Baseball debates never truly have a finish line, especially when it comes to deciding the greatest players in history. Every generation has its legends, making it nearly impossible to compare stars across different eras. FanDuel recently took on that challenge by naming the best Major League Baseball player from every decade dating back to the 1930s. The list features Hall of Famers, record-breakers, and a current superstar who is still adding to his legacy. Here’s a look at FanDuel’s selections.

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FanDuel’s Picks by Decade

• 1930s: Lou Gehrig (New York Yankees)
• 1940s: Ted Williams (Boston Red Sox)
• 1950s: Mickey Mantle (New York Yankees)
• 1960s: Willie Mays (San Francisco Giants)
• 1970s: Joe Morgan (Cincinnati Reds)
• 1980s: Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies)
• 1990s: Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants)
• 2000s: Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals)
• 2010s: Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)
• 2020s: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

The list is loaded with players who not only dominated statistically but also helped define their respective eras.

Plenty of Hall of Fame Talent

It’s hard to argue against most of the selections. Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt, and Albert Pujols are all considered among the greatest players to ever step onto a baseball field.

Barry Bonds remains one of the most dominant hitters in MLB history, despite the ongoing debates surrounding his career, while Mike Trout’s incredible run throughout the 2010s made him the face of baseball for nearly a decade.

Then there’s Shohei Ohtani. Although the 2020s are only halfway complete, Ohtani has already built a résumé unlike anything the sport has ever seen as both an elite hitter and pitcher, making him a logical choice for the current decade.

Which Pick Will Spark the Biggest Debate?

As with any all-time ranking, there are sure to be disagreements. Some fans may argue that Hank Aaron deserved consideration for the 1950s or 1960s. Others will point to Rickey Henderson in the 1980s or debate whether another superstar belongs ahead of Joe Morgan in the 1970s.

The 2020s selection will likely generate discussion as well, simply because there are still several seasons left in the decade for Ohtani—or another superstar—to strengthen their case.

Regardless of where fans stand, FanDuel’s list serves as a reminder of just how fortunate baseball has been to feature so many iconic players across nearly a century of Major League history.

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