Shohei Ohtani has reached the top spot in MLB.com’s latest Hitter Power Rankings for the first time this season. The rankings, determined by a formula developed by MLB.com’s data team, weigh players’ recent and season-long performances most heavily, along with their performance over the past year.
Ohtani, now leading the Los Angeles Dodgers, previously ranked second four times and third twice this year. In his recent stretch, he posted a .366/.500/.805 slash line with five home runs. Entering Wednesday’s games, Ohtani led Major League Baseball in total bases (301) and runs scored (120), putting him on pace to achieve one of the rare 150-run seasons seen in baseball over the last 75 years.
Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies dropped from first to second after cooling off following a hot streak that had placed him at the top of these rankings. Despite hitting an NL-best 45th home run on Wednesday afternoon, Schwarber began the day batting .185 with a .290 on-base percentage since August 5. He continues to lead MLB with 109 RBIs and is three home runs away from surpassing his career high set in 2023.
Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics moved down one spot to third but remains productive. Over his last 19 games since an historic four-homer performance on July 25, Kurtz hit .338/.477/.500 and drew 17 walks. Among American League hitters with at least 350 plate appearances this season, Kurtz ranks near the top in batting average (.313), OBP (.399), slugging (.645), and park-adjusted wRC+ (181).
Aaron Judge holds onto fourth place after returning from injury for the New York Yankees. Since coming back as designated hitter for twelve games, Judge has slashed .250/.434/.500 with three homers and seven RBIs.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was not ranked previously, entered at fifth despite missing some games due to a mild hamstring injury. Prior to his setback, Guerrero had been hitting .362/.435/.690 since the All-Star break.
Other players rounding out the top ten include Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Julio RodrÃguez (Mariners), José RamÃrez (Guardians), Ramón Laureano (Padres), and Bryce Harper (Phillies). Harper recently hit two home runs exceeding 440 feet in one game—the longest distances he has achieved since September 2023—and has posted strong numbers since returning from injury as Philadelphia prepares for postseason play.
Several other players received honorable mentions for their recent performances across various teams.
