SEATTLE — Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani stands alone as inarguably the best player in today’s game, maybe the best ever. He’s also the All-Star who amazes all the other All-Stars, and easily the biggest star.
Players union chief Tony Clark mentioned before Tuesday’s All-Star Game how Ohtani “transcends” the game, and that says it.
Here’s how we’d rank all the top 25 brightest stars — the brightest of the very bright at this year’s Midsummer Classic. (Note: Jose Altuve, Manny Machado, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Paul Goldschmidt, Jacob deGrom, Alex Bregman and Francisco Lindor weren’t considered since they didn’t make the All-Star teams this year.)
From the moment he whiffed Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan, he has owned the year. His free agency is bound to be the biggest ever. Do we hear $600 million?
2. Aaron Judge, Yankees
While he couldn’t make it due to that extreme toe injury that’s kept him out since crashing into the Dodger Stadium wall June 3, he’s obviously a monster star. He has a case for second in AL MVP after missing five weeks; the Yankees are showing how valuable he is each and every game.
3. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
He has a chance to become the first 40-80 man. Also has sold the most jerseys in 2023. Great style, too.
4. Juan Soto, Padres
He’s back to doing his thing after a tough transition to San Diego. All you need to consider is that the Padres gave up five great prospects for him in an age when no one’s giving up prospects.
5. Mookie Betts, Dodgers
Not only does he remain one of the best all-around players, he’s quite a sport, too. Consented to play second base, and even shortstop, even though he remains one of the two best right fielders in the game. Give him points for agreeing to do the Home Run Derby at a significant weight disadvantage, too.
6. Mike Trout, Angels
The three-time MVP, 11-time All-Star and frequent top vote-getter couldn’t make it this year due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand.
Quite likely the best position player since Barry Bonds*.
7. Nolan Arenado, Cardinals
The three-time home runs champion and perennial Gold Glover (even in the league with Machado) just might be an underrated star.
It feels like he’s baseball’s ace now, and he received his first All-Star Game start. Highest paid pitcher (by total contract) in baseball history.
8. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
The best pure hitter in the game looks settled, and happy, in LA. What’s not to love?
9. Pete Alonso, Mets
The two-time Home Run Derby champion is the majors’ biggest home-run hitter since he entered the league. Love that he loves to compete in his favorite exhibition of power.
10. Luis Arraez, Marlins
The .400 chaser is at .383, which puts him 52 points ahead in the NL. He’s brought batting average back into vogue.
11. Julio Rodriguez, Mariners
He’s put on a show the last two Home Run Derbies and knows how to play to the crowd — not just the home crowd. J-Rod has a chance to go higher once he truly puts it all together.
12. Yordan Alvarez, Astros
He had the biggest home run in the World Series and carries a magical bat that can carry the Astros. Wasn’t well-received here as an Astro, but that was undeserved.
13. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
He says he may retire at year’s end.If he does, at 35 he will still be at the top of his game.
14. Luis Robert Jr., White Sox
If only the rest of his White Sox teammates could give him some help. He’s been terrific both ways, fulfilling his promise.
15. Jose Ramirez, Guardians
If he were somewhere other than Cleveland, he’d be huge. An annual MVP contender, he’s a ballplaying savant.
16. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
The Home Run Derby winner is a former second-place finisher in MVP voting and all-time competitor.
17. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
That a rookie could make the list shows exactly what he’s doing down in the desert.
18. Randy Arozarena, Rays
Go ahead and pose. You deserve it. A great entertainer, and clutch performer.
19. Corey Seager, Rangers
The 2020 World Series MVP is one of the best hitters in the game, but he does it very quietly.
20. Marcus Semien, Rangers
Seager’s double-play partner plays every day, plays hard and smart, and competes like few others.
21. Bo Bichette, Jays
The perennial hit leader. Bonus points for his amazing power in a small frame.
22. Ozzie Albies, Braves
He isn’t just Acuña’s running mate but a terrific talent, too.
23. Josh Hader, Padres
The best and nastiest reliever over the last half-decade plus. Depressed a whole clubhouse when he was dealt last year.
24. Wander Franco, Rays
He definitely has flair and is among the AL WAR leaders.
Loved how he switched around and batted right-handed in the Derby (and hit them all out from that side). Superstar for the next decade.
