
Teams: Los Angeles Angels (2018-23), Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-present)
Pitching Stats: 40-20 2.93 ERA, 678 SO, 540 ⅔ IP
Hitting Stats: .282/.375/.582 285 HR 679 RBI 1066 Hits
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher/DH
This guy shouldn’t be possible, right? He’s like something made in a lab. A frontline starter and middle-of-the-order bat in the same body — that’s something you see in Little League, not the majors. And yet here we are. Ohtani’s numbers are absurd, both as a hitter and pitcher, and now he’s a back-to-back MLB champion and four-time MVP. But his impact can’t be captured by simple metrics like wins and strikeouts. Ohtani is redefining baseball greatness before our eyes.
14. Greg Maddux
Teams: Chicago Cubs (1986-92, 2004-06), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008), San Diego Padres (2007-08)
Stats: 355-227, 3.16 ERA, 3,371 SO, 5,008 ⅓ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
Maddux’s pinpoint control and strategic pitching earned him four consecutive Cy Young Awards. His ability to dominate hitters without overpowering speed is legendary, and his 18 Gold Glove Awards highlight his defensive prowess. Maddux’s cerebral approach to the game earned him the nickname “The Professor,” setting a new standard for pitchers. His knack for outsmarting even the most prolific batters made him a master on the mound.
13. Honus Wagner
Teams: Louisville Colonels (1897-99), Pittsburgh Pirates (1900-17)
Stats: .328/.391/.467, 101 HR, 1,732 RBI, 3,420 Hits
Primary Position: Shortstop
“The Flying Dutchman” is often considered the greatest shortstop in MLB history. He had a special combination of batting skill, power, and speed. His athletic prowess and versatility set him apart. Wagner was one of the original five members inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
12. Roger Clemens
Teams: Boston Red Sox (1984-96), Toronto Blue Jays (1997-98), New York Yankees (1999-2003, 2007), Houston Astros (2004-06)
Stats: 354-184, 3.12 ERA, 4,672 SO, 4,916 ⅔ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
There was nothing subtle about Roger Clemens. He pitched with attitude, coming right at hitters with his feared fastball, and often stayed on the mound deep into games. And Clemens’ results stacked up year after year throughout his storied career. His seven Cy Young awards gives you an idea of his greatness, but it still doesn’t fully capture how intimidating he was when he had it going. Clemens’ career comes with baggage, without a doubt, but if you’re talking strictly about what happened on the mound, Clemens belongs in any all-time conversation.
11. Cy Young
Teams: Cleveland Spiders (1890-98), St. Louis Perfectos/Cardinals (1899-1900), Boston Americans/Red Sox (1901-08), Cleveland Naps (1909-11), Boston Rustlers (1911)
Stats: 511-315, 2.63 ERA, 2,803 SO, 7,356 IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
Cy Young is the all-time leader in wins, and his name is synonymous with pitching excellence. His career records for wins and innings pitched are unlikely ever to be broken. The Cy Young Award, given annually to the best pitchers in each league, ensures his legacy lives on. Young’s command and endurance made him a standout in the early days of baseball.
10. Mickey Mantle
Team: New York Yankees (1951-68)
Stats: .298/.421/.557, 536 HR, 1,509 RBI, 2,415 H
Primary Position: Center Field
Mantle had a rare one-two punch of power and speed. Though he battled several injuries throughout his career, he won three American League MVP awards and seven World Series titles with the Yankees. Mantle wasn’t just a generational talent; the switch-hitting savant also had charisma that made him a fan favorite.
9. Walter Johnson
Team: Washington Senators (1907-27)
Stats: 417-279, 2.17 ERA, 3,509 SO, 5,914 ⅓ IP
Primary Position: Starting Pitcher
“The Big Train” was a dominant force in the early 20th century. Known for his overpowering fastball and incredible endurance, Johnson’s 110 career shutouts are still the most in MLB history. Johnson’s unique side-armed delivery added to his intimidation factor on the mound.
