Top 10 Home Run Leaders: Everything to Know About Players Who Shaped MLB’s Power Hitting Legacy

For a fan, a homerun is merely a homerun, but for players, the leaderboard narrates a different story. This list is a compilation of the top 10 home run leaders who have etched their names so deeply in the annals of baseball history that it is tough to surpass these records. Whether it is the unmatched Barry Bonds or the New York Yankees’ start Alex Rodriguez, each has their own story to tell. However, a much deeper deconstruction of baseball’s finest homeruns is here to stay, and how.

With every passing day, the competition in MLB gets tougher. And it’s only a matter of time before records are broken. Be it the yesteryear legends or upcoming names like Giancarlo Stanton and Freddie Freeman, the suspense lingers. Which name will supersede the other? Here’s a rundown.

The Power Duo: Who ranks on top – Barry Bonds or Hank Aaron? 

The comparison between who reigns supreme between Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron is a tough one to decide unanimously. There are strong arguments on both sides. Statistically speaking, Bonds holds the edge boasting the all-time record for home runs (762) and walks (2,558). Aaron, on the other hand, holds a legendary 755 home runs. When it comes to Bonds, he holds a slight advantage in an on-base percentage with a .444 over Aaron’s.

However, one cannot understate Aaron’s accomplishment. He broke Babe Ruth’s seemingly unbeatable record in 1927 of 714 home runs facing racial prejudice all through his career. Aaron’s gargantuan feat came during a different era, with more emphasis on power hitting compared to a deeper pitching pool. On one hand, many argue that the ‘steroid era’ in which Bonds played tainted his numbers. On the other, Hank Aaron steered clear of controversies during his time in MLB. 

Who comes next in the 10 Home Run Leaders? The magician Babe Ruth or the machine Albert Pujols? 

The comparison in question is not easy to answer. While it might be easy to quantify homeruns, their hitting abilities and skills are undeniable. Well, whoever follows Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron closely in terms of home runs has a surprising answer. Both Babe Ruth and Albert Pujols actually come after them quite closely, holding the number three and four spots on the all-time home run leaderboard, respectively.

Babe Ruth, aka the Sultan of Swat, has a whopping 714 homeruns to his name. And with that, he proudly nabs the remarkable 3rd spot. Now that’s a massive number to beat. Speaking of massive numbers, let’s not forget Albert “Machine” Pujols, has 703 homers to his name, bagging an impressive number four spot. You see, there’s a reason why these folks can be counted as the greatest of all time!

Just short of 700: Know how Alex Rodriguez and Willie Mays created a big difference at the diamond

Neither Alex Rodriguez nor Willie Mays broke the coveted bar of the plateau of 700 home runs in MLB. Nevertheless, their impact on the game has been undeniable. Both of them were offensive powerhouses, but their legacies turned out to transcend beyond their home run totals.

Alex Rodriguez, nicknamed ‘A-Rod’, has always been a force to be reckoned with. Not only did he possess a smooth form, but also a powerful swing famous for launching baseballs into the stratosphere. Having won three American League MVPs and 10 Silver Slugger awards, A-Rod had 696 dingers holding his MLB career far above many others. 

Willie Mays, ‘The Say Hey Kid’ brought a unique magic to the diamond. Calling him a power hitter would be an understatement. He was actually a five-tool player who aced in the area of speed, exceptional fielding, and a keen batting eye. Of course, for someone who hones these skills, it is inevitable to find their name on the list of top 10 homerun leaders. He hit a phenomenal 660 homers during his time. Mays went on to win two National League MVP awards and 12 Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his well-rounded skillset. He used to often say about baseball, “It was just a pleasure to go out and enjoy myself and get paid for it.”

Despite not touching the 700 homers mark, both Rodriguez and Mays left an an unforgettable mark on the game and the newcomers. While their paths to greatness differed, the duo of A-Rod and Mays etched their place among baseball’s elite hitters juxtaposed with big names like Babe Ruth and Pujols. 

The best four:- Know who along with Ken Griffey Jr. for the top 10 Home run leaders 

Ken Griffey Jr. who had 630 homeruns to his name, was nicknamed ‘Junior’. Griffey Jr. was a prodigy who literally took the baseball world by storm. His effortless swing and unique power produced a stellar 630 career home runs. Griffey Jr. was not only a fan favorite but also a cultural icon. With that, he forever etched his name in baseball as one of the coolest and most powerful hitters, taking the 6th position in the elite list of top 10 homerun leaders. 

Jim Thome, a left-handed slugger known for his smooth swing, is next in line. Thome amassed 612 career home runs. Apart from being a consistent threat at the plate, he was famous for launching towering blasts throughout his productive career.

Next up is Sammy Sosa who ignited a historic home run race in 1998. He captivated fans with his electrifying bat flips, which eventually led to record an earth shattering 609 dingers. Sosa finished his career with that staggering count of home runs and left behind a legacy of raw and exciting play.

Read More: “I Want to be a Hall of Famer in Heaven..”: Tainted MLB Great Sammy Sosa Makes Painful Admission on a Void in His Decorated Career

In the final leader in home runs is Frank Robinson. He has the reputation of a true all-around talent. Frank Robinson was more than just a power hitter. He was a gifted to accommodate a high on-base percentage. His career was bright as he retired with 586 home runs to his name. To this day, his name remains solidified, juxtaposed with baseball’s elite hitters.

Active homerun leaders 

On the top of emerging leaders, stands Giancarlo Stanton, who currently holds the crown for active home run leader with approximately 402 homers. Closely following him are Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels, who sits at around 368 homers. Then comes Joey Votto. While not traditionally a pure power hitter, Votto’s resurgence of lately has him at roughly 356 homers.

Read More: Giancarlo Stanton’s Spring Training Nightmare Continues, Struggles at the Plate Highlight 2023 Issues

Catching up closely to the list is Evan Longoria, a veteran slugger who boasts around 342 career homers. Paul Goldschmidt, the consistent hitter, has amassed 340 home runs and Nolan Arenado, the well-rounded player, has launched roughly 325 homers. In close quarters is Freddie Freeman, another consistent hitter with pop hones 321 dingers. It is to note that these numbers are ever-changing and particularly with young hitters breaking records frequently and veterans adding to their charts, the number changes.