<P> The first home run champion in the National League was George Hall . In the league 's inaugural 1876 season , Hall hit five home runs for the short - lived National League Philadelphia Athletics . In 1901 , the American League was established and Hall of Fame second baseman Nap Lajoie led it with 14 home runs for the American League Philadelphia Athletics . Over the course of his 22 - season career , Babe Ruth led the American League in home runs 12 times . Mike Schmidt and Ralph Kiner have the second and third most home run titles respectively , Schmidt with eight and Kiner with seven , all won in the National League . Kiner 's seven consecutive titles from 1946 to 1952 are also the most consecutive home run titles by any player . The most recent champions ( 2016 ) are Mark Trumbo with 47 home runs in the American League , and Nolan Arenado and Chris Carter tied with 41 in the National League . </P>
<P> The first home run champion in the National League was George Hall . In the league 's inaugural 1876 season , Hall hit five home runs for the short - lived National League Philadelphia Athletics . In 1901 , the American League was established and Hall of Fame second baseman Nap Lajoie led it with 14 home runs for the American League Philadelphia Athletics . Over the course of his 22 - season career , Babe Ruth led the American League in home runs 12 times . Mike Schmidt and Ralph Kiner have the second and third most home run titles respectively , Schmidt with eight and Kiner with seven , all won in the National League . Kiner 's seven consecutive titles from 1946 to 1952 are also the most consecutive home run titles by any player . The most recent champions ( 2016 ) are Mark Trumbo with 47 home runs in the American League , and Nolan Arenado and Chris Carter tied with 41 in the National League . </P>
who leads the american league in home runs since the start of 2016
who leads the american league in home runs since the start of 2016
Mark Trumbo
Mark Trumbo