2025 Top 100 MLB Players: #5 - #1

5. Gunnar Henderson - Baltimore Orioles

At just 24 years old, Gunnar Henderson has already made a big impact in Major League Baseball. The Baltimore Orioles shortstop and third baseman burst onto the scene in 2022 and quickly became one of the best young players in the game.

Henderson had an amazing 2023 season, winning both the American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award. He followed that up by making the All-Star team in 2024. Even though he has faced some challenges this year, Henderson keeps his spot in the top five because of his incredible talent and what he can do in the future.

Playing for the Orioles, Henderson brings energy and skill to both his hitting and fielding. He can play shortstop and third base, which makes him very valuable to his team. His quick bat and smart baseball mind help the Orioles compete in the tough American League East.

4. Juan Soto - New York Mets

Juan Soto is one of the most exciting hitters in baseball today. The 26-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic just signed the biggest contract in sports history - a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.

Soto has played for several teams, including the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. He helped the Nationals win their first World Series championship in 2019 and even won the National League batting title in 2020 with a .351 average.

What makes Soto special is his amazing ability to work the count and get on base. He's famous for his "Soto Shuffle" - the unique way he moves in the batter's box before each pitch. Soto has won five Silver Slugger Awards and made four All-Star teams. Even though he's had a slow start with the Mets, most people expect him to return to his usual excellent play soon.

3. Bobby Witt Jr. - Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. is doing things that no other shortstop in baseball history has ever done. The 24-year-old Kansas City Royals star is the only shortstop to have two 30-30 seasons, meaning he hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in both 2023 and 2024.

The Royals picked Witt second overall in the 2019 draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2022. In 2024, he had his best season yet, making his first All-Star team and winning both a Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger Award. He made the All-Star team again in 2025.

Witt brings speed and power to the Royals lineup. He can hit for average, steal bases, and play great defense at shortstop. He also represents the United States in international games, showing how much respect he has earned around the world.

2. Aaron Judge - New York Yankees

At 6 feet 7 inches tall and 282 pounds, Aaron Judge is one of the biggest players in baseball and one of the most feared hitters. The New York Yankees captain holds the American League record for home runs in a season with 62, breaking a record that had stood for 61 years.

Judge has won the AL MVP Award twice and made seven All-Star teams. He won AL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and became the first rookie to win the Home Run Derby. In 2024, he won his second MVP award by leading all of baseball in home runs and helping the Yankees reach their first World Series in 15 years.

After the 2022 season, Judge signed a huge nine-year, $360 million contract to stay with the Yankees and became the team's captain. He became the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs and will captain Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

1. Shohei Ohtani - Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani is unlike any player in baseball history. The Japanese superstar, nicknamed "Shotime," can both pitch and hit at an elite level, something that hasn't been seen since Babe Ruth played over 100 years ago.

Ohtani has won three MVP awards - two with the Los Angeles Angels and one with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. He also helped the Dodgers win the World Series in his first playoff appearance.

Before coming to MLB, Ohtani played in Japan and won the Japan Series in 2016. He also led Japan to victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he won the tournament MVP award. The final game was watched by millions of people around the world.

Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers after the 2023 season. Even though he couldn't pitch in 2024 due to an elbow injury, he still had one of the greatest hitting seasons ever. Now that he has returned to pitching, he's once again the most unique and valuable player in all of baseball.