Home runs are a defining feature of Major League Baseball (MLB), showcasing the power and skill of a hitter. Over the years, many players have set impressive records for home runs in a single season. Barry Bonds holds the all-time record with 73 home runs, achieved in the 2001 season. This record remains unmatched despite challenges from other players during the steroid era.
Mark McGwire, another legendary power hitter, ranks second with 70 home runs in 1998, a record he set during a thrilling season where he and Sammy Sosa competed to break the previous record. Sosa, in turn, had an outstanding 1998, hitting 66 home runs and placing third. These three players were central figures during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period when home run totals skyrocketed, partly due to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Sammy Sosa continued to shine with 64 home runs in 2001 and 63 home runs in 1999. His incredible power at the plate ranks him among the greatest in MLB history. Other notable players on the list include Aaron Judge, who hit 62 home runs in 2022, and Roger Maris, who set the record with 61 home runs in 1961. Babe Ruth, one of the most iconic figures in baseball, appears twice on the list, with 60 home runs in 1927 and 59 in 1921.
In 2024, Aaron Judge led the league with 58 home runs, while Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers finished second with 54. Both players remain key figures in modern baseball, continuing to attract attention and excitement. For a full list of 2024 home run leaders, fans can check the latest statistics.
MLB Single-Season Home Run Leaders (Post-1900)
| Rank | Player | Home Runs | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barry Bonds | 73 | 2001 |
| 2 | Mark McGwire | 70 | 1998 |
| 3 | Sammy Sosa | 66 | 1998 |
| 4 | Mark McGwire | 65 | 1999 |
| 5 | Sammy Sosa | 64 | 2001 |
| 6 | Sammy Sosa | 63 | 1999 |
| 7 | Aaron Judge | 62 | 2022 |
| 8 | Roger Maris | 61 | 1961 |
| 9 | Babe Ruth | 60 | 1927 |
| 10 | Babe Ruth | 59 | 1921 |