8. Stan Musial
Team: St. Louis Cardinals (1941-63)
Stats: .331/.417/.559, 475 HR, 1,951 RBI, 3,630 H
Primary Position: Outfield/First Base
“Stan the Man” stood as one of the most consistent hitters in baseball history. He finished his career with 3,630 hits—remarkably, he accrued exactly half of these hits at home and half on the road—and racked up 24 All-Star selections. Musial’s sportsmanship and skill made him a beloved figure among fans.
7. Ty Cobb
Teams: Detroit Tigers (1905-26), Philadelphia Athletics (1927-28)
Stats: .366/.433/.512, 117 HR, 1,944 RBI, 4,189 H
Primary Position: Center Field
Cobb’s career batting average of .366 is the highest in MLB history. Known for his fierce competitiveness and aggressive style of play, he won 12 batting titles and was a dominant force in the early 20th century. Cobb’s relentless pursuit of excellence defined his career, and his intensity and drive set him apart from his peers.
6. Ted Williams
Team: Boston Red Sox (1939-42, 1946-60)
Stats: .344/.482/.634, 521 HR, 1,839 RBI, 2,654 H
Primary Position: Left Field
Williams was arguably the greatest pure hitter in baseball history. Known for his keen eye and powerful swing, he was the last player to hit over .400 in a season (.406 in 1941). His impact on hitting technique continues to influence players today. Williams’ disciplined approach to batting redefined the art of hitting—and, make no mistake, it is an art.
5. Lou Gehrig
Team: New York Yankees (1923-39)
Stats: .340/.447/.632, 493 HR, 1,995 RBI, 2,721 H
Primary Position: First Base
The “Iron Horse” was known for his durability and consistent excellence. Gehrig’s consecutive-games-played streak (2,130) stood for over 50 years, until Cal Ripken Jr. broke the record. Gehrig’s emotional farewell speech remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments, and his legacy will be defined by his grace and humility.
4. Barry Bonds
Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-92), San Francisco Giants (1993-2007)
Stats: .298/.444/.607, 762 HR, 1,996 RBI, 2,935 H
Primary Position: Left Field
Bonds is the all-time home run leader with 762 career homers. Despite controversies surrounding alleged steroid use, his combination of power, speed, and plate discipline made him one of the most feared hitters in history. Bonds’ unparalleled talent is undeniable. His ability to change a game with one swing made him a cultural phenomenon. And a beautiful swing it was.
3. Hank Aaron
Teams: Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1954-74), Milwaukee Brewers (1975-76)
Stats: .305/.374/.555, 755 HR, 2,297 RBI, 3,771 H
Primary Position: Right Field
Aaron’s consistency and power made him a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. His record-breaking 755 home runs stood as the benchmark for decades. Aaron was a hero to many for his dignity, perseverance, and professionalism.
2. Willie Mays
Teams: New York/San Francisco Giants (1951-52, 1954-72), New York Mets (1972-73)
Stats: .301/.384/.557, 660 HR, 1,909 RBI, 3,293 H
Primary Position: Center Field
Say hey! Mays could do it all. Known for “The Catch” in the 1954 World Series, his combination of hitting, fielding, and baserunning earned him 24 All-Star selections and 12 Gold Gloves. Mays’ five-tool abilities made him one of the most complete players ever.
1. Babe Ruth
Teams: Boston Red Sox (1914-19), New York Yankees (1920-34), Boston Braves (1935)
Stats (Hitting): .342/.474/.690, 714 HR, 2,214 RBI, 2,873 H
Stats (Pitching): 94-46, 2.28 ERA, 488 SO, 1,221 IP
Primary Position: Right Field/Left Field
Yes, the “Sultan of Swat” is our GOAT. Ruth is baseball’s greatest icon. His transition from a dominant pitcher to the most feared hitter in the game revolutionized the game. Known for his prodigious power, Ruth set the all-time home run record with 714, a mark that stood for nearly four decades. Adding to his dominance on the diamond, Ruth had a larger-than-life persona. His transformative influence on baseball is still felt today, solidifying his place as the greatest of all time.
