Major League Baseball players ranked by greatness and contract value

A ranking of the 20 greatest Major League Baseball players of all time places Babe Ruth at the top, followed by Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds. The assessment considers dominance, longevity, versatility, and historical influence. The list also incorporates Negro Leagues legends such as Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, and Satchel Paige, following MLB’s 2024 decision to integrate their statistics into the official historical record. Modern players like Shohei Ohtani are also recognized for their unique dual-threat capabilities.

In terms of financial growth, several MLB stars have seen massive increases in contract value following standout performances. Notable examples include Fernando Tatis Jr., who moved from a pre-arbitration salary to a 14-year, $340 million extension with the San Diego Padres, and Max Scherzer, whose contract with the New York Mets established a record annual value for a pitcher. Additionally, Juan Soto secured a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets following his tenure with the New York Yankees.