Greatest Baseball Players Ever

Babe Ruth

Redefined the sport as both a dominant pitcher and the greatest slugger of his era.

Primary Era: 1914-1935Position: Outfielder/PitcherCareer WAR: 183

added by IJRin 4 rankings

Willie Mays

The ultimate five-tool player, combining power, speed, and legendary defense.

Primary Era: 1951-1973Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 156

added by IJRin 3 rankingsWillie Mays

Barry Bonds

Holds the all-time home run record and won a record seven MVP awards.

Primary Era: 1986-2007Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 163

added by IJRin 3 rankings

Ty Cobb

One of the most ferocious hitters ever, with the highest career batting average in history.

Primary Era: 1905-1928Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 151

added by IJRTy Cobb

Hank Aaron

Baseball's home run king for decades and a model of sustained excellence.

Primary Era: 1954-1976Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 143

added by IJRin 3 rankingsHank Aaron

Ted Williams

The last man to hit .400 in a season and arguably the purest hitter ever.

Primary Era: 1939-1960Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 123

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Lou Gehrig

The Iron Horse combined incredible durability with devastating offensive production.

Primary Era: 1923-1939Position: First BaseCareer WAR: 112

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Stan Musial

A model of consistency and one of the most beloved hitters in baseball history.

Primary Era: 1941-1963Position: Outfielder/First BaseCareer WAR: 128

added by IJRStan Musial

Walter Johnson

One of the most dominant pitchers ever, with over 400 career wins and a blazing fastball.

Primary Era: 1907-1927Position: PitcherCareer WAR: 152

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Mickey Mantle

A switch-hitting powerhouse who anchored the Yankees dynasty of the 1950s and 60s.

Primary Era: 1951-1968Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 110

added by IJRin 3 rankings

Honus Wagner

Considered the greatest shortstop of the dead-ball era, excelling at every phase of the game.

Primary Era: 1897-1917Position: ShortstopCareer WAR: 131

added by IJR

Cy Young

His name is now synonymous with pitching excellence, holding the all-time wins record.

Primary Era: 1890-1911Position: PitcherCareer WAR: 164

added by IJRCy Young

Rickey Henderson

The greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer the game has ever seen.

Primary Era: 1979-2003Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 111

added by IJRRickey Henderson

Alex Rodriguez

A three-time MVP with elite power and defense who ranks among the top home run hitters ever.

Primary Era: 1994-2016Position: Shortstop/Third BaseCareer WAR: 117

added by IJR

Albert Pujols

One of the most feared right-handed hitters ever, with elite power and consistency for two decades.

Primary Era: 2001-2022Position: First BaseCareer WAR: 101

added by IJRin 3 rankingsAlbert Pujols

Greg Maddux

A pitching genius who dominated hitters with precision and intellect rather than pure velocity.

Primary Era: 1986-2008Position: PitcherCareer WAR: 106

added by IJRin 2 rankingsGreg Maddux

Randy Johnson

The Big Unit terrorized hitters with a 100mph fastball and devastating slider for two decades.

Primary Era: 1988-2009Position: PitcherCareer WAR: 104

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Derek Jeter

The face of the Yankees dynasty, known for clutch performances and leadership.

Primary Era: 1995-2014Position: ShortstopCareer WAR: 73

added by IJRin 2 rankingsDerek Jeter

Mike Trout

The best player of his generation, combining elite power, speed, and defense.

Primary Era: 2011-presentPosition: OutfielderCareer WAR: 86

added by IJR

Joe DiMaggio

Famous for his 56-game hitting streak and graceful excellence in center field.

Primary Era: 1936-1951Position: OutfielderCareer WAR: 79

added by IJRin 2 rankings

Pedro Martinez

Pound for pound, one of the most dominant pitchers ever during his peak years with Boston.

Primary Era: 1992-2009Position: PitcherCareer WAR: 86

added by IJRin 2 rankings