Reds' Eugenio Suarez Leads MLB in 99 MPH Exit Velocity

The slugger is off to a scorching start at the plate despite a low batting average.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the explosive power and energy of a baseball player's powerful swing, with the ball blurring into a neon streak as it leaves the bat.Eugenio Suarez's scorching start to the 2026 season has him leading MLB in average exit velocity, showcasing his prodigious raw power.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez is leading all of Major League Baseball in average exit velocity to start the 2026 season, hitting the ball at an average of 99.4 miles per hour. However, his early batting average of .217 with two home runs and a .728 OPS doesn't fully reflect his hard-hitting ways, as he's also striking out at a 33.3% clip.

Why it matters

Suarez's prodigious power has been a key part of the Reds' offense in recent seasons, as he hit 49 home runs in 2025. If he can maintain his current exit velocity while cutting down on his strikeouts, he could be poised for another huge year at the plate.

The details

Through the first few games of the 2026 season, Suarez's average exit velocity of 99.4 mph leads all of MLB, slightly ahead of Red Sox phenom Roman Anthony at 99.1 mph. While Suarez's batting average and other traditional stats don't yet reflect his hard-hitting ways, his ability to consistently barrel up the baseball bodes well for his production going forward.

  • Entering action on Friday, April 3, 2026

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who led the National League in home runs in 2025 with 49.

Roman Anthony

A rising star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Suarez's stats actually don't entirely reflect his hard-hitting start. He's batting just .217 with two home runs and a .728 OPS.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

“One concern in Suarez's profile so far is his whiff percentage. He's missing on 33.3% of his swings in the early going.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

If Suarez can continue to make hard contact while reducing his strikeout rate, he could be poised for another monster season at the plate for the Reds.

The takeaway

Eugenio Suarez's scorching start to the 2026 season, leading MLB in average exit velocity, suggests his power stroke is as potent as ever. However, his high strikeout rate so far is a concern that he'll need to address in order to fully capitalize on his prodigious raw power.