New York stands out not only as the most famous city in North America but also as the city with the most championships in the “Big Four” sports leagues. Among its many teams, the New York Yankees are the most illustrious, boasting 27 World Series titles, the highest in Major League Baseball history. In a city brimming with athletic talent, the question remains: who shines the brightest? Here, we’ve ranked the top 10 athletes currently making waves in New York.
Pete Alonso, nicknamed the “Polar Bear,” is a powerful hitter known for consistently hitting over 30 home runs in five of the past six seasons. Since his debut in 2019, Alonso leads the National League with 226 home runs and ranks second only to Aaron Judge in all of baseball, also leading in RBIs with 586. Giancarlo Stanton, an elite power hitter now in the Bronx since 2018, has smashed 14 home runs traveling over 450 feet and remains one of the hardest hitters in the game, with an average exit speed of 94.5 mph. While his power is undeniable, his Hall of Fame prospects remain a hot topic for the future.
In football, Davante Adams is a legendary wide receiver likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Last season, he became the 12th player in NFL history to reach 100 career receiving touchdowns, showcasing his impact alongside veteran QB Aaron Rodgers. Adams stands out with over 6,000 receiving yards and 500 receptions since 2020, a feat matched only by Tyreek Hill. Rookie sensation Sauce Gardner has impressed early, earning first-team All-Pro honors in his first two NFL seasons, known for his lockdown defense and league-leading passes defended.
Malik Nabers is a rookie standout with a historic season of 1,204 receiving yards and 109 catches, joining an elite group with records similar to Puka Nacua and Anquan Boldin. His potential as a dangerous deep threat bodes well for the Giants’ future, despite questions about the quarterback position. On the basketball court, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a consistent scoring force, maintaining a shooting percentage above 40% for three seasons and averaging over 20 points per game eight times in his career.
Francisco Lindor has become a Mets superstar over the past four years, finishing in the top 10 for MVP voting three times and showing versatility as a five-tool player, with highlights including 375 runs scored and 75 stolen bases. Jalen Brunson, a top free agent acquisition for the Knicks, emerged as a team leader last season with impressive scoring, shooting, and clutch performance. Aaron Judge continues to dominate MLB with two MVP awards in three seasons, leading the majors with 157 homers and setting the American League record with 62 home runs in 2022.
Lastly, Juan Soto has drawn significant attention with his record-setting Mets contract. Since 2018, Soto has led the league in walks and combines elite power with patience, one of only three players to amass 500 walks and 200 home runs in that span, alongside Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
Fan Take: For hockey fans, this showcase of New York’s top athletes highlights how the city’s sports culture thrives on star power and relentless competition, traits that resonate deeply with hockey’s own intense fanbase. The blend of emerging talent and established legends in New York serves as a reminder of the exciting future of professional sports and the growing influence of multi-sport cities in shaping sports narratives nationwide.
