Top 10 MLB Players of the 1990s

This top 10 does not include pitchers, only position players. The 1990s were marred by a strike, and later in the decade, many great records were broken, but later, it was found out that they were caused by performance-enhancing drugs. It was a great decade, but there are many asterisks. We will ignore the steroid use to make this list because of the sheer amount of players who were using it. You could make an all-time steroid team off this decade.

10) Mike Piazza

Piazza was the greatest hitting catcher in the 90s and perhaps the greatest hitting catcher ever. Piazza was a surprising talent who became a significant face of baseball in the ten years that followed. He was fourth in MVP voting in 1995 and runner-up in 1997.

He was in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage six times and OPS five times. Runs scored once, hits once. Home runs six times. Runs batted in six times. Walks once.

Mike Piazza Highlight Reel

9) Gary Sheffield

Sheffield was as consistent during the 90s as ever. He was in contention to win the Triple Crown in 1992, finishing third in MVP voting. He was the winner of the batting title that year with a.330 batting average. He was the league’s leader in OPS and on-base percentage in 1996.

He was in the top 10 for batting average twice, on base percentage five times and slugging percentage three. OPS three. Runs scored twice, hits once. Runs batted in three. Walks four times.

The awesome evolution of Gary Sheffield’s ICONIC swing!

8) Larry Walker

Although many believe Walker was only good because he played on a particular field, he was an outstanding player regardless of his location. He won the MVP in 1997 and finished fifth in votes in 1992. During his MVP season, he led the league in OPS, home runs, slugging, on-base, OPS and slugging percentages. He was the league’s leader in doubles, with 44. He led the league’s batting average in 1998 and 1999, as well as OPS, on-base, and slugging in 1999.

He was in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage six times and OPS six times. Runs scored once, hits once, double once, home runs once, runs batted into five times, walks once, stolen bases once.

Larry Walker Career Highlights

7) Roberto Alomar

Robby Alomar was a great second baseman in all aspects and remains undoubtedly the best at this position during the 1990s. He helped the Blue Jays reach and win the World Series in 1992. In 1992, he was awarded the MVP of the ALCS. He was third in MVP voting in 1999. He was the league’s leader in runs with 138.

He was in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage runs scored, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, runs batted into, walks, and stolen bases five times during the decade.

Roberto Alomar Career Highlights

6) Jeff Bagwell

Bagwell was out there every night and did his best. His batting style was unique, but it worked well for him. He was not only a great hitter, but he also excelled in the field. He was the league’s leader in first-basemen assists from 1994-1997.

He won the MVP award in 1994 and finished second and third in 1997 and 1999. He led the league in OPS, slugging percentage and runs scored during his MVP season. He was the league’s leader in doubles, with 48. He was the league’s leader in runs and walks in 1999.

He was in the top 10 for batting average and on-base percentage seven out of ten times, slugging percentage five times and OPS six times. Runs scored once, and doubles four times. Home runs four times. Walks eight times.

Jeff Bagwell Career Highlights

5) Albert Belle

Belle was maybe the most intimidating player of the 90s; his power was unbelievable. He finished third, second and third in MVP voting from 1994-1996. Many people believe that he should’ve won MVP in 1995. However, his demeanor may have prevented him from doing so.

He became the first player to hit 50 home runs or more and 50 doubles in a single season. He was the league’s leader in both those categories, along with slugging percentage and runs scored. He was also the league’s leader in runs batted in during the 1993 and 1996 seasons. He was the league’s leader in OPS and slugging percentage in 1998.

He was in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage six times, OPS five and runs scored four times. Doubles four times. Home runs eight times. Runs batted in eight. Walks twice.

Albert Belle, The Most Feared MLB Hitter Ever? A Short Documentary and Biography about Mr. Freeze

4) Frank Thomas

“Big Hurt” was a beast at the plate and a pain for every pitcher that faced him. He won the MVP award in back-to-back seasons in ’93 ’94 and finished third in ’91 and 97. He led the league in OPS, on-base percentage and walks in 1991. He led the league in OPS, walks and on-base percentages the next year.

