MLB: The 10 sweetest right-handed swings, RANKED
By Travis Koch
Left-handed hitters often prevail in the “sweet swing” category, but there are some beauties from the right batter’s box, too. Let’s rank the top 10 right-handed cuts in MLB.
Why is it that left-handed hitters get all the love? I agree, left-handed home run king Ken Griffey Jr. sets the bar for the sweetest MLB swing ever, but there are plenty of right-handed cuts that fall close behind. Let’s shine a light on those – for once.
When I think of a pretty swing, effortlessness and balance come first to mind. I also think about approach and plate coverage. Such qualities inspired my list of the 10 sweetest right-handed swings in MLB; eight of them are still in action, while the other two have recently retired.
Let the countdown begin.
10. Nelson Cruz
Smooth but violent, Nelson Cruz‘s swing can club the ball 400+ feet in any direction. He eats fastballs and will send a hanging breaking ball into orbit.
Cruz is without question a top three home run hitter in Major League Baseball. We’re talking at least 40 homers in four of his last six seasons, and 379 bombs over 10 seasons. He’s averaged 38 home runs a season since 2009. Incredible.
He starts with an open stance and relies on a traditional short stride. What stands out to me is he gets his front foot down earlier than most hitters. The thing is, Cruz is so strong that he can afford to lose a little momentum in his motion resulting from an earlier stride. He lets his hands and hips do the work, and that’s led him to 401 career home runs.
He’ll turn 40 years old in July; I don’t expect his power to regress one bit.