Last Updated: February 6th, 2024 by Jake Cain
The #1 overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft comes with high expectations.
For many players over the years, their career success fell short of those lofty expectations.
However, on this list we’ve compiled the top 20 career home run leaders by #1 draft picks. Note that some of the players are still active, so the numbers you see below may change as time goes by.
Let’s count them down starting with #20 on the list.
20. Roy Smalley – 163 HR
Roy Smalley III showcased his power-hitting abilities throughout his Major League Baseball career by amassing a total of 163 home runs. Drafted initially by the Montreal Expos in the 35th round of the 1970 MLB June Amateur Draft, he did not sign, instead making his mark after being selected by the Texas Rangers as the first overall pick in the 1974 MLB Draft.
During his tenure in the MLB, Smalley played for several teams, including the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox. He was particularly noted for his switch-hitting capability. His power at the plate peaked during the 1979 season with the Twins when he hit 24 home runs, a significant contribution to his career total.
He finished his 13-year career with a ratio of one home run every 34.71 at-bats, a respectable figure that underscores his abilities as a power hitter. His stats reflect a solid career for a shortstop, a position not traditionally known for high home run totals during his era.
19. Carlos Correa – 173 HR
Carlos Correa, the number one pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, has become a formidable power hitter in Major League Baseball. With a career tally of 173 home runs, he has showcased his ability to contribute significantly to his teams’ slugging percentages. Correa’s prowess at the plate is underscored by the distribution of his home runs: 101 solo homers, 53 two-run homers, 17 three-run homers, and 2 grand slams.
Throughout his MLB tenure, Correa has proven to be most productive when hitting third in the lineup, where he has connected with the ball most frequently for home runs. This statistic is indicative of his consistency and the threat he poses to opposing pitchers, having homered off 144 different arms in the league. His ability as a clutch hitter is reflected in his home and away split of 81 and 92 homers, respectively, illustrating that stadium boundaries were of little consequence to his power-hitting capabilities
18. Chris Chambliss – 185 HR
Chris Chambliss, the first overall pick for the Cleveland Indians in the 1970 MLB January Draft, amassed a total of 185 home runs over his MLB career. His power-hitting prowess was distributed fairly between home games, with 104 homers, and away settings, contributing 81. Chambliss had a particular knack for solo home runs, launching 110, complemented by 44 two-run homers, 26 three-run homers, and 5 grand slams.
Chambliss’s home run count is notable considering the era he played in, where offensive production was different than today’s game. He demonstrated consistent power primarily in the fifth spot of the batting lineup. A highlight of his home run career includes a historic walk-off in the 1976 ALCS, propelling the New York Yankees to the World Series.
17. B.J. Surhoff – 188 HR
B.J. Surhoff, the first overall pick of the 1985 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, recorded 188 home runs over the span of his 19-year career. He was a versatile player who could handle multiple positions, but his power at the plate was a significant aspect of his offensive output. Surhoff’s capacity to hit homers was apparent as he distributed them evenly, with 94 home runs at home and the same number on the road.
Throughout his tenure in Major League Baseball, Surhoff hit 115 solo home runs, and his ability to perform in clutch situations is noted by his 6 grand slams. While not typically categorized among the elite power hitters of the game, Surhoff displayed consistent power, managing to hit home runs off of 146 different pitchers. He also frequently batted sixth in the lineup, a spot where he most often connected for home runs, underlining his role as a reliable middle-order hitter.
Surhoff’s steady performance reflects his importance to the teams he played for, primarily the Brewers and later the Baltimore Orioles. His contributions helped solidify the middle of the batting order and provided vital run support through home runs and RBIs.
16. Josh Hamilton – 200 HR
Josh Hamilton made his mark in Major League Baseball as a formidable power hitter. Drafted first overall in the 1999 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Hamilton’s journey to the majors was fraught with personal battles that delayed his debut until 2007. Despite these challenges, the left-handed slugger’s talent was undeniable, especially when it came to hitting home runs.
During his nine-year career, Hamilton achieved a significant milestone, reaching 200 career home runs, a notable achievement for a player picked first in the draft. His best season came in 2010 when he won the American League MVP award, a testament to his offensive prowess that year. He also distinguished himself in 2008 when he mesmerized fans with his performance at the Home Run Derby.
Hamilton’s power at the plate was consistent, averaging a home run every 19.55 at-bats, an impressive rate highlighting his efficiency as a power hitter. He was a key figure for the Texas Rangers during their back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, delivering significant home runs during those playoff runs. His career, although shorter than some, firmly established him as one of the most notable power-hitting number one draft picks in MLB history.
