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

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)
4 of 4
Aug 30, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The five hardest hits off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees in 2021

5. Giancarlo Stanton, April 25 vs. Cleveland Indians, 120.1 mph

In the top of the first, Stanton got what would be his only hit of the day in a 7-3 road loss in Cleveland. The Yankees had six hits on the day, and Stanton’s opening-inning rocket would be the first of the game. Of New York’s six hits, no player had more than one … and none was hit harder than Stanton’s single.

4. Giancarlo Stanton, June 17 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 120.2 mph

Stanton tags this curveball from Toronto’s Tyler Chatwood, but it is right at shortstop Bo Bichette, making for an easy groundout to first … after Bichette actually collects the rocket that is coming directly for him.

3. Giancarlo Stanton, September 16 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 120.3 mph

We’ve seen plenty of examples so far about Stanton taking the ball to left field, but here’s one where he goes the opposite way … and the first base umpire pays the price for it.

Stanton would go 2-for-5 in the game, but Baltimore would record a 3-2 win in 10 innings.

2. Giancarlo Stanton, September 3 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 121.1 mph

Stanton not only terrorized the Orioles in 2021, but also Baltimore pitcher Dillon Tate, who gave up the single in the video above as well as the single in the video below.

This shot to center field is one of two that Stanton hit at more than 121 mph last season, the only player to go over that exit velocity. It was also a game-winner for the Yankees, giving the home team a 4-3 walkoff victory.

1. Giancarlo Stanton, August 9 vs. Kansas City Royals, 122.2 mph

Ironically, the hardest hit ball of the season turned into a double play. While the ball got to Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield in a hurry, the Kansas City infield still had to have some fancy footwork to record the twin killing.

Stanton would go 0-for-5 in the game, but the visiting Yankees would still record a wild 8-6 win in 11 innings. The game was tied at 3 at the end of nine innings, and both teams would score two runs in the 10th to force the game to another frame. In the 11th, however, the Yankees would score three runs to secure the win.