Top 15 Sluggers in MLB History — Ranked by Home Runs
These 15 hitters didn’t just play baseball — they reshaped it with every swing.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Slugging in baseball isn’t just about raw numbers — it’s about timing, spectacle, and the power to change the game with one swing. These 15 players span generations and controversies, but all share one common trait: an uncanny ability to hit the ball out of the park. Whether beloved or polarizing, they carved their legacies in the history of the game, one home run at a time.
15. Mike Schmidt – 548 HRs
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Schmidt wasn’t just a power bat — he was the heart of the Phillies for nearly two decades. Known for his towering home runs and elite defense at third base, he helped bring the Phillies their first World Series title in 1980. Even in retirement, Schmidt’s legacy looms large over the hot corner.
14. Manny Ramirez – 555 HRs
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One of the purest hitters of his generation, Manny brought flair and fear to the batter’s box. Whether with the Indians or the Red Sox, his bat always delivered, especially in October. “Manny being Manny” may have been unpredictable, but his power was anything but.
13. Reggie Jackson – 563 HRs
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Mr. October built a legend with postseason heroics, but his regular season résumé was just as impressive. With 563 career home runs, Reggie swung for the fences and didn’t apologize for the strikeouts. His bravado and bat speed made him a feared presence in every lineup he joined.
12. Rafael Palmeiro – 569 HRs
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With a sweet lefty swing, Palmeiro quietly stacked one of the most impressive stat lines in history. Despite a scandal that tarnished his legacy, his power production is hard to ignore. Over 20 seasons, he brought a rare mix of consistency and clout.
11. Harmon Killebrew – 573 HRs
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Nicknamed “Killer,” Killebrew didn’t look like your typical athlete, but he hit like few ever could. He crushed baseballs in Minnesota long before it was trendy and gave the small-market Twins a true superstar. His humble demeanor made his slugging prowess all the more remarkable.
10. Mark McGwire – 583 HRs
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McGwire’s bat was thunder in human form, particularly during the historic 1998 home run race. His towering shots felt like seismic events, captivating fans and reviving interest in the game. While his era was clouded by PEDs, Big Mac’s raw power remains unforgettable.
9. Frank Robinson – 586 HRs
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Robinson was a trailblazer, on and off the field. The only player to win MVP in both leagues, he brought fierce power and unshakable leadership to every clubhouse. His numbers were elite, but his legacy extended far beyond them.
8. Sammy Sosa – 609 HRs
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With a signature hop and electric charisma, Sosa turned Wrigley Field into a launchpad. He became a household name during the ‘98 chase with McGwire, smacking 66 that season alone. His energy and slugging helped bring baseball back to the mainstream.
7. Jim Thome – 612 HRs
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Thome was baseball’s gentle giant, known for his kind nature and jaw-dropping home runs. His swing was poetry — smooth, explosive, and always a threat. Across six franchises, he brought leadership and light-tower power.
6. Ken Griffey Jr. – 630 HRs
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“The Kid” made home runs look effortless with that iconic, fluid swing. Injuries slowed him down, but when healthy, Griffey was as dynamic as anyone to ever play the game. More than his numbers, he symbolized baseball’s magic for an entire generation.
5. Willie Mays – 660 HRs
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Mays wasn’t just a slugger — he was the most complete player the game has ever seen. Still, 660 home runs show just how much pop he packed into his five-tool brilliance. He didn’t just play the game; he transcended it.
4. Alex Rodriguez – 696 HRs
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A-Rod came into the league as a prodigy and ended up rewriting record books. He blended shortstop athleticism with first-baseman power, becoming one of the most prolific hitters ever. Controversial? Yes. Dominant? Absolutely.
3. Albert Pujols – 703 HRs
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Pujols combined power with precision, dominating pitchers for over two decades. He was a nightmare for opposing teams, especially during his St. Louis prime when he seemed to homer at will. Even in his final seasons, he chased down history with quiet grace.
2. Babe Ruth – 714 HRs
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The Sultan of Swat changed the game forever, turning home runs into the sport’s currency. Ruth played with charisma and clout, launching homers that seemed to defy the physics of his era. More than a player, he became an American icon.
1. Barry Bonds – 762 HRs
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Whether you cheered or booed, Bonds’ impact was undeniable. His plate discipline, power, and fear factor were unmatched — pitchers would rather walk him with the bases loaded than risk a swing. Bonds redefined what it meant to be a slugger, even amid the controversy.