15. Phil Nevin – 208 HR
Phil Nevin, a notable power hitter, recorded a total of 208 home runs over his 12-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted first overall in 1992 by the Houston Astros from California State University, Fullerton, Nevin solidified his reputation for power hitting throughout his time at the plate.
His power at bat was evident with multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres where Nevin produced some of his most memorable seasons. Nevin’s peak performance came in the years 1999 to 2001, when he marked his presence as a formidable slugger in the league. In 2001, he notched a career-high 41 home runs, demonstrating his significant impact on the field.
This power display placed him among the prominent figures in the category of home runs by a number one MLB draft pick. Nevin’s ability to send the ball over the fence confirmed his status as a reliable home run source for the teams he played with. His consistent power-hitting prowess made him a respected figure in baseball circles and an integral part of MLB’s home run records.
14. Bob Horner – 218 HR
Bob Horner’s impact as a power hitter was immediate upon his MLB debut, chosen as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 1978. His rookie season concluded with him earning the National League Rookie of the Year award, signifying his prowess at the plate from the onset of his career. He didn’t spend a day in the minor leagues, a rare occurrence illustrating the Braves’ confidence in his abilities.
During his 10-year major league tenure, Horner amassed 218 home runs, underscoring his reputation as a consistent home run threat. His slugging capabilities are highlighted by a career average of 17.33 at-bats per home run, positioning him among the more efficient power hitters of his time. This ratio stands as a testament to his significant power, as per the historical AB per HR rankings.
One of his most remarkable feats occurred on July 6, 1986, when Horner hit four home runs in a single game, joining an exclusive club of sluggers who have achieved this feat. Even though injuries often sidelined him, his ability to hit home runs never wavered. Horner’s career, though shorter than some, left an indelible mark on the game, particularly in the power-hitting department.
13. Jeff Burroughs – 240 HR
Jeff Burroughs distinguished himself as a formidable power hitter during his tenure in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted as the number one overall pick by the Washington Senators in 1969, his career showcased a solid performance at the plate. With 240 career home runs, Burroughs delivered consistent power across his 16-year career.
During his time with the Texas Rangers, Burroughs’ prowess was most apparent when he was named the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1974. He became the first player from the Rangers franchise to receive this honor. That season, he hit 25 home runs with 118 RBIs and a .301 batting average, cementing his status as an elite power hitter.
His home run achievements place him among the notable players who were first overall draft picks. Despite the high expectations that come with being a top pick, Burroughs lived up to his potential by becoming a two-time All-Star and maintaining a career at-bats per home run ratio of 23.07, reflective of his ability to go deep with relative frequency.
12. Rick Monday – 241 HR
Rick Monday stands out as a formidable power hitter, especially considering his status as a number one draft pick in Major League Baseball history. Drafted in 1965 as the very first pick in the inaugural MLB draft, Monday solidified his reputation with 241 career home runs. His debut on September 3, 1966, for the Kansas City Athletics marked the beginning of a nineteen-year tenure in the majors.
Throughout his career, Monday played for the Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His left-handed swing contributed significantly to his home run total. Moreover, Monday’s ability to hit for power became one of his defining attributes, placing him in the company of select players who have managed to eclipse the 200-home run mark after being number one draft selections.
| Team | Home Runs |
|---|---|
| Kansas City/Oakland Athletics | 42 |
| Chicago Cubs | 106 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 93 |
Monday’s performance peaked in 1976 with the Cubs, hitting 32 homers that season alone. It’s noteworthy that his home run contributions were consistent, helping him maintain a solid presence in the lineup until his retirement in 1984. His career in the MLB underscored the expectation from a number one draft pick to deliver power and production at the plate.
11. George Hendrick – 267 HR
George Hendrick, a distinguished power hitter, was selected as the first overall pick by the Oakland Athletics during the 1968 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase. He made his major league debut on June 4, 1971, and during his career span of 18 years, Hendrick amassed a total of 267 home runs.
His home run distribution was almost evenly split between home and away games, with 134 long balls hit at home and 133 on the road. Hendrick’s power at the plate led to 154 solo homers, with the remainder coming with runners on base: 78 with one runner, 31 with two runners, and 4 noteworthy grand slams.
An interesting aspect of Hendrick’s hitting was his tendency to home run most frequently while batting fifth in the lineup. Over his substantial MLB tenure, he homered off 169 different pitchers, showcasing his consistent ability to connect with the ball against various opponents. His career average of 26.7 at-bats per home run reflects solid power-hitting proficiency for the times.
