Setting a franchise home run record demands exceptional power and longevity, a feat not easily achieved by even the most talented MLB players. While Barry Bonds holds the overall MLB all-time home runs record with 762, he is not the leader for the San Francisco Giants franchise due to his limited tenure there. As players like Pete Alonso demonstrated by breaking the Mets’ home run record in 2025, such achievements are rare but possible. This article assesses the current leaders for each MLB franchise, highlights active players positioned to challenge those records, and evaluates their odds to surpass them.
Top Home Run Leaders for Each MLB Franchise and Potential Contenders
The following outlines each MLB team’s all-time home run leader and identifies active players who could realistically surpass these milestones, including a likelihood rating of record-breaking success.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Luis Gonzalez’s Mark Under Threat
Luis Gonzalez’s 224 home runs mark him as the Diamondbacks’ all-time slugger, bolstered by his memorable World Series performance. However, Ketel Marte, with 168 home runs and five more years under contract, seems poised to overtake Gonzalez within a few seasons. Marte’s consistent average of nearly 30 homers per season over the past three years increases the confidence in his potential. Emerging talent Corbin Carroll could also add future pressure to this franchise record.
Athletics: Mark McGwire’s High Record and Young Talent Nick Kurtz
Mark McGwire holds a formidable 363 home runs for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz, despite being a rookie with only 36 home runs, has shown exceptional ability, even earning MVP votes during his debut season despite injury setbacks. Although reaching McGwire’s total is a steep climb, especially without a contract extension, Kurtz’s emerging talent gives optimism that the record is attainable with longevity and consistency. Brent Rooker trails far behind in career homers but remains a secondary option among active players.
Atlanta Braves: Hank Aaron’s Dominance Remains Unmatched
Hank Aaron’s 733 home runs for the Braves is the highest franchise total in MLB history. Ronald Acuña Jr., the leading active Braves homer hitter, trails by about 550, and with injury concerns amid his 28 years, surpassing Aaron’s record appears highly improbable. Nonetheless, Acuña possesses the ability to create excitement if he manages health and team extension.
Baltimore Orioles: Gunnar Henderson’s Emerging Threat to Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. stands with a franchise-leading 431 home runs for the Orioles. Gunnar Henderson, just 24 and closing in on 100 career homers, holds potential as the most promising candidate to eclipse Ripken’s mark. However, contract limitations and financial considerations may challenge Henderson’s ability to remain long enough with the Orioles. Samuel Basallo could emerge as an alternative if Henderson’s path stalls.
Boston Red Sox: Ted Williams’ Record Faces Long Odds
The iconic Ted Williams holds 521 home runs for the Red Sox. Following the unexpected trade of Rafael Devers in 2025, the team’s active roster offers limited power threats. Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old with eight career homers and a long-term deal, represents Boston’s best hope despite a steep climb to Williams’ total.
Chicago Cubs: Sammy Sosa’s Franchise Total Still Secure
Sammy Sosa’s 545 home runs remain a challenging record within the Cubs organization. Ian Happ, leading current cubs with 173 homers, and young player Pete Crow-Armstrong, with 41 home runs, are the closest active competitors. While Happ’s contract status and age reduce his chance, Crow-Armstrong’s youth and developing power give him a marginal chance to challenge the record.
Chicago White Sox: Prospects Fading Against Frank Thomas’ Record
Frank Thomas’ 448 home runs for the White Sox set a high bar. Among the young roster, Colson Montgomery’s 21 homers in 71 games at age 23 is promising if sustained, but replicating Thomas’ power and career longevity remains uncertain.
Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz’s Potential to Surpass Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench leads with 389 career home runs for the Reds. Eugenio Suarez, the active leader, is far from approaching this milestone. However, young cult favorite Elly De La Cruz, with 60 homers by age 24 and playing in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, could reasonably reach and surpass Bench’s franchise total if extended long-term by Cincinnati.
