Shohei Ohtani was ranked No. 1 on MLB Network’s Top 100 Players list, marking the fourth time in the past five seasons he has claimed the top spot among baseball’s elite.
Shohei Ohtani continues to define modern baseball greatness. MLB Network revealed its annual Top 100 Players list this week, and the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar once again claimed the No. 1 ranking — the fourth time in the last five years he has been placed atop the list.
Ohtani finished ahead of New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who came in at No. 2, and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who ranked third after a breakout season that further cemented his status as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez rounded out the top five.
The ranking underscores Ohtani’s unmatched value as a two-way star, even as he continues to navigate his role with the Dodgers while recovering from elbow surgery that limited his pitching duties.
Despite those limitations, Ohtani’s offensive production, durability, and overall impact remained elite, reinforcing his standing as the most influential player in the sport.
Judge’s placement at No. 2 reflects another dominant season in which the Yankees captain once again anchored New York’s lineup with power. Witt’s rise to No. 3 signals a shift toward baseball’s next generation, as the Royals star combined elite defense, speed, and offensive production to emerge as a franchise cornerstone.
The rest of the top 10 features a mix of established veterans and emerging stars. San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto landed at No. 6, followed by Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes at No. 7 after a rapid ascent that has already made him one of baseball’s most talked-about pitchers.
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal ranked eighth, while Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll checked in at No. 9. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. completed the top 10.
MLB Network’s Top 100 Players list is compiled through a combination of analytical evaluation, recent performance, and projected impact, offering a snapshot of how the league’s talent stacks up heading into the upcoming season.
Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesFor Ohtani, the ranking serves as yet another reminder of his singular place in the sport. In an era defined by specialization, he continues to excel in multiple roles at an elite level — a rarity that has reshaped how greatness is measured in Major League Baseball.
As the 2026 season approaches, the list sets the stage for fresh debates, rising stars and the continued pursuit of the game’s most coveted individual distinction: being recognized as baseball’s best.
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