10. Pat Burrell – 292 HR
Pat Burrell, a significant power hitter, was selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1998 MLB Draft. Accumulating a total of 292 home runs over his 12-year career, he was known for his substantial home run hitting ability. Demonstrating consistency in his long-ball hitting, Burrell averaged a home run approximately every 22.3 at-bats.
At the peak of his performance, Burrell notably contributed to the Phillies’ lineup with a potent right-handed bat. His career best season came in 2002 when he slugged 37 home runs. Burrell’s performance as a left fielder and later as a first baseman displayed his offensive prowess and made him a formidable presence at the plate.
Ending his career with two World Series championships, Burrell’s contributions to both the Phillies and the San Francisco Giants solidified his legacy. His power at the plate was admired, as he consistently displayed the ability to change the game with a single swing. Though he never led the league in home runs, his 292 career homers rank him among the most accomplished home run hitters who were first overall draft selections.
9. Bryce Harper – 306 HR
Bryce Harper, a prodigious talent in baseball, has made significant waves since being selected as the number one draft pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 MLB Draft. His draft selection came after an exceptional performance at the College of Southern Nevada, distinguished by his impressive power-hitting ability.
Harper’s career home runs stand at an impressive 306, reflecting his status as a preeminent power hitter. Of these home runs, he dispatched 162 in home stadiums and 144 away, showcasing his consistent ability to go deep regardless of the venue. Harper’s long balls include 178 solo homers and 6 grand slams, underscoring his knack for delivering in a variety of situations.
He regularly batted third in the lineup, a position typically reserved for a team’s most proficient hitter, and lived up to the role by homering off 228 different pitchers throughout his career. This statistic not only highlights Harper’s adaptability to various pitching styles but also reinforces his status as an offensive force within Major League Baseball.
8. Adrián González – 317 HR
Adrián González, selected by the Florida Marlins as the first overall pick in the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft, established himself as a proficient power hitter over his 15-year career. His tenure in Major League Baseball was marked by a consistent display of power, totaling 317 home runs.
During his peak years, González was known for his ability to hit for both average and power, primarily during his time with the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His home run tally is a testament to his skill, as he repeatedly ranked among the top sluggers in the league.
Renowned for his smooth left-handed swing, González’s home run count is reflective of a disciplined approach at the plate, often delivering in high-pressure situations. His effectiveness as a home run hitter is underlined by his standing in baseball reference rankings, indicative of a highly accomplished career among number one draft picks.
7. Justin Upton – 325 HR
Justin Upton, the first overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, has solidified his place in baseball history with a notable power-hitting record. With 325 career home runs, Upton has demonstrated consistent long-ball ability throughout his tenure in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Career Highlights:
- Debut: 2007
- Draft: 1st round, 1st pick, 2005
- Home Runs: 325
- Teams: Diamondbacks, Braves, Padres, Tigers, Angels, Mariners
Upton’s power surge began shortly after his debut at the age of 19. His raw talent and ability to connect with the ball have kept him among the most prolific home run hitters among draft first picks. Hitting over 20 home runs in multiple seasons, Upton’s presence at the plate has been a relentless threat for pitchers across the league.
He has also been recognized as an All-Star on multiple occasions, which underscores his standing as a formidable offensive player. His career encompassing stints with various teams highlights his adaptability and continued relevance as a power hitter in the dynamic landscape of MLB. Upton’s journey underscores the potential impact a number one draft pick can have in the majors, especially in terms of slugging capability.
6. Darryl Strawberry – 335 HR
Darryl Strawberry, selected as the first overall pick in the 1980 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, exemplified power hitting throughout his career. He amassed an impressive 335 home runs, a testament to his prowess at the plate.
Career Highlights:
- Teams: New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees
- MLB Debut: May 6, 1983
- Grand Slams: 8
Strawberry consistently demonstrated his abilities as a slugger, most notably during his time with the Mets. His tall frame and distinct swing made him one of the most intimidating batters to face. He hit 168 solo homers, with the remainder coming with runners on bases, highlighting his valuable contribution to run production.
Home Run Breakdown:
- Solo Home Runs: 168
- With Runners: 167 (117 with one runner, 42 with two runners)
Throughout his 17-season career, Strawberry was a key player in his teams’ offensive lineups, often batting fourth where he connected most frequently. Not only did he hit home runs off 208 different pitchers, but he also played a pivotal role in securing victories, especially during high-stakes moments.
