The 2025 MLB season is reaching its final stretch, making it the perfect time to assess the best left-handed hitters of the year. With at least 370 plate appearances under their belts, 20 lefties are making waves this season. Their rankings reflect not only their performance but also the underlying hitting metrics that contribute to their success. Let’s dive into the countdown of the top performers, focusing on their ability to get on base and hit for power.
Ranking the Best Left-Handed Hitters
This year's list features some familiar faces, each showcasing unique skills. Here are the bottom 15 lefties:
15. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
Age: 242025 Stats: 123 G, 518 PA, 16 HR, .283 AVG, .353 OBP, .471 SLG, 129 OPS+After a strong start to the season, Henderson's performance against lefties has dipped, yet his hard-hit rate remains impressive.
14. Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants
Age: 282025 Stats: 132 G, 590 PA, 25 HR, .252 AVG, .373 OBP, .462 SLG, 136 OPS+Devers has shown resilience, gradually overcoming early-season struggles to deliver solid power numbers.
13. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Age: 312025 Stats: 130 G, 583 PA, 19 HR, .265 AVG, .362 OBP, .447 SLG, 126 OPS+Although not matching his previous seasons' highs, Olson maintains elite walk rates and considerable doubles power.
12. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 322025 Stats: 102 G, 450 PA, 21 HR, .263 AVG, .358 OBP, .500 SLG, 132 OPS+Returning from injury, Harper has turned it around with impressive second-half stats, remaining a force at the plate.
11. Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
Age: 272025 Stats: 125 G, 475 PA, 24 HR, .262 AVG, .341 OBP, .492 SLG, 140 OPS+Busch combines solid contact with high fly ball rates, showcasing his potential for consistent power production.
10. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
Age: 252025 Stats: 114 G, 514 PA, 27 HR, .254 AVG, .331 OBP, .554 SLG, 139 OPS+Carroll’s speed adds a dynamic element to his hitting, contributing to his impressive total bases this season.
9. Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 272025 Stats: 103 G, 409 PA, 12 HR, .316 AVG, .394 OBP, .478 SLG, 142 OPS+Despite being on the injured list, Aranda's line-drive hitting has caught attention, earning him a high batting average.
8. Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs
Age: 282025 Stats: 125 G, 552 PA, 21 HR, .262 AVG, .375 OBP, .464 SLG, 144 OPS+Tucker has battled injury but remains a key contributor, demonstrating strong hitting fundamentals.
7. Kyle Stowers, Miami Marlins
Age: 272025 Stats: 117 G, 457 PA, 25 HR, .288 AVG, .368 OBP, .544 SLG, 148 OPS+Stowers’ breakout season showcases elite power potential, positioning him as a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
6. Nick Kurtz, Oakland Athletics
Age: 222025 Stats: 90 G, 379 PA, 26 HR, .306 AVG, .397 OBP, .630 SLG, 178 OPS+Kurtz shows promise with his ability to make solid contact, albeit with some strikeout concerns.
5. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers
Age: 312025 Stats: 99 G, 434 PA, 19 HR, .269 AVG, .369 OBP, .473 SLG, 145 OPS+Seager’s prowess against breaking balls adds depth to his offensive game, though injuries have hindered his season.
4. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 352025 Stats: 118 G, 502 PA, 18 HR, .302 AVG, .375 OBP, .501 SLG, 143 OPS+Freeman remains a consistent hitter, excelling at using the whole field but facing rising strikeout rates.
3. Juan Soto, San Diego Padres
Age: 262025 Stats: 128 G, 568 PA, 32 HR, .250 AVG, .388 OBP, .496 SLG, 152 OPS+Soto’s exceptional discipline is noteworthy, though he struggles with left-handed pitching this season.
2. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 312025 Stats: 128 G, 589 PA, 45 HR, .280 AVG, .389 OBP, .619 SLG, 177 OPS+Schwarber leads the league in power, with a striking ability to draw walks, even facing challenges with breaking balls.
1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 312025 Stats: 128 G, 589 PA, 45 HR, .280 AVG, .389 OBP, .619 SLG, 177 OPS+Setting the bar for all hitters, Ohtani's power and multifaceted hitting style put him at the top of the list, despite increased whiffs.
