Statcast top speed: Gordon vs. Hamilton vs. Trout
Reds' center fielder eclipses competition in analysis of recent stolen bases
If you're in Miami, Cincinnati or the greater Los Angeles area, the fastest man in baseball is likely playing in a stadium near you.
Cincinnati center fielder Billy Hamilton, Miami second baseman Dee Gordon and Angels center fielder Mike Trout are widely considered three of the main contenders for this unofficial crown, and with the advent of Statcast technology, it's easier than ever to determine who is the fleetest of foot.
Recent stolen bases by the three players were dissected by Statcast and analyzed by MLB Network's Bill Ripken, and the findings were eye-opening.
During a recent steal against the Braves, Gordon took a lead of 11.2 feet and hit a top speed of 21.1 mph on the way to second base. That's fast, but it's not Hamilton fast.
Hamilton stole a base against the Cubs this season and hit 21.2 mph, which explains how he was able to get away with a huge lead of 11.9 feet.
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Trout's no slouch, of course. The reigning American League MVP had the shortest lead -- 10.5 feet -- in the clip of a steal against Oakland, and he still managed to get to a top speed of 20.8 mph.