He led the league in OPS, on-base percentage and walks again in 1994. This time, he also added runs. He was once more the league’s leader in walks in 1995. He led the league in OPS, on-base percentage and batting average in 1997.

He was ranked in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS seven times, respectively. Runs scored six times. Doubles twice. Home runs six times. Runs batted in seven. Walks eight times. Thomas probably leads the White Sox to the World Series if not for the ill-fated strike of 1994.

Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt) Highlight Reel

3) Mark McGwire

Most would agree that Mark McGwire would likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame had he played exactly like himself but without using steroids. While that statement might seem obvious and illogical (could he have been just as skilled without them?), my point here is simple: Mark McGwire remains one of baseball’s greatest home run hitters ever seen on record.

No, McGwire did not hit the most home runs; rather he hit them at an unprecedented rate. McGwire averaged one homer every 10.6 at-bats; that rate far outshone Ruth, Bonds, Kiner Killebrew Ted Williams or any other player; it is even far higher. Ruth came in second by hitting one every 11.7 at-bats.

Ruth averaged 43 home runs per 500 at-bats while McGwire averaged 47 homers over his 500 at-bats.

Mark McGwire belts a walk-off home run in the 12th

2) Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds is perhaps the most controversial baseball player, but you cannot deny that he was one the greatest players ever to play the game. He excelled at the plate and in the field. He was the MVP in 1990, 1992, and 1993. He also finished second in 1991, fourth in 1994, and fifth in 1996 and 1997. He was the league’s leader in on-base percentage, ‘in 91-’93 and ’95.

In ’90, 1992, and 1993, led the league in slugging percentage. OPS ’90- 93 and OPS 95 were the leaders. He scored the most runs in 1992. He was the league’s leader in home runs and batted in runs during the 1993 season. He was also the league’s leader in walks between 1992 and 1994-1997.

He was in the top 10 for batting average twice, on-base percentage nine times, slugging percent nine times, OPS nineteen times. Runs scored once, doubles twice, triples twice, and home runs eight times. Did steroids save baseball?

Barry Bonds Career Highlights

1) Ken Griffey Jr

It was an amazing sight to see “The Kid”. He was a star in the league, and he set it ablaze. His athleticism was unparalleled, as well as his grace. He was a true five-tool player and an all-around great. Many consider him to have the greatest baseball swing ever, and it’s not hard to see why. However, many feel he could also be the most outstanding defensive center-fielder in history. His 10 Gold Gloves from the decade back up this belief.

He won the MVP in 1997, but he was also fifth in ’93, second in ‘94, fourth and fourth in ’96, and fourth overall in ’98. At.646, he was the league’s leader in slugging. He also scored 125 runs. In 1994, he was the league’s leader in home runs with 40, 56 and 56, respectively. He was the league’s leader in runs batted in with 147 in 1997.

He was in the top 10 for batting average, on-base percentage twice and slugging percent nine times. OPS was eight times. Runs scored seven times. Doubles three times. Triples once. Home runs seven times. Runs batted in seven. Walks one.

Ken Griffey Jr Career Highlights

Honorable mentions

Juan Gonzalez

“Juan Gone,” a dominant player in Texas, he won the MVP award twice during the decade. In 1993, he was fourth in MVP voting. He was the league’s leader in home runs, with 43 and 46, respectively, in 1992 and 1993. He also led the league with a.632 slugging percentage in 1993. He led the league with 50 doubles and 157 runs batted in 1998.

He was in the top ten for batting average twice, OPS four times, slugging percentage six more times, OPS once, runs scored and hits once.

Barry Larkin

Larkin began the decade leading the Cincinnati Reds to a World Series Title, and during the ’90s, he would win an MVP while leading the Reds to the NLCS. He was an all-around great shortstop who could do it all.