Strength has always been a defining trait in baseball, especially for the strongest players in the MLB.
From record-breaking home runs to radar gun-breaking pitches, the strongest players in the MLB continue to awe baseball fans.
The Strongest Players In The MLB: Unleashing MLB’s Most Powerful Sluggers And Hardest Throwers
- Is Aaron Judge the strongest hitter in MLB history?
- Who are the hardest throwers in the MLB?
- Where does Shohei Ohtani land on the list of strongest MLB players?
© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Cruz is known for his record-breaking exit velocities, blazing speed and elite arm strength…
We’ll take a look at the top 10 strongest players in MLB history, according to adjusted exit velocity and 4-seam fastball average velocity (for a full season) as well as the top 10 strongest players that are currently in the league according to those same metrics.
Here are the strongest players in the MLB:
The Strongest players in MLB history
| Rank | Player | Adjusted EV | Years in league |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Giancarlo Stanton (2021) |
99.3 miles per hour | 2010-Present |
| 2 | Aaron Judge (2024) |
99.1 miles per hour | 2016-Present |
| 3 |  Miguel Sano (2020) |
98.8 miles per hour | 2015-2024 |
| 4 |  Oneil Cruz (2025) |
98.8 miles per hour | 2021-Present |
| 5 |  Shohei Ohtani (2024) |
98.8 miles per hour | 2018-Present |
Batters measured by adjusted exit velocity by MLB Statcast
1. Giancarlo Stanton | 99.3 mph | 2010-Present
Giancarlo Stanton, a towering power hitter, became one of baseball’s premier sluggers and one of the strongest players in MLB history.
The 2017 NL MVP was traded to the New York Yankees in 2018. Stanton is known for his record exit velocities and, unfortunately, for his frequent injuries.
2. Aaron Judge | 99.1 mph | 2016-Present
Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge quickly rose to prominence in the MLB with his power, which makes him one of the strongest players in MLB history.
Judge won AL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and he set the AL single season home run record with 62 long balls in 2022.
3. Miguel Sano | 98.8 mph | 2015-2024
Former Minnesota Twins slugger Miguel Sano is next up on the list of strongest players in MLB history.
Known for his towering home runs and raw strength, Sano earned an All-Star nod in 2017. Sano’s career was hampered with injuries and high strikeout totals though.
4. Oneil Cruz | 99.3 mph | 2021-Present
Oneil Cruz, a 6-foot-7 phenom for the Pittsburgh Pirates, debuted in 2021 and quickly became one of the strongest players in MLB history.
Cruz is known for his record-breaking exit velocities, blazing speed and elite arm strength. He posted a 20 home run-20 stolen base season in 2024, showcasing a rare power and speed combination.
5. Shohei Ohtani | 98.8 mph | 2018-Present
Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani rounds out the list of strongest players in MLB history for batters.
Ohtani is a three-time MVP who can do it all. He is the only player in MLB history to record a 50 home run-50 stolen base season.
| Rank | Player | Average 4-seam FB | Years in league |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Dustin May |
99.1 miles per hour | 2019-Present |
| 2 | Bobby Miller |
99.1 miles per hour | 2023-Present |
| 3 |  Hunter Greene |
98.9 miles per hour | 2022-Present |
| 4 | Paul Skenes |
98.8 miles per hour | 2024-Present |
| 5 |  Noah Syndergaard |
98.7 miles per hour | 2015-2023 |
Pitchers measured by average 4-seam fastball speed according to MLB Statcast
1. Dustin May | 99.1 mph | 2019-Present
Hard-throwing right-hander Dustin May leads off the pitchers on the list of strongest players in MLB history.
May features a dominant sinker and a high-velocity arsenal on the mound. His career has been interrupted by significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery.
2. Bobby Miller | 99.1 mph | 2023-Present
Bobby Miller only made his debut in 2023 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he is on the list of strongest players in MLB history with his high velocity fastball.
Miller has showcased poise well beyond his years as he has helped solidify the Dodgers’ pitching staff for the future.
3. Hunter Greene | 98.9 mph | 2022-Present
Cincinnati Reds flamethrower Hunter Greene is next on the list of strongest players in MLB history for pitchers.
Greene’s fastball can reach triple digits, despite battling injuries in his career. Greene is a cornerstone of the Reds’ rotation.
4. Paul Skenes | 98.8 mph | 2024-Present
Paul Skenes was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023 by the Pirates and he has become one of the strongest players in MLB history with his elite velocity.
Skenes will likely win the Cy Young in 2025 as he has established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball no matter the age.
5. Noah Syndergaard | 98.7 mph | 2015-2023
Noah Syndergaard, nicknamed “Thor”, rounds out the pitchers portion of the strongest players in MLB history.
Syndergaard helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series appearance in 2015. Injuries hurt his career, but Syndergaard was known for his high velocity and strikeout ability.
The Strongest players in the MLB today (2026)
| Rank | Player | Adjusted EV | Years in league |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  James Wood |
100.4 miles per hour | 2024-Present |
| 2 | Oneil Cruz |
100.2 miles per hour | 2021-Present |
| 3 |  Nick Kurtz |
100 miles per hour | 2025-Present |
| 4 |  Munetaka Murakami |
98.8 miles per hour | 2026-Present |
| 5 |  Jac Caglianone |
98.6 miles per hour | 2025-Present |
Batters measured by adjusted exit velocity by MLB Statcast
1. James Wood | 100.4 mph | 2024-Present
Nationals outfielder James Wood, a second-round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2021, is having a breakout season in 2026 and has firmly cemented himself as one of the strongest players in MLB today.
