Who Will Be the Key Bats in the 2025 Season?
The inaugural edition of the 2025 Hitter Power Rankings, determined by a panel of MLB.com voters, showcases a diverse group of candidates. This list includes two current MVP winners, the player who recently signed the largest contract in baseball history, two of the top impending free agents, and two young shortstops known for their five-tool abilities.
Will these power hitters maintain their status at the top? They face tough competition, as many impressive names just missed out on making the top 10.
1. Aaron Judge, Yankees
With Juan Soto now with the Mets and Giancarlo Stanton dealing with injuries, the Yankees are relying on Judge to lead their offense once again. If anyone can handle this responsibility, it’s Judge. Over the past three seasons, the two-time AL MVP has only been slowed by an unusual toe injury, boasting a .304/.433/.674 batting line and averaging 52 home runs a season. Voters anticipate another record-breaking year for Judge in 2025.
2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Ohtani’s latest elbow injury allowed fans to see how effective he could be as a DH-only player in 2024. He led the league in home runs, total bases, OBP, and slugging while posting impressive runs and RBIs. Although he may not be as aggressive on the base paths in 2025 as he prepares to pitch again, the sky’s the limit for Ohtani’s potential.
3. Juan Soto, Mets
Soto had a remarkable offseason marked by trades and a monumental contract with the Mets. At just 26, he is poised to thrive in his new environment, reminiscent of Ted Williams in modern baseball. Despite all the changes in his career, Soto’s best years could still be ahead of him.
4. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Witt’s evolution from a promising rookie to a legitimate star has been remarkable. Winning the MLB batting title and an AL Silver Slugger at shortstop at just 24 years old, his 2024 performance was notable enough to earn MVP consideration. If Witt continues on this path, he is likely to earn multiple MVP awards in the future.
5. Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Some might argue that Alvarez is underrated, even sitting at fifth in these rankings. His career OPS+ is impressive, ranking third among active players, and he’s consistently hit over 30 home runs annually. At age 28, his primary concern remains durability.
Other Notable Players
Names receiving votes include Mookie Betts (Dodgers), Brent Rooker (Athletics), Elly De La Cruz (Reds), among others. Each of these players carries unique potential and could impact the 2025 season significantly.
