Baseball has had its fair share of legends, but some players just had that extra cool factor. Whether it was their swagger on the field, iconic moments, or just the way they carried themselves, these guys weren’t just great—they were flat-out awesome.
From power hitters to flamethrowers, here are the 20 coolest MLB stars of all time, ranked.
20. Juan Soto
Soto’s swagger at the plate is next-level, from his legendary “Soto Shuffle” to his fearless approach against elite pitchers. He plays with the confidence of a seasoned vet, and he’s only getting started.
19. Yasiel Puig
Puig brought a level of energy and unpredictability that baseball hadn’t seen in a while. Whether he was launching monster homers or licking his bat for good luck, he always kept fans entertained.
18. Ozzie Smith
The Wizard of Oz didn’t just play shortstop—he owned it. His acrobatic plays and signature backflips made him one of the flashiest and most entertaining players to ever take the field.
17. Fernando Tatís Jr.
Tatís Jr. plays the game like he’s in a video game—electric speed, ridiculous power, and highlight-reel defense. He brings an effortless coolness to the field, whether he’s launching moonshots or flipping his bat into another dimension.
16. Ken Griffey Sr.
Griffey Sr. was smooth, reliable, and a key piece of the Big Red Machine. He also gets bonus cool points for playing with his son, Ken Griffey Jr., in the same outfield.
15. Bo Jackson
Bo knew everything—football, baseball, and how to leave fans speechless. His raw power, insane athleticism, and unforgettable highlight moments made him a legend in both sports.
14. Darryl Strawberry
With his effortless swing and larger-than-life presence, Strawberry defined cool in the ’80s. He made hitting bombs look way too easy and had the kind of charisma that made him a fan favorite everywhere he played.
13. Derek Jeter
Jeter wasn’t just a winner—he was the face of baseball for two decades. From the clutch postseason moments to dating Hollywood stars, the Yankees captain was the definition of smooth.
12. Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro made hitting singles look as cool as smashing home runs. His style, his insane throwing arm, and the way he casually racked up 3,000 hits cemented his legend status.
11. Manny Ramírez
Few players embodied “cool” like Manny, whether he was crushing home runs, high-fiving fans mid-play, or disappearing into the Green Monster. “Manny being Manny” wasn’t just a saying—it was a lifestyle.
10. Rickey Henderson
Rickey wasn’t just the greatest leadoff hitter of all time—he also had Hall of Fame-level confidence. Whether he was stealing bases or referring to himself in the third person, everything Rickey did was iconic.
9. Pedro Martínez
Pedro had the electric stuff and the attitude to match. He dominated with a mix of precision and personality, making him one of the most entertaining pitchers of all time.
8. Bryce Harper
Harper walked into the MLB with swagger at age 19 and never looked back. From his legendary hair to his clutch moments, he plays with a level of confidence that’s impossible to ignore.
7. David Ortiz
Big Papi didn’t just hit homers—he owned October. Whether it was his walk-offs, his epic speeches, or just his larger-than-life personality, Ortiz was the heart and soul of the Red Sox.
6. Barry Bonds
Love him or hate him, Bonds was must-watch baseball. His home runs weren’t just bombs—they were statements, and nobody carried more swagger at the plate than Barry.
5. Reggie Jackson
Mr. October was the king of postseason heroics, and he knew it. Whether he was launching three home runs in a World Series game or rocking sunglasses in the dugout, Reggie oozed cool.
4. Jackie Robinson
Breaking baseball’s color barrier was legendary enough, but Jackie also played with unmatched grace under pressure. His speed, skill, and sheer resilience made him one of the coolest figures in sports history.
3. Shohei Ohtani
A pitcher and a power hitter? Ohtani is living out every kid’s baseball dream and making it look effortless. He’s changing the game in real-time while looking like the most relaxed guy on the field.
Read More: Ranking the Most Controversial MLB Players of All Time
2. Ken Griffey Jr.
The backward hat, the smoothest swing in baseball, and the effortless athleticism—Griffey made baseball look cool. Every kid wanted to be him, and honestly, they still do.
Read More: 20 NFL Players Who Bring Unmatched Swagger to the Field
1. Willie Mays
Mays didn’t just play baseball—he defined it. From “The Catch” to his effortless power and speed, he was a once-in-a-generation talent who made everything look easy.
Read More: The 15 Coolest NBA Players Who Defined Swagger
