The Greatest MLB Players Of All Time

If you’re sleeping on any of the icons from this dream team, chances are you’re not a real baseball fan.

Fans have witnessed many legends compete over the years on the MLB diamond. These athletes have shaped the game, setting records and pushing boundaries far beyond expectations. They have embodied baseball’s spirit, inspiring future generations of players and leaving an indelible mark on fans.

With so many great players residing in the annals of MLB history, ranking the best of the best is a Herculean task. It’s not like you can just look at numbers and statistics, though those are obviously important. You also have to consider the stories, the moments of triumph, their impact and more.

Without further ado, let’s rank our GOATs of the diamond. These are our top 15 MLB players of all time. Let the debate ensue.

15. 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.”

14. 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.

13. 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.

12. 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.

11. Mike Trout

Team: Los Angeles Angels (2011-present)
Stats: .305/.419/.583, 310 HR, 816 RBI, 1,419 H
Primary Position: Center Field

Trout is a modern-day superstar with an unmatched blend of power, speed, and defensive skill. Despite playing for a team that has struggled, his individual accomplishments—including three American League MVP awards—make him one of the greatest players of his generation. As if those accolades aren’t enough, his legend is still growing. The 11-time All-Star from New Jersey is under contract with Los Angeles through 2030.

10. Honus Wagner

Teams: Louisville Colonels (1897-99), Pittsburgh Pirates (1900-17)
Stats: .328/.391/.467, 101 HR, 1,732 RBI, 3,420 H
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.

9. 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

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. 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.

2. 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.

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.