Top 10 MLB hitters of all-time in the modern era, including Pete Rose & Barry Bonds

By Scott Gulbransen

·Updated: April 30, 2024

Credit: Robert Hanashiro, USAT via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Barry Bonds MLB — Credit: Robert Hanashiro, USAT via Imagn Content Services, LLC

If you want to get into a debate with a big Major League Baseball fan, start naming who you think is the best hitter ever to play the game. In this list, we will rank the Top 10 hitters who have played since 1960 based on overall prowess at the plate. Although many could be considered significant for their era, here’s our take on the greatest — with a few that might cause controversy.

10. Miguel Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera, a key player for the Detroit Tigers, achieved the Triple Crown in 2012 by topping the charts in batting average, home runs and RBIs. With a career average above .300, and more than 500 home runs to his name, he has solidified his status as a legendary figure in modern baseball. As a multiple-time batting champion, it appears certain that Cabrera will eventually be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

9. Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas, nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” struck fear into pitchers with his strong batting skills and sharp ability to read the game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 after winning two MVP awards, Thomas concluded his career with a batting average of.301 and more than 500 home runs. His impressive on-base percentage of .419 highlights his talent for choosing the right pitches.

8. Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron’s legendary surpassing of Babe Ruth’s home run record is a pivotal moment in his remarkable career, but that’s not all he should be honored for. Aaron’s overall performance is reflected in his .305 batting average and 3,771 career hits. With 755 home runs, a then-record, and his composed demeanor in the face of challenges, he cemented his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame and is certainly one of the game’s best hitters ever.

7. Stan Musial

Stan Musial, also known as “Stan The Man,” is widely admired for his keen batting skills during his impressive 22-year tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals. He knocked out 3,630 hits and ended that illustrious career with a lifetime .331 batting average. His remarkable achievements include participating in 24 All-Star games and being honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969, showcasing both his outstanding performance on the field and his esteemed reputation as a person of integrity.

6. Rod Carew

Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Rod Carew excelled at hitting, maintaining a career average of.328 and winning seven batting titles. His reputation for precise bat control and strategic base running led to his Hall of Fame induction in 1991, showcasing his significant influence on the sport and inspiring numerous hitters through his innovative approach. Carew also has survived and thrived a heart and kidney transplant.

5. Willie Mays

Willie Mays, nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid,” showcased a remarkable blend of hitting prowess and home run power throughout his career. He boasted a lifetime batting average of .302 and 660 homers. His electrifying style of play and captivating personality secured him a spot in the Hall of Fame, and Mays left an enduring impact on and off the baseball field.

4. Tony Gwynn

Tony Gwynn, known as “Mr. Padre,” showcased exceptional batting skills with a career batting average of .338. Winning the batting title eight times and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, Gwynn’s accuracy and steady performance distinguished him as one of baseball’s all-time best hitters. Gwynn could have gone 0-1100 over the tail end of his career and still finished with a career batting average of over .300.

3. Pete Rose

Pete Rose, famous for his never-ending hustle, has the highest number of career hits in Major League Baseball history with 4,256. His impressive lifetime batting average of .303 and multiple All-Star selections at various positions highlight his versatility. While there are debates about whether he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame due to his lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling, Rose’s significant contributions tp the game cannot be denied.

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2. Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds boasts a plethora of baseball titles, including the most career home runs (762) and single-season home runs (73). Sporting an impressive career batting average of .298 and winning seven MVP awards, Bonds’s hitting abilities were undeniable. The debate surrounding his Hall of Fame eligibility continues to stir controversy, given his connections to performance-enhancing substances, yet his accomplishments on the field stand unrivaled.

1. Ted Williams

Ted Williams is widely regarded as one of the best batters in baseball history. He hit .406 in 1941, and his methodical batting style resulted in a lifetime average of .344 with 521 home runs. Williams was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His impact as a batter and his analytic approach to the sport still resonate with players and fans today.