Despite measuring at or below the 20th percentile in Bat Speed, each of these five hitters have solid power production in 2025. What gives? Does Bat Speed matter? Is it part of the bigger picture of what predicts power? Jury is still out, but here's five hitters making hay despite swinging a "slow" bat.
Taylor Ward OF LAA
Another Rodney Dangerfield of the MLB, Ward gets no respect, just long balls, 23 of them to be exact, as of July 22. His bat speed lags at 69 MPH average and his hard hit drags at just 42%, but his slugging hovers just below .500, so riddle me this: How can Ward outrun these metrics? Time travel? ESP? Did Trout teach him something? As Ozzy (RIP) would say "Don't ask me, I don't know!" However, Mr. Osborne would hasten to add "You've gotta believe in foolish miracles," so go ahead and try Taylor for cheap power: don't let him waver on the waiver wire.
Michael Busch 1B CHC
Nevermind the bat speed, Busch just bashes. All other measurable metrics nod in agreement that Michael makes the ball injured, 16% Barrels, 41% Sweet Spot and a .577 xSLG to boot. It's only that sticky, unproven Bat Speed averaging 69 MPH that shakes its pesky head at the Northside bopper. Rest assured, bat speed means nothing to this particular Cub, who is sporting an OPS of .917 with 20 homers and something called "batting average" of .285 over just 355 PA in 2025. Am I sore that I wouldn't drop my anti-Cub bias to accept a trade that would have sent Busch my way? No, but I ain't saying that I was right. Keep this hitter, or go get him if you can.
Isaac Paredes 1B/3B HOU
This guy is like the Seth Lugo of hitters, we all know the underlying numbers say otherwise, yet he still produces. Nicely adapting to Minute Maid Park with 19 dingers and an OPS of .829, Paredes remains on parade, slashing a Bergman-like bat at the hot corner in Houston. His bat speed is a low 69 MPH average and his Barrel Rate limbos in at 6%. His average exit velocity is a meager 87 MPH, yet the guy still hits. Sadly he's heading to the IL with a hamstring issue, but not a bad time to trade for his September.
Jose Altuve HOU OF
Still banging the trash can slowly all these years later, Altuve continues to outrun, outswing and outlast the expectations. Despite slow bat speed averaging 69 MPH, buttressed (reverse-buttressed?) by lower than low 5.8% Barrels and 3rd percentile exit velocity, Altuve has 17 Home Runs and an OPS above .800. At age 35, it still works for Altuve and the only question remains is, will Cooperstown cooperate with his numbers? Depends. Bang once for yes, twice for no. Personally, I'd sell Altuve high, but you could also sell if you're completely sober.
Will Smith LAD C
Perhaps the most extreme example of Bat Speed revealing next to nothing about a hitter's true ability to impact the ball, Smith is smashing in 2025. A .980 OPS with 14 dingers over 314 PA so far, Smith's smacking it to smithereens, backed up by 41% Sweet Spot Rate and a 14% Barrel Rate. The "slow" 69 MPH average Bat Speed has not revealed its relevance in 2025 for Will Smith, as he's arguably the most valuable offensive catcher in MLB. If he has a rough week, try to trade for him before the deadline, though not too many people will be interested in unloading the Dodger backstop. You can always try to sway them by pointing out his weak, meager Bat Speed average as evidence of...of...I don't know, like something?
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