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MLB’s exit velocity kings: The 20 hardest-hit balls in 2021

By Kevin Henry

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 11, 2021 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mets 8-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 11, 2021 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mets 8-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres bats against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the six inning at Oracle Park on October 02, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres bats against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the six inning at Oracle Park on October 02, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Manny Machado is the highest-ranking National League player in terms of exit velocity in 2021

10. Giancarlo Stanton, April 27 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 119.3 mph

This is the first of what will be a regular occurrence in the top 10: Giancarlo Stanton blasting the pitching of the Baltimore Orioles with missiles off his bat.

A 2-degree launch angle and 119.3 mph exit velocity turns into a single that second baseman Rio Ruiz can only deflect.

9. Giancarlo Stanton, April 28 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 119.4 mph

The bad news, Orioles fans? Yes, it’s another Stanton mention against your team. The good news? It’s him grounding into a double play.

Stanton mashes this hanging curveball from Baltimore’s Dean Kremer, but it is right at third baseman Maikel Franco.

8 (tie). Giancarlo Stanton, July 11 vs. Houston Astros, 119.6 mph

Another Stanton highlight, but this time it’s against a different team.

When the New York Yankees and Houston Astros get together, it was must-see baseball in 2021. Stanton added his own highlight to the rivalry with a single off Framber Valdez in the Lone Star State.

8 (tie). Manny Machado, August 20 vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 119.6 mph

The highest-ranking National League entry on the list, Machado’s home run below is also the only hit (spoiler alert) that will break the streak of 10 consecutive shots from Stanton.

Machado took a 1-0 pitch from Philadelphia’s Matt Moore over the left field fence for his 22nd home run of the season.

6. Giancarlo Stanton, April 13 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 120.0 mph

This is the first entry into the 120 mph or higher category on our list. The hard-hit base knock up the middle was a two-run single and had a launch angle of zero.

This slider from Jordan Romano was the first pitch of the at-bat.

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