Cleveland Guardians: Jose Ramirez Set to Pass Jim Thome
Jim Thome’s 337 home runs for the Guardians will likely be eclipsed by current star Jose Ramirez, who is only 48 homers short. With a long-term contract, Ramirez is on course to become Cleveland’s home run leader, potentially by the 2027 season, making his record a “when,” not “if.”
Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton’s Stronghold and Ezequiel Tovar’s Chances
Todd Helton’s 369 homers make him Colorado’s all-time power hitter. Ezequiel Tovar, though far behind at 51 home runs, holds the best chance among active Rockies to challenge Helton. A 2025 dip notwithstanding, his multi-year extension and potential to capitalize on Coors Field’s hitter-friendly dimensions offer a slim but possible trajectory toward the record.
Detroit Tigers: Riley Greene’s Growing Power Against Al Kaline’s Mark
Al Kaline’s record of 399 home runs for the Tigers stands as a tough target. Riley Greene’s 36 home runs in 2025, combined with his age of 25, indicate burgeoning power. Should the Tigers sign him for the long term and Greene advance against left-handed pitching, the record could be within reach.
Houston Astros: Yordan Alvarez’s Chance to Overtake Jeff Bagwell
Jeff Bagwell’s 449 homers remain the Astros’ franchise record. Yordan Alvarez, with 170 homers and an average of 34 homers per season when healthy, could potentially surpass Bagwell if he maintains health and secures an extension. Jose Altuve’s age and career total make his pursuit unlikely.
Kansas City Royals: Salvador Perez Closing in on George Brett
George Brett’s 317 home runs lead Royals history by a slender margin over Salvador Perez’s 303. Perez is expected to eclipse Brett during the 2025 season. Still, young star Bobby Witt Jr. may emerge to challenge Perez’s reign in the future.
Los Angeles Angels: Zach Neto’s Limited Odds Against Mike Trout
Mike Trout’s franchise-leading 404 home runs set a high standard for the Angels. Zach Neto, with 58 homers and ongoing development, has the best chance among active players to threaten Trout’s record, though the odds remain low.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani’s Rapid Rise Toward Duke Snider’s Record
Duke Snider’s 389 home runs stand as the Dodgers franchise benchmark. Shohei Ohtani, despite starting with the Dodgers at 29, has amassed 109 home runs in two seasons. Maintaining a pace near 35 homers annually across the next eight years could put Ohtani within reach of Snider’s total, making him a strong candidate.
Miami Marlins: Agustin Ramirez Emerging Behind Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton leads the Marlins with 267 home runs. Agustin Ramirez, 24 years old with 21 homers in his rookie season, holds significant power potential. Kyle Stowers is another contender, but Ramirez’s youth and power profile make him the more likely challenger.
Milwaukee Brewers: Jackson Chourio’s Upside Against Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun’s franchise record stands at 352 home runs. Jackson Chourio, 21 years old with 42 homers over two seasons and eight years contractual control, could surpass Braun if he averages over 30 homers yearly. His growth curve suggests a feasible challenge ahead.
Minnesota Twins: Harmon Killebrew’s Near-Impossible Record
Harmon Killebrew’s soaring 559 home runs for the Twins remain out of reach for the current roster. Byron Buxton, with 168 homers but durability issues, is unlikely to catch Killebrew. Young prospect Walker Jenkins, though untested at MLB level, carries the potential for longevity and power necessary to approach this record one day.
New York Mets: Francisco Lindor Poised to Surpass Pete Alonso
After Pete Alonso set the Mets record with 264 homers, his 2025 move to the Orioles opens the door for Francisco Lindor, who has 141 home runs with the Mets. Lindor’s six-year contract and steady 20+ homer seasons position him well to overtake Alonso. Additionally, Juan Soto’s extended deal could see him surpass both in franchise history.
New York Yankees: Aaron Judge Chasing Babe Ruth’s Record
Babe Ruth’s 659 home runs for the Yankees represent a monumental franchise benchmark. Aaron Judge, with 368 homers, faces a difficult task to catch Ruth at age 33 and close to 300 homers behind. However, Judge’s prodigious power when healthy leaves room for cautious optimism.
Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle Schwarber’s Long Shot Against Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt’s 548 homers pose a steep challenge. Kyle Schwarber, who hit 56 homers in 2025 and re-signed for five years, leads current candidates. Schwarber’s consistent power output, though insufficient to realistically reach Schmidt’s total, makes him the safest bet, with few viable alternatives.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Konnor Griffin’s Power Potential Behind Willie Stargell
Willie Stargell’s 475 home runs are unlikely to fall to current Pirates players, but prospect Konnor Griffin, only 19, may offer hope. Griffin’s known power and early age at MLB level could allow for a lengthy career capable of challenging the record, albeit an uncertain proposition.
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr. Closing in on Manny Machado
Manny Machado holds the Padres record with 194 home runs. Fernando Tatis Jr., only 42 homers shy and under contract for nine more years, appears to be the frontrunner to break this mark. The likelihood depends heavily on staying with the Padres long term and warding off injuries.
San Francisco Giants: Willie Mays’ Legacy and Bryce Eldridge’s Prospects
Willie Mays’s 646 home runs remain the Giants’ franchise record, distinct from Berry Bonds’ overall MLB mark. Bryce Eldridge, a young left-handed hitter, has the raw power but faces the challenging Oracle Park environment for lefties. Eldridge’s youth offers some long-term hope, though breaking Mays’ record is improbable.
Seattle Mariners: Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh Both Viable Challengers to Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s 417 home runs for Seattle rank among the tougher records. Julio Rodriguez, with 112 homers and nine years left under contract, edges out Cal Raleigh, who leads by 41 homers but has less time remaining. Both have meaningful chances, with Rodriguez’s youth and duration advantage making him the slight favorite.
St. Louis Cardinals: Prospects’ Challenging Path to Stan Musial’s Total
Stan Musial’s 475 home runs represent a high mark. The Cardinals’ top prospect, JJ Wetherholt, holds some potential due to anticipated long career longevity, but lacks proven power to realistically reach Musial’s total.
Tampa Bay Rays: Junior Caminero’s Rising Power Threat to Evan Longoria
Junior Caminero, a young third baseman who hit 45 home runs in his first full season, may follow in Evan Longoria’s footsteps and eventually surpass his 261 homers for the Rays. Despite slim odds of staying in Tampa Bay long term, Caminero’s power and club control years make breaking the record a reasonable possibility.
Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford’s Ambitions to Overtake Juan Gonzalez
Juan Gonzalez, with 372 home runs, leads the Rangers. Wyatt Langford, young and with untapped potential after hitting 22 homers recently, could challenge the mark if extended and if he develops greater power consistency. Corey Seager, though the team’s best player, seems unlikely to reach this total due to health and age constraints.
Toronto Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Positioned to Break Carlos Delgado’s Record
Carlos Delgado’s franchise record of 336 home runs appears vulnerable as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., around 150 homers behind and secured by a 14-year extension, is expected to break it definitively during his career with Toronto.
Washington Nationals: James Wood’s Growth Promises to Surpass Ryan Zimmerman
Ryan Zimmerman’s 284 home runs set the Nationals’ record. James Wood, 23 with 40 homers as a rookie, shows the necessary power and talent. An extension would be key, but Wood’s skillset and age make surpassing Zimmerman very attainable.
Evaluating the Future of Franchise Home Run Records in MLB
Many of the longstanding MLB franchise home run records remain unbeaten, underscoring the rare combination of talent and career longevity required. However, younger players like Ketel Marte, Jose Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Salvador Perez are well-positioned to rewrite history. Contracts, health, and team stability will heavily influence these trajectories.
For franchises such as the Braves and Giants, historic records by legends like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays may remain unchallenged due to their monumental nature. Conversely, some records such as those for the Diamondbacks, Mets, and Blue Jays seem ripe for renewal.
As MLB continues to evolve with emerging talent and extended player careers, the landscape of all-time home run leaders could see significant changes over the coming decade, making every season a compelling chapter in baseball’s power-hitting history.
