The 20 MLB Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
The 20 MLB Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
Two-way dominance, Triple Crown chases, and a rookie class making noise — here's who's driving jersey demand during this year's pennant race.
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Quick Answer: Who's at the Top Right Now
Shohei Ohtani remains the sport's most singular talent, pitching to a 1.79 ERA while hitting for elite power, with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Yordan Alvarez right behind him according to ESPN's in-season MLB Rank. Here's the full breakdown of who's worth watching.
Who Tops the List This Year?
There's really no debate at the very top. Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers, DH/SP) continues to do something no one else in the sport can — pitch to a 1.79 ERA while remaining one of the league's most dangerous hitters, even through a knee issue that paused his pitching for part of the summer. Behind him, Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs, CF) is on pace for a 30-homer, 40-steal season while playing what ESPN calls some of the best outfield defense in the game, and Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros, DH) is in the middle of a legitimate Triple Crown chase with a .322 average.
On the pitching side, keep an eye on Jacob Misiorowski (Milwaukee Brewers, SP), who owns the majors' best ERA at 1.76 while throwing the fastest average fastball in recorded history at 100.6 mph.
The Full Top 20, Ranked
| # | Player | Team | Why They're Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | LA Dodgers | 1.79 ERA plus elite two-way hitting |
| 2 | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Chicago Cubs | 30-homer, 40-steal pace, elite defense |
| 3 | Yordan Alvarez | Houston Astros | Triple Crown chase, .322 average |
| 4 | Jacob Misiorowski | Milwaukee Brewers | MLB-best 1.76 ERA, 204 strikeouts |
| 5 | Bobby Witt Jr. | Kansas City Royals | MVP-level all-around production |
| 6 | Cristopher Sanchez | Philadelphia Phillies | MLB-leading 6.6 pitcher WAR |
| 7 | Junior Caminero | Tampa Bay Rays | 23 years old, nearing 100 career HRs |
| 8 | James Wood | Washington Nationals | MLB-leading 100 runs scored |
| 9 | Cam Schlittler | New York Yankees | 2.36 ERA, AL Cy Young favorite |
| 10 | Chris Sale | Atlanta Braves | Top-3 ERA, 61+ career WAR |
| 11 | Dylan Cease | Toronto Blue Jays | MLB-leading 191 strikeouts |
| 12 | CJ Abrams | Washington Nationals | 28 HR, MLB-leading 89 RBIs |
| 13 | Dillon Dingler | Detroit Tigers | MLB's best catcher by WAR |
| 14 | Matt Olson | Atlanta Braves | 35 HR tied for MLB lead |
| 15 | Kevin McGonigle | Detroit Tigers | 21-year-old rookie WAR leader |
| 16 | Brice Turang | Milwaukee Brewers | Power, patience, elite defense combo |
| 17 | Otto Lopez | Miami Marlins | First All-Star nod, .334 at the break |
| 18 | Yoshinobu Yamamoto | LA Dodgers | 2025 World Series Game 7 finisher |
| 19 | Elly De La Cruz | Cincinnati Reds | 20 HR at age 24 with improved plate discipline |
| 20 | Ben Rice | New York Yankees | Top-10 in HR, wRC+, and slugging |
Which Jersey Should You Actually Buy?
Ohtani remains the single best-selling jersey in the sport for good reason — there's genuinely no one else like him. If you want a jersey tied to this year's biggest breakout story, Jacob Misiorowski or Cam Schlittler are two names that went from unknown to must-have in a single season. And if your team's fighting for October, check our Pennant Race Jersey Guide for team-by-team picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best MLB player right now?
Shohei Ohtani remains the top-ranked player in the sport, combining a 1.79 ERA on the mound with elite offensive production — a two-way skill set unmatched in modern baseball.
Which MLB jersey is selling fastest this season?
Breakout rookies and Cy Young contenders like Jacob Misiorowski and Cam Schlittler are seeing rapid jersey demand as their national profile grows.
Do MLB jerseys run true to size?
Yes, MLB jerseys keep their traditional straight-cut fit. See our Sizing & Technology Guide for full details.
How often is this list updated?
We revisit this list periodically through the season as performance and trade news shift the rankings — check back as the stretch run continues.
Related Reading
MLB Pennant Race 2026: Jersey Guide for the Teams Fighting for October
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Shop MLB Jerseys →By Pro Kit Vault Editorial Team · Last Updated: August 2026 · Rankings compiled from ESPN's MLB Rank in-season update
