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The Best Current Black Baseball MLB Players for Black History Month

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is slowly approaching as spring training gets underway, the sport continues to be graced by some of the most talented and influential black players in the history of the game. From power hitters to elite pitchers and versatile athletes, these players have not only shaped the current landscape of the league but also carry the legacy of trailblazers who broke barriers for African American players in the sport. Among the top of the Top 10 Best Black Baseball Players 2025 rankings list is the New York Yankees Aaron Judge and the Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts.

In this era, players like Betts of the Dodgers and of the Yankees have consistently remained among the best in the league. The two have combined to win three AL MVP Awards and have been named to a combined 14 MLB All-Star teams.

Joining them among the list of talented black baseball players in Major League Baseball are the next wave of talented stars such as Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals, Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, and Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves.

Their skill, leadership, and impact extend far beyond the diamond, making them not only stars in the 2025 MLB season but also role models for the next generation. Let’s take a closer look at the best black baseball players who are leading the charge in Major League Baseball this season.

Here is a look at the Top 10 MLB Best Black Players 2025 Rankings:

Honorable Mention

Jordan Walker

Team: St. Louis Cardinals

Position: Outfielder

Just missing the Top 10 Best Black Baseball Players 2025 Rankings list is the St. Louis Cardinals highly talented outfielder Jordan Walker. Walker enters the 2025 MLB season with sky-high expectations as one of the most exciting young stars in the game.

As a top prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, Walker is known for his impressive combination of power, bat speed, and athleticism. Standing 6’5″, he has the physical tools to impact the game in multiple ways, including the ability to hit for both average and power.

Coming off just 51 games last season, Walker will look to top his rookie campaign season during the 2023 MLB season that include 19 doubles, 16 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Walker is the next wave of talented black baseball players who will not only continue to develop into a great young player of the game but also a player who can continue to develop the game of baseball among the black community.

Ke’Bryan Hayes

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: Third Baseman

The Pittsburgh Pirates 28-year-old third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes enters the 2025 MLB season looking to bounce back from a down season that included just 96 games played and four home runs after putting together a strong 2023 MLB season featuring 15 home runs.

As Hayes looks to continue to establish himself as an everyday role player for the Pirates, his presence among Major League Baseball black baseball players is crucial to helping to develop the game for the community across the country.

Offensively, Hayes has shown flashes of potential, with the ability to hit for average and get on base, but he’s looking to take his all-around game to the next level during the upcoming 2025 MLB season.

Top 10 Black MLB Players

10. Hunter Greene

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Position: Starting Pitcher

In Top 10 Best Black Baseball Players 2025 Rankings list is the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene. Greene enters the 2025 MLB season as one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball, poised to build on his electric stuff and take the next step in his development with the Cincinnati Reds.

Known for his blazing fastball, which regularly touches triple digits, Greene has the raw power to dominate hitters, but his overall game has continued to evolve since his debut.

In 2025, he’s expected to continue to develop his pitch arsenal while taking his game to the next level. Greene is coming off a 9-5 record last season while making his first MLB All-Star team while posting 169 strikeouts in just 150.1 innings of work. Since making his MLB debut at the age of 22 during the 2022 MLB season, Greene has posted 485 strikeouts over just 388 innings of work.

9. Michael Harris II

Team: Atlanta Braves

Position: Center Fielder

The Atlanta Braves will enter the 2025 MLB Season looking to bounce back and chase the World Series title after dealing with a wide range of injuries during last season.

One of the faces of the Braves talented roster is Michael Harris II who has posted at least 16 home runs in each of his first three seasons in the majors but has struggled to stay healthy. This includes last season where Harris II appeared in just 110 games but still managed to post 14 doubles and 16 home runs while driving in 48 runs.

Harris II continues to build his legacy among the game while helping to grow the game for the black community while also looking to add to the legacy of other great blacks who played before him including former Atlanta Braves and MLB Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.

8. Devin Williams

Team: New York Yankees

Position: Relief Pitcher/Closer

When healthy Devin Williams ranks among the best relief pitchers in Major League Baseball and one of top closers in the game.

After a strong start to his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams appeared in just 22 games last season and will now look to bounce back in the difficult American League East after being acquired by the New York Yankees during the off-season.

Williams, who is known for his “Air Bender’ changeup, also ranks among the best black pitchers in baseball and will look to get his career back on track while helping the Yankees clear the final hurdle in winning the World Series during the upcoming 2025 MLB schedule.

7. Andrew McCutchen

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: Designated Hitter

One of the storied faces of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Andrew McCutchen continues to write his own story while adding to a storied career.

McCutchen enters the 2025 MLB season, the veteran outfielder continues to be a respected figure both on and off the field. After rejoining the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, McCutchen has proven he can still contribute at a high level, bringing his leadership, experience, and steady bat to the lineup.

