Last Updated on December 31, 2024 by Matt Musico

Can you believe that despite all the home run content I’ve written over the years, I haven’t once done something dedicated to switch hitters? That’s changing right now since we’re talking about the most home runs by a switch hitter in a single season. We have a lot of familiar names on this list, as well as a new entrant into the top 10 thanks to an especially powerful 2024 campaign.

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Related: A Complete Guide to Single-Season (& Single-Game) HR Performances

Most Home Runs By a Switch Hitter in a Season: No. 1-5

Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees: 54 Home Runs in 1961

In the same year that Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record, Mantle was right there with him, launching 54 bombs in one of the most legendary home run duels ever. Batting from both sides of the plate, Mantle’s OPS soared to a jaw-dropping 1.135 to go along with 128 RBI and 131 runs scored.

Oh, and let’s not forget his league-leading 128 walks. Despite a late-season injury that slowed him down slightly, Mantle’s brilliance cemented 1961 as one of his finest seasons.

Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees: 52 Home Runs in 1956

There’s that man again. Before 1961, there was 1956—a season where Mantle etched his name into the MVP record books.

At just 24 years old, The Mick won the Triple Crown, slashing .353/.464/.705 with 52 home runs and 130 RBI. His WAR (according to Baseball Reference) was 11.2, making it one of the most dominant seasons by a hitter ever. Mantle’s switch-hitting prowess kept pitchers guessing—he slugged .737 against righties and an equally devastating .642 against southpaws.

Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch was a perfect fit for his left-handed swing, but Mantle was just as lethal from the right side.

Lance Berkman, Houston Astros: 45 Home Runs in 2006

Lance Berkman’s 2006 season was nothing short of majestic. Berkman led the Astros by crushing 45 home runs and finished third in National League MVP Award voting. His 163 OPS+ and .315/.420/.621 slash line underscored his dominance, anchoring Houston’s offense with a perfect blend of power and patience.

He wasn’t just a slugger, though—Berkman drove in 136 runs, the second-most in the majors. He also came through in the clutch, with 12 of his homers tying or giving his team the lead.

Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves: 45 Home Runs in 1999

Chipper Jones in 1999 was the epitome of MVP brilliance. Leading the Braves to a division title, Jones swatted 45 home runs while slashing .319/.441/.633 and racking up 110 RBI.

His dominance against the division-rival Mets was notable (as it was just about every year)—he hit .400 with seven home runs and 16 RBI in just 12 games against them. Jones finished the season with a 165 wRC+ and walked more times (126) than he struck out (99), showcasing some impeccable plate discipline.

Anthony Santander, Baltimore Orioles: 44 Home Runs in 2024

Anthony Santander picked the perfect time to slug a career-best 44 home runs, leading the Orioles in 2024. His breakout campaign wasn’t just about the power—Santander posted a career-high .814 OPS while playing in 150-plus games for the third straight season.

The outfielder’s ability to adjust mid-season was crucial. After failing to slug better than .430 in April and May, Santander’s slugging percentage crested well over .600 in June and July to put him on the trajectory he finished at.

Now, the switch hitter will look to parlay this huge campaign into a nine-figure deal on the free-agent market.

Most Home Runs By a Switch Hitter in a Season: No. 6-10

Mark Teixeira, Texas Rangers: 43 Home Runs in 2005

Mark Teixeira’s 2005 campaign was a perfect blend of power and consistency. He crushed 43 home runs while collecting 144 RBI, which both ended up being career-high marks. His 370 total bases that season led the majors while posting a robust .954 OPS.

He took advantage of Arlington’s hitter-friendly confines, slugging 30 of his 43 dingers in front of the home crowd. Texeira’s performance earned him a Silver Slugger Award, Gold Glove Award and a seventh-place finish in AL MVP Award voting.

Lance Berkman, Houston Astros: 42 Home Runs in 2002

Berkman’s first entry into the 40-homer club came in 2002 when he crushed 42 long balls and racked up a league-leading 128 RBI. He was an extra-base-hit machine that year, adding 35 doubles and two triples to his ledger.

Berkman’s .405 on-base percentage and .578 slugging percentage reflected his ability to both get on base and be a power threat in the middle of Houston’s lineup.

Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees: 42 Home Runs in 1958

In 1958, Mantle showed once again why he was a perennial MVP candidate. Despite battling injuries throughout the season, he powered through to slug 42 home runs while leading the Yankees to yet another World Series appearance. His .434 on-base percentage and 188 OPS+ highlighted his elite offensive value, even in a slightly “down year” by his incredible standards. I mean, he finished just fifth in MVP voting after winning the award in consecutive years from 1956-57.

Mantle’s ability to consistently drive the ball to all fields and switch between power and contact approaches made him one of the toughest outs in baseball. His power wasn’t just confined to the short porch at Yankee Stadium, as he hit 21 at home and another 21 on the road.

Carlos Beltran, New York Mets: 41 Home Runs in 2006

Carlos Beltran’s 2006 campaign is still one of the best single-season performances in Mets history. He blasted 41 home runs while leading New York to its first division title in nearly two decades. Beltran’s .982 OPS ranked fifth in the National League, and his 116 RBI were a career high.

He proved his overall value to the club by winning a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove Award, and finishing fourth in NL MVP Award voting.

Todd Hundley, New York Mets: 41 Home Runs in 1996

Todd Hundley gets extra credit for being the only catcher on this list. He set up behind the plate 148 times in 1996 while setting the Mets’ single-season home run record.

His .259/.356/.550 slash line and 140 OPS+ showcased his ability to pair power with on-base skills. Although he only held the club’s single-season home run record by himself for a decade before Beltran joined him, Hundley still owns the Mets’ single-season home run record for catchers.

Most Home Runs By a Switch Hitter in a Season: The Rest

Here are the remaining top 25 home run seasons by a switch hitter in MLB history:

• Ken Caminiti, Padres: 40 home runs in 1996
• Mickey Mantle, Yankees: 40 in 1960
• Jose Ramirez, Guardians: 39 in 2024 & 2018
• Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 39 in 2011 & 2009
• Francisco Lindor, Guardians: 38 in 2018
• Justin Smoak, Blue Jays: 38 in 2017
• Carlos Beltran, Royals & Astros: 38 in 2004
• Mark Teixeira, Rangers: 38 in 2004
• Chipper Jones, Braves: 38 in 2001
• Howard Johnson, Mets: 38 in 1991
• Josh Bell, Pirates: 37 in 2019
• Mickey Mantle, Yankees: 37 in 1955
• Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks: 36 in 2024

All stats are courtesy of Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.

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