Notable Achievements:
- 1983 NL Rookie of the Year
- 8× All-Star selection
5. Harold Baines – 384 HR
Harold Baines was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft. Over his 22-year Major League Baseball career, he accumulated a total of 384 home runs, underscoring his status as a significant power hitter. Baines demonstrated consistency in his long ball ability, clubbing home runs against 268 different pitchers and maintaining power across every slot in the lineup, though most notably excelling in the third position.
His career home runs are split fairly evenly between home games (185 HRs) and on the road (199 HRs). Baines’ stats reflect his capacity to go deep with a variety of hit types; he tallied 211 solo homers, coupled with 114 two-run shots, 46 three-run homers, and 13 grand slams. Despite being renowned for his hitting prowess, Baines led the league in an offensive category just once—illustrating the depth of his steady but often understated impact.
He notably spent seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, his hometown team, and his tenures there contributed significantly to his home run total. Baines’ ability to produce home runs helped to anchor the middle of the lineup and provided his teams with a reliable offensive threat throughout his career.
4. Dave Kingman – 442 HR
Dave Kingman, a towering figure in Major League Baseball, made his mark as an extraordinary power hitter. Drafted in 1970 by the San Francisco Giants, Kingman was selected as the first overall pick, a testament to his impressive abilities from an early stage. His career, spanning 16 seasons, is highlighted by a prodigious accumulation of home runs, totaling 442.
In a display of raw power, he averaged a remarkable one home run per every 15.11 at-bats, underscoring his elite status among sluggers. Kingman’s propensity for the long ball can be encapsulated by his peak season in 1979, wherein he belted 48 home runs for the Chicago Cubs. This achievement earned him a coveted spot in the top ten of single-season home run leaders at the time.
Despite Kingman’s prolific home run numbers, his batting average was a modest .236. His all-or-nothing approach also led to a high strikeout rate, ending with 1,816 strikeouts. Nevertheless, Kingman’s power was fearsome, with significant home run tallies with multiple MLB teams, including the Mets and Cubs, solidifying his legacy as a memorable home run champion.
3. Chipper Jones – 468 HR
Chipper Jones stands out as a legendary power hitter, with 468 home runs to his credit. Selected as the first overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones delivered on the expectations set upon him. His prowess both at home and away games was notable, slamming 259 homers at home and 209 on the road.
Jones showed versatility in his batting, with home runs distributed as 267 solo homers, 143 two-run homers, 52 three-run homers, and 6 grand slams. He could change the course of a game with a single swing, which he demonstrated by homering off an impressive 322 different pitchers. His most frequent home run came while hitting third in the batting order.
Throughout his career, from 1993 to 2012, Jones was not only a consistent home run hitter but also a pivotal player for the Braves, contributing to their 1995 World Series championship. His achievements in home runs are a testament to his enduring talent and have cemented his place in baseball history.
2. Ken Griffey Jr. – 630 HR
George Kenneth Griffey Jr., known as Ken Griffey Jr., exemplified power at the plate throughout his Major League Baseball career. Drafted as the first overall pick by the Seattle Mariners in 1987, his swing became one of the most iconic in baseball history. Griffey Jr. amassed a total of 630 home runs, which ranks him among the top sluggers ever to play the game.
Griffey’s home run tally is particularly noteworthy as it places him high on the all-time list without any association to performance-enhancing drugs, a point of pride during an era clouded by steroid allegations. 1989 marked his major league debut, and he quickly established himself, earning the nickname “The Kid” for his youthful exuberance and prodigious talent.
| Total HRs | Solo HRs | 2-Run HRs | 3-Run HRs | Grand Slams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 630 | 337 | 200 | 78 | 15 |
Not only was Griffey’s power remarkable, but it was also well-distributed; he hit 332 homers playing at home and 298 on the road, displaying his ability to excel in any ballpark condition. Griffey Jr. retired with a legacy as one of the greatest center fielders and power hitters, making his mark without controversy, and his contributions to baseball continue to be celebrated.
1. Álex Rodríguez – 696 HR
Álex Rodríguez, often regarded as one of the most skilled power hitters in MLB history, was selected as the first overall pick in the 1993 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. His ability to hit home runs was evident early in his career, marking his presence as a formidable slugger.
Throughout his 22-season career, Rodríguez accumulated a total of 696 home runs. His power at the plate was a key component of the offenses of the teams he played for, including the Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees.
Career Highlights:
- Teams: SEA, TEX, NYY
- Total HRs: 696
- MLB Debut: July 8, 1994
Notable Achievements:
- 14× All-Star
- 3× AL MVP
- 10× Silver Slugger Award
By the time of his retirement, Rodríguez was fourth on the all-time home run leaderboard, underscoring the impact of his power hitting throughout his illustrious career.