MLB Rank 2025: Breaking Down Baseball’s Elite Top 100 Players – Ohtani, Judge, and Rising Stars

MLB Rank 2025: Ranking Baseball’s Top 100 Players

The 2025 MLB season is already unfolding with jaw-dropping performances—both brilliant (Yankees’ home run barrage) and concerning (Rafael Devers’ historic strikeout slump). As the marathon 162-game season progresses, one question looms: Who will reign as 2025’s best player?

To answer, ESPN’s MLB Rank panel—60+ baseball experts—assessed the game’s brightest stars through head-to-head comparisons. But ranking players across vastly different roles (aces vs. sluggers, rookies vs. veterans) is no easy task. Yet, after intense debate, one legendary name emerged on top.

The Methodology

• Evaluation Criteria: Batting dominance, defensive prowess, pitching excellence, and overall impact.
• Expert Panel: Input from ESPN analysts like Jesse Rogers, Alden Gonzalez, and David Schoenfield.
• Snubs & Surprises: Young talents leapfrogged veterans; breakout stars made unexpected climbs.

Top 10 Breakdown

1. Shohei Ohtani (DH/SP, Dodgers) – The unanimous #1 after a 50/50 season (54 HR, 59 SB) and a World Series push. Prediction: 100 IP, MVP contention.
2. Bobby Witt Jr. (SS, Royals) – A franchise cornerstone improving in every category. Prediction: .300/.400/.500, 35 HR, 50 SB.
3. Mookie Betts (SS, Dodgers) – Transitioning from RF to SS in his 30s? Only Mookie. Prediction: MVP-caliber bat, Gold Glove defense.
4. Aaron Judge (RF, Yankees) – 58 HR, 1.159 OPS in 2024—still the AL’s most feared bat. Prediction: Another 50+ HR campaign.
5. Paul Skenes (SP, Pirates) – ROY in ’24; now unchained. Prediction: Sub-2.00 ERA, Cy Young buzz.
6. José Ramírez (3B, Guardians) – Mr. Consistent eyes 30/30 at age 32.
7. Yordan Alvarez (DH/LF, Astros) – When healthy, OPS machine (166 career OPS+).
8. Juan Soto (RF, Mets) – $500M man aims for MVP-level production alongside Lindor/Alonso.
9. Zack Wheeler (SP, Phillies) – NL’s most reliable workhorse (4 straight Cy Young-contending years).
10. Tarik Skubal (SP, Tigers) – Unanimous AL Cy Young winner in ’24—can he repeat?

Trending Up: Biggest Risers

• Jackson Merrill (CF, Padres): From Double-A to star CF in one year (↑77 spots).
• Elly De La Cruz (SS, Reds): Despite Ks/errors, tools are undeniable (↑55 spots).
• Ketel Marte (2B, D-backs): 36 HR in ’24—making a late-career power surge.

Key Takeaways

• Dodgers Dominate (9 players in Top 100).
• Youth Movement: 12 players under age 25 crack the list.
• Injury Risks: Trout, Acuña, deGrom must prove durability.

Full rankings dive deep into team breakdowns, breakout candidates, and bold 2025 predictions. Who’s overrated? Who’s missing? Let the debates begin!