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MLB: Ranking the top power hitters in the game today

By Greg Goldstein

Apr 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) watches the ball leave the park on three run home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) watches the ball leave the park on three run home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mentions

Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox) / Albert Pujols (Los Angeles Angels)

Both these aging power hitters share a spot as an honorable mention because while their power is probably going to decrease a little bit from last year, both still have the credentials and skills to be considered as some of the better power hitters in the game today. Both have been hitting for above average power numbers for a long time now, but some younger guys will probably be jumping these power-hitting vets this year.

Todd Frazier (Chicago White Sox)

The reigning Home Run Derby champion has hit 64 bombs the past two seasons and has really elevated himself to become one of the more feared right-handed bats in the game. He may not have the build of a typical slugger, but he gets the job done with a compact swing that send balls flying. His power numbers shouldn’t really be affected by moving from Cincinnati to Chicago either.

J.D. Martinez (Detroit Tigers)

Martinez seemingly came out of nowhere two years ago to become one of the best power-hitting outfielders in the league. In 2014, he was able to hit 23 homers in 123 games, and last season he was 11th in the league in home runs with 38 long balls. The arrow is pointing up for the 28-year-old in terms of what he can do in the power department, but he doesn’t have the prolonged production to warrant a place in the top ten.

Yoenis Cespedes (New York Mets)

The star Cuban outfielder may not have had elite power numbers when he first came into MLB with the Oakland Athletics, but much of that was to do with Oakland Coliseum being one of the toughest places in the league to hit home runs. Cespedes is now realizing the full potential of his power with his move to New York. The 30-year-old had a career-high 42 home runs in 2015 thanks to a strong finish to the season with the Mets in which he hit 17 long balls in only 57 games. Cespedes’ 2015 power numbers should continue as he plays in more homer-friendly places.

Anthony Rizzo (Chicago Cubs)

The Cubs’ 26-year-old first baseman has the potential to be one of the better power hitters in the game, but he just hasn’t produced enough yet to crack the top ten. However, he is off to a great start this year, knocking eight balls out of the park, which ranks as second in the entire league. Rizzo is a classic big and tall lefty slugger, but what’s so dangerous about him is that he can hit the ball out in any part of the field. His power numbers should continue to grow as he reaches his physical peak and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was a little higher on the list next season.

Next: 10. Nolan Arenado

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