Baseball is a sport that requires a unique blend of physical skills, including hand-eye coordination, strength, and speed. One player who has been generating a lot of buzz lately is Jarred Kelenic, a top prospect for the Seattle Mariners.
Kelenic is known for his impressive hitting abilities, but he’s also gained attention for his speed on the field. In fact, his sprint speed is above average for the MLB.
This blog post will explore the question of whether or not Kelenic is fast and how his speed compares to other players in the league. We’ll also examine the importance of speed in baseball and how it can impact a player’s overall performance.
Jarred Kelenic’s Sprint Speed
Sprint speed is a statistic used in baseball to measure a player’s running speed over a specific distance.
Specifically, it measures how fast a player runs from home plate to first base on a batted ball in play. This measurement is then converted into feet per second, which is used to compare players’ speed.
To measure sprint speed, a tracking system is used that captures player movements on the field. The system uses cameras and sensors to gather data, which is then analyzed to calculate a player’s speed.
This system is used consistently across all MLB games, making it a reliable and objective way to measure sprint speed.
According to Statcast data, Jarred Kelenic has a sprint speed of 28.4 feet per second. This means that he can run the distance from home plate to first base in just over 4 seconds. T
his speed is above the MLB average of 27 feet per second and indicates that Kelenic is a fast runner.
However, it’s important to note that sprint speed can vary depending on the situation, such as running on different types of ground or running a longer distance.
How Does Kelenic’s Sprint Speed Compare to Other Mlb Players?
The MLB average sprint speed is 27 feet per second, which means that Kelenic’s sprint speed of 28.4 feet per second is faster than the average player in the league. This places Kelenic among the faster players in the league, though not quite in the top tier of elite runners.
When comparing Kelenic’s sprint speed to other players in his position, he ranks highly among outfielders.
According to Statcast, Kelenic’s sprint speed ranks in the 83rd percentile among all outfielders in the MLB. This indicates that he’s faster than the majority of outfielders in the league and has the potential to be an asset on the field.
While Kelenic’s speed is impressive, it’s important to note that it falls just short of the elite level. Sprint speeds of 30 feet per second or higher are generally considered elite, and while Kelenic’s speed is above average, he’s not quite in the same league as the fastest runners in the game.
However, his speed is still considered fast and could be a valuable tool in his arsenal as he continues to develop his skills as a player.
Importance of Speed in Baseball
Speed is an important factor in baseball as it can impact a player’s ability to hit, field, and run bases. In terms of hitting, speed can be an asset as it allows a player to beat out ground balls and infield hits.
This can result in more hits and a higher batting average overall. On defense, speed can help a player get to balls in the outfield and cover more ground, leading to more outs and fewer hits allowed.
Additionally, speed can be a valuable asset on the basepaths as it allows a player to steal bases, advance on passed balls, and score runs.
There have been many players in the past who have used speed to their advantage. One notable example is Rickey Henderson, who is widely considered one of the greatest base stealers of all time.
Henderson had a career stolen base record of 1,406, which is more than 50% higher than the next closest player. His speed also allowed him to score runs and get on base more frequently, contributing to his overall success as a player.
Another example is Willie Mays, who was known for his ability to cover ground in the outfield. Mays had exceptional speed and range, allowing him to make spectacular catches and prevent runs from scoring. His speed also made him a threat on the basepaths, as he stole over 300 bases in his career.
Overall, speed is an important skill in baseball that can have a significant impact on a player’s success. Players like Rickey Henderson and Willie Mays demonstrate how speed can be used to excel in different aspects of the game, from stealing bases to making great defensive plays.
Comparing Jarred Kelenic’s sprint speed to other MLB outfielders:
| Player | Sprint Speed (ft/sec) |
|---|---|
| Byron Buxton | 30.3 |
| Roman Quinn | 30.2 |
| Billy Hamilton | 30.1 |
| Terrance Gore | 30.1 |
| Victor Robles | 29.8 |
| Delino DeShields | 29.7 |
| Starling Marte | 29.6 |
| Kevin Kiermaier | 29.4 |
| Jarred Kelenic | 28.4 |
| Mike Trout | 28.3 |
The table shows the top 10 fastest outfielders in terms of sprint speed, according to Statcast data. Jarred Kelenic ranks 9th on the list with a sprint speed of 28.4 feet per second, indicating that he is a fast runner compared to his peers.
The fastest outfielder on the list, Byron Buxton, has a sprint speed of 30.3 feet per second.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kelenic’s speed compare to other top prospects in baseball?
It’s difficult to make direct comparisons, as not all prospects have had their sprint speed measured by Statcast. However, based on available data, Kelenic’s speed ranks highly among all MLB outfielders, suggesting that he has above-average speed compared to his peers.
Can Kelenic’s speed improve over time?
Yes, it’s possible that Kelenic’s speed could improve over time with training and conditioning. However, there may also be natural limitations to how much he can improve, as sprint speed is largely