Wood has an adjusted EV of 100.4 through the first month of the season. That would be an MLB record if he can maintain that through the rest of the season.
2. Oneil Cruz | 100.2 mph | 2021-Present
On top of being the strongest player in MLB history, Oneil Cruz is the strongest player in the MLB today for batters.
Cruz has an adjusted exit velocity of 100.2 through the first month of the 2026 MLB season. His rare combo of power and speed makes him an important piece for the Pirates.
3. Nick Kurtz | 100 mph | 2025-Present
Oakland A’s sensation Nick Kurtz, winner of the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as one of the strongest MLB players today.
Kurtz is on fire to start the season, with an adjusted EV of 100 mph through the first month. He had 36 home runs and 86 RBI in his rookie season.
4. Munetaka Murakami | 98.8 mph | 2026-Present
Japanese import Munetaka Murakami wasted little time in proving himself one of the strongest MLB players today.
In his first season with the Chicago White Sox, Murakami has an impressive 98.8 adjusted EV. Ten of his first 21 hits in the big leagues were home runs.
5. Jac Caglianone | 98.6 mph | 2025-Present
Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone is a surprise entrant on the list of strongest MLB players today.
The 23-year-old native of Tampa, Florida is in his second full season with Kansas City. He had seven home runs as a rookie and, as evidenced by his adjusted EV, is tearing the cover off the ball so far in 2026.
The Fastest-Throwing Pitchers in MLB Today (2026)
| Rank | Player | Average 4-seam FB | Years in league |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mason Miller |
101.4 miles per hour | 2023-Present |
| 2 | Adrian Morejon |
99.2 miles per hour | 2019-Present |
| 3 |  Chase Dollander |
99.1 miles per hour | 2025-Present |
| 4 |  Robert Suarez |
99.0 miles per hour | 2022-Present |
| 5 | Bubba Chandler |
98.9 miles per hour | 2025-Present |
Pitchers measured by average 4-seam fastball speed according to MLB Statcast
1. Mason Miller | 101.4 mph | 2023-Present
Mason Miller is the strongest player in the MLB today at the pitching position. Nobody comes close to matching his velocity and aggression on the mound.
Through the first month of the season, the San Diego Padres’ hurler has averaged 101.4 mph with his four-seam fastball. More impressively, he allowed just two hits and struck out 27 batters in just 11.1 innings pitched.
2. Adrian Morejon | 99.2 mph | 2019-Present
Right behind Miller on the list of strongest players in the MLB today is his teammate Adrian Morejon. The hard-throwing duo are part of the most feared bullpen in the league.
Morejon has struggled to start 2026, but was an All-Star in 2025. He had a 2.08 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 73.2 innings pitched last season.
3. Chase Dollander | 99.1 mph | 2025-Present
Rockies pitcher Chase Dollander is next up on the list of strongest players in the MLB today. Dollander is a flamethrower whose fastball routinely reaches triple digits.
After starting 21 games as a rookie in 2025, Dollander is being used as a “bulk reliever” in 2026. He allowed just 18 hits and had a 1.00 WHIP through 25 innings pitched in the first month of the season.
4. Robert Suarez | 99.0 mph | 2022-Present
Veteran pitcher Robert Suarez is one of the hardest throwers and strongest players in the MLB today.
The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher is the oldest player on this list, averaging 99 mph on his fastball through the first month of the 2026 season.
5. Bubba Chandler | 98.9 mph | 2025-Present
Pittsburgh Pirates second-year pitcher Bubba Chandler rounds out the list of strongest players in the MLB today.
Chandler is a former third-round pick who spent parts of four seasons in the minors before debuting with the Pirates in 2025. He appeared in just seven games last season, but made the team out of training camp in 2026.
The Strongest players in the MLB FAQs
Who is the strongest player in the MLB right now?
The strongest players in the MLB right now are James Wood (batter) and Mason Miller (pitcher). Cruz has an adjusted exit velocity of 100.4 miles per hour. Miller has a 4-seam fastball average velocity of 101.4 miles per hour.
What is the average strength of MLB players?
The average strength, according to the metrics we used, is 89 miles per hour for batters (adjusted exit velocity) and 94 miles per hour for pitchers (average 4-seam fastball speed).
How strong is Aaron Judge?
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is one of the strongest players in MLB history for batters. He had an adjusted exit velocity of 99.1 miles per hour in 2024, the second-best rate ever.
$1,500 First Bet OfferClaim bonusPlace your first bet with the token applied. If your first bet loses, you'll get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets. Add’l terms apply. Must be 21+ and located in U.S. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. BetMGM Sportsbook available in AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NY, NC, PA, PR, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY only.
- Get $150 in Bonus BetsOffer applies automatically Claim bonus
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
- Bet $10 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or LoseClaim bonus
Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Bets restrictions and T&C's apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IN, KY, LA, MD, NC, NJ, OH, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only(18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IN/KY/LA (select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/VA.
Our best MLB betting sites
To make sure you get the most value on your MLB odds, go to the best MLB betting sites prior to placing your wagers throughout the regular season.
| Sportsbook bonus | Sportsbook promo code | Sportsbook review |
|---|---|---|
| Stake Promo Code | ODDSMAX | Stake Review |
| bet365 Bonus Code | ODDSPEDIA | bet365 Review |
| Betway Promo Code | N/A | Betway Review |
Looking for MLB insights?
If you’re looking for expert insight on the MLB, take a look at some of our other articles:
Brendan Moore
