Best New York Yankees Players of All Time

The Yankees are the most recognizable name in baseball (and often an MLB betting favourite with the public). With 27 World Series to their name, it’s no surprise the list of the best New York Yankees players of all time features some of the greatest to take the diamond. 

Narrowing down this list to a top five was incredibly challenging; so many iconic players have worn the pinstripes. 

Rankings like this are always up for debate, but here are my five greatest Yankees ever.

Best New York Yankees Players of All Time

1. Babe Ruth

Who else? Babe Ruth remains the greatest player in MLB history, so he was a lock for the top spot in these rankings. 

75 years ago today, Babe Ruth’s iconic #⃣3⃣ jersey was retired by the @yankees. pic.twitter.com/DPS2SfL0tE

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 13, 2023

Ruth’s 206 OPS+ is the highest ever. On his way to 714 career homers, he led the Majors in home runs on 12 different occasions. Of course, he also won the World Series four times as a Yankee, with 15 Fall Classic homers to his name. 

All of this is because he was involved in one of the worst trades in MLB history.

2. Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle was a 20-time All-Star, a three-time MVP and won seven World Series titles. He’s arguably the greatest defensive center fielder in MLB history.

As a switch-hitter, Mantle possessed both great power and a superb eye. He walked more than he struck out for his career and hit 536 home runs. 

A strong case can be made for Mantle or Lou Gehrig in the No. 2 spot here. Mantle’s center field play just gives him the edge for me. 

3. Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig had eight top-five MVP finishes, with his two wins coming nine years apart. Gehrig is second in career bWAR as a Yankee and 18th among all MLB players. 

The Iron Horse was renowned for his durability until ALS cut his career and life short. The left-handed slugger has a case as the greatest first baseman of all time, having posted a 179 career OPS+ and won seven World Series titles. 

Just four hitters can better Gehrig’s career OPS+. Cal Ripken is the only player with a longer consecutive games played streak. 

4. Joe DiMaggio

Joe DiMaggio not only holds an unbreakable hitting streak record. He also won nine World Series championships, three MVP awards, and was named an All-Star on 13 occasions. 

Despite missing three years for military service, DiMaggio is still fourth in Yankees bWAR. The California native was an elite contact hitter throughout his career, but he complemented that with plenty of pop to finish with a career .977 OPS. 

5. Mariano Rivera

Yogi Berra, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Whitey Ford could all stake a claim to the fifth place in these rankings. 

Mariano Rivera's Mechanics (1st Save & Final Save). pic.twitter.com/WxWlsOX9im

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 11, 2024

Mariano Rivera might only be ninth in franchise bWAR, but Rivera’s significance to the franchise cannot be overstated. He is the greatest closer the sport has ever seen, a World Series MVP and a 15-time All-Star. 

Rivera won five titles as a Yankee and holds the MLB record for saves and ERA+. Being the clear GOAT at his position gets Rivera the nod for the final spot.