New York City: A Sports Haven
New York City, arguably the most iconic metropolis in North America, is not only a hub of culture, finance, and entertainment but also a mecca for sports enthusiasts. Home to more championships in the "Big Four" sports—NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL—than any other city, New York’s sports legacy is unparalleled. However, when it comes to the most storied team, the New York Yankees stand out. The Yankees played in the World Series in 2024 and boast a staggering 27 World Series titles, making them the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball history. With a city brimming with athletic talent, the question arises: who are the brightest stars in the Big Apple today? We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 athletes currently gracing New York’s sports scene.
Pete Alonso: The Polar Bear
Pete Alonso, affectionately known as "The Polar Bear," is a force to be reckoned with in the National League. Since his debut in 2019, Alonso has dominated the home run statistics, hitting 30 or more homers in five of his last six seasons. With 226 home runs to his name, he is the leading power hitter in the National League and trails only Aaron Judge in all of baseball. What sets Alonso apart is his ability to come through in high-pressure situations. His 586 RBIs since 2019 are the most among all players, showcasing his clutch performance when it matters most. Alonso’s combination of power and reliability makes him a cornerstone of the New York Mets and a fan favorite.
Giancarlo Stanton: The Powerhouse
Giancarlo Stanton has solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific power hitters of his generation. Since joining the New York Yankees in 2018, Stanton has continued to astound with his raw power. He has hit 14 home runs that have traveled at least 450 feet, ranking seventh among all players in that span. His average exit velocity of 94.5 mph places him just behind Aaron Judge among players with at least 500 games under their belt. Stanton’s star power is undeniable, but the looming question is whether he can secure a spot in the Hall of Fame. With his continued dominance, there is little doubt that Stanton will leave an indelible mark on the Yankees and MLB history.
Davante Adams: The Legendary Wideout
Davante Adams is a living legend on the football field. His prolific career has already secured him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, even if he were to retire today. Last season, Adams became the 12th player in NFL history to reach 100 receiving touchdowns, a testament to his consistent excellence. Since 2020, he has joined the elite company of Tyreek Hill as the only players to compile 6,000 receiving yards and 500 catches. Adams’s ability to produce under pressure and his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers have made him an invaluable asset to the New York Giants. His future in the Big Apple looks bright, and his legacy continues to grow.
Sauce Gardner: The Elite Cornerback
Sauce Gardner has made an immediate and profound impact in the NFL since his debut. He was named a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, becoming the first cornerback to achieve this feat. Gardner’s exceptional skill and production have made him a standout player. In his rookie season, he led the league with 20 passes defended, a testament to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. However, being an elite cornerback often means that quarterbacks avoid throwing in his direction. Despite this, Gardner’s presence on the field continues to elevate the New York Giants’ defense, and his future in the NFL looks promising.
Mekhi Nabers: The Rookie Sensation
Mekhi Nabers has made waves in the NFL with his impressive rookie season. The LSU product accumulated 1,204 receiving yards on 109 catches, a feat only achieved by a select few in NFL history, including Puka Nacua and Anquan Boldin. Nabers’s versatility and playmaking ability have made him a valuable asset to the New York Giants. He is one of just five players to reach the 1,200 receiving yards and 100 catches milestone in the 2024 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Giants’ quarterback situation, Nabers’s future looks promising, providing a bright spot for the team as they look to secure a long-term solution under center.
Karl-Anthony Towns: The Shooting Big Man
Karl-Anthony Towns is a new addition to the New York sports scene, having joined the Knicks via a trade from Minnesota this season. Towns has been a consistent scoring threat throughout his career, reaching 20 points per game in eight of his nine seasons before 2024-25. His shooting ability is particularly noteworthy, as he has made 40 percent or more from beyond the arc in two of his last three seasons and five times in his career. This season, Towns is shooting a career-high 43.2 percent from three-point range. His presence in the paint and his ability to stretch the floor have made him a valuable addition to the Knicks, and his future in New York looks promising.
Francisco Lindor: The Five-Tool Star
Francisco Lindor has been one of the biggest stars in New York since his trade to the Mets four seasons ago. Lindor’s versatility and excellence have earned him three top-10 MVP finishes, including a runner-up finish to Shohei Ohtani in the last MVP race. As a true five-tool player, Lindor has excelled in every aspect of the game. Since joining the Mets in 2021, he is one of just four players to have 375 runs scored and 75 stolen bases, joining Ohtani, Jose Ramirez, and Trea Turner. Lindor’s all-around skills and leadership have made him a fan favorite and a key player in the Mets’ pursuit of a championship.
Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ Superstar
Jalen Brunson has quickly become one of the faces of the New York Knicks since signing as a free agent. His impact on the team has been significant, as he was one of just six players to average 10 or more made field goals per game last season. Among those six players, only Brunson and Kevin Durant also shot over 40 percent from three-point range. Brunson’s ability to deliver under pressure was evident as he finished the 2023-24 season with 106 clutch points, tied for the third-most in the Eastern Conference. This season, Brunson ranks in the top 10 in the NBA in both points and assists per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
Aaron Judge: The MLB Phenomenon
Aaron Judge is one of the most recognizable and feared players in Major League Baseball. His power and production have earned him two MVP awards in the last three seasons, and he has led the majors with 157 home runs during that period, surpassing any other player by 25 homers. Judge’s 2022 season was historic, as he set a new American League record with 62 home runs. His presence in the Yankees’ lineup is a testament to his immense talent, leadership, and the team’s storied history. Judge’s status as the leader of a massive franchise and his incredible production make him one of the most influential athletes in New York.
Juan Soto: The Record-Breaker
Juan Soto has made headlines this offseason with his record-breaking contract, committing to the New York Mets for 15 years and $765 million. Soto’s versatility and elite skills make him a rare talent in baseball. His ability to draw walks is unparalleled, having walked 769 times since entering the majors in 2018, nearly 200 more than the next closest player, Bryce Harper. Soto also possesses incredible power, making him one of just three players since 2018 to compile 500 walks and 200 home runs, alongside Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber. Soto’s arrival in New York signals a new era of dominance for the Mets and solidifies his status as one of the game’s brightest stars.
