In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), speed on the basepaths changes the game. Whether it’s beating out infield hits or scoring on plays that look impossible, the fastest players light up their teams with pure electricity.
Baseball Savant’s sprint speed metrics let us dig into the elite speedsters of 2023. From Bobby Witt Jr.’s blazing quickness to Chandler Simpson’s wild home-to-first sprint, these guys are seriously pushing the limits of fast.
The Top Speedster: Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. is the clear king of speed in MLB right now. His sprint speed of 30.3 ft/sec puts him right at the top, and he’s become a constant threat every time he’s on base.
Witt stretches singles into doubles and steals bases with ease. His speed really is a weapon for his team.
The Rising Star: Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz wasted no time making his name known after debuting in 2023. He plays with a bold, aggressive baserunning style that’s hard to miss.
Since arriving, De La Cruz has stolen more bases than anyone else in the league. His sprint speed clocks in at 29.1 ft/sec—which lands him in the 91st percentile. Speed isn’t just about athleticism with him; it’s about confidence, too.
Veteran Speed: Trea Turner
Trea Turner just keeps going, even as he racks up seasons. Now in his 11th year, Turner still ranks among the fastest and gutsiest baserunners around.
He sits third among active players for career stolen bases. Time might pass, but he’s not slowing down when it matters.
Elite When Healthy: Byron Buxton
Injuries have been a real obstacle for Byron Buxton, but his speed is something else when he’s on the field. He’s famous for his 60-yard dash—between 6.4-6.6 seconds—and that’s just wild.
Buxton covers ground and steals bases with ease. When he’s healthy, he brings a whole new level of speed to the game.
Emerging Talent: Victor Scott II
Victor Scott II jumped right in and made an impact in his first full MLB season. He’s got a home-to-first time of 4.13 seconds, which stands out even among the fastest.
Scott ranks near the top in stolen bases, giving his team a fresh spark. His speed makes him valuable on both sides of the ball.
Phillies’ Standout: Johan Rojas
Johan Rojas of the Philadelphia Phillies is another name that’s popped up in 2023. With a sprint speed over 30 ft/sec, he’s joined a tiny group of just five players hitting that mark this season.
His raw speed and athleticism have really helped the Phillies’ baserunning attack.
Blazing Trails: Chandler Simpson
Chandler Simpson is the definition of speed. In just 62 games, he’s swiped an incredible 32 stolen bases.
But here’s what’s wild: his home-to-first time is 3.95 seconds, the fastest ever recorded in MLB. Simpson shows that pure speed can shake up a game, even when power hitters get most of the attention.
Atlanta’s Speed Leader: Eli White
Eli White has quietly become Atlanta’s fastest player, outpacing some well-known teammates. His sprint speed sits at 29.9 ft/sec, and he’s turned into a key part of Atlanta’s offense.
White combines smart baserunning with top-tier acceleration, helping his team in close games.
More Speedsters to Watch
There’s a whole roster of other MLB players who bring serious speed to the field. Here are a few names that deserve a closer look:
- Corbin Carroll: A young player with speed that puts him near the top in sprint stats and stolen bases.
- Jeremy Peña: Quick on his feet and a real threat both on the field and on the bases.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: An up-and-comer who’s turning heads with his acceleration and offensive impact.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Art of Speed
There’s just something special about watching pure speed on a baseball field. The players mentioned here show off that rare skill better than anyone else in MLB.
Bobby Witt Jr. leads the league in sprint speed, while Chandler Simpson’s wild home-to-first time has turned plenty of heads. These guys are changing the way speed matters in today’s game.
If you’re following the 2023 season, it might be worth keeping tabs on these speedsters. Who knows what wild moments they’ll pull off next?
Here is the source article for this story: Speedway Classic: Fastest Players in MLB By Sprint Speed
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s