Known for his MVP-caliber seasons earlier in his career, McCutchen has racked up 319 career home runs, 1,095 runs batted in, 2,152 career hits while also winning the 2013 NL MVP Award and being selected to five NL All-Star teams.

6. Giancarlo Stanton

Team: New York Yankees

Position: Designated Hitter

Known as one of the best power hitters in all of Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees outfielder and designated hitter continues to rank among the biggest bats in baseball as the 2025 MLB season approaches. As his role with the Yankees continues to evolve, Stanton continues to be a key piece of their lineup while building a dynamic tandem with Aaron Judge.

Known for his immense strength and ability to launch jaw-dropping home runs, Stanton is still a threat in the middle of the Yankees’ lineup. While injuries have limited his playing time in recent years, when healthy, his bat remains one of the most dangerous in the game. Stanton’s ability to impact games with his power and drive in runs is crucial for the Yankees’ success in 2025.

Entering the upcoming season Stanton ranks among the active leaders in career home runs while sitting with 429 over his storied career. The big question now for Stanton is whether he will join a solid list of great Hall of Fame members and black baseball players to reach the 500 career home run mark.

5. Byron Buxton

Team: Minnesota Twins

Position: Center Fielder

Rounding out the Top 10 Best Black Baseball Players 2025 Rankings list is the Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Buxton enters the 2025 MLB season as one of the most electrifying talents in the game, albeit with the challenge of staying healthy.

When Buxton is on the field, his combination of power, speed, and defensive brilliance makes him a game-changer. As the centerpiece of the Twins’ outfield, Buxton has the ability to hit for both average and power, along with being a constant threat on the basepaths.

Defensively, his range and ability to track down difficult balls in center field make him one of the best in the game. However, his injury history has kept him from reaching his full potential over the years.

Once a former top prospect in baseball. Now entering his 11^th MLB season is looking to add to his 133 career home runs, 157 doubles, and 353 runs batted in while attempting to put together a full season for a Twins team looking to compete in the American League Central.

4. Cedric Mullins

Team: Baltimore Orioles

Position: Center Fielder

When it comes to talented defensive outfielders in all of Major League Baseball it is hard to look past Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles. Mullins remains one of the most exciting defensive center fielders in baseball while being known for his speed, exceptional defense as well as a player who can hit for power at times over his career.

The 30-year-old center fielder who has been with the Orioles since being called up during the 2018 MLB season has posted at least 15 home runs in each of the previous four seasons while also adding at least 30 stolen bases in three of those four seasons.

While Mullins has produced at the plate, it’s his Gold Glove caliber defense in center fielder that includes a long list of web gems each season that adds a ton of value to the Orioles roster while also keeping them atop the best teams in baseball.

3. Masyn Winn

Team: St. Louis Cardinals

Position: Shortstop

The St. Louis Cardinals Masyn Winn is an exciting young talent for the St. Louis Cardinals heading into the 2025 MLB season while being the next wave of great black baseball players to grace the game.

Known for his impressive speed, defensive versatility, and strong arm, Winn is expected to make an immediate impact in his second full season as a potential fixture in the Cardinals’ infield. His quickness and ability to make highlight-reel plays at shortstop have already earned him attention in the minors, and he’s poised to bring that energy to the major league level.

Coming off a first full season that included 32 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs and 57 runs batted in, Winn is looking to take his game to the next level for the upcoming season while also helping the Cardinals return to the MLB postseason.

2. Mookie Betts

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: Right Fielder

Challenging Aaron Judge for the top spot among the game’s best black baseball players is Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts enters the 2025 MLB season as one of the game’s most complete players, continuing to shine with the Dodgers.

Known for his dynamic bat, elite defense, and team leadership, Betts is a perennial MVP contender. Over the years, he’s solidified himself as one of the best all-around players in the league, contributing to both offense and defense with ease.

The 11-year star is coming off a season in which he posted 19 home runs while driving in 75 runs while appearing in just 116 games due to injury.

Nonetheless the eight-time perennial All-Star was a key factor in the Dodgers success last season in winning the World Series while also being a key factor in the team’s pursuit of a second straight World Series championship.

1. Aaron Judge

Team: New York Yankees

Position: Right Fielder

In at number one on the Top 10 Best Black Baseball Players 2025 Rankings list is the New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. Since arriving as a full-time member of the Yankees during his rookie season in 2017, Judge has been the face of the team as well as one of the best players in all of baseball.

Over nine seasons and 993 total games played, Judge has won two AL MVP Awards, been named to six AL All-Star teams while racking up 1,026 hits and 315 home runs.

In addition to those impressive numbers, the Yankees outfielder has led all the American League three times in home runs (2017, 2022, 2024) and in runs batted in twice (2022, 2024).

How would rank MLB’s Black Baseball Players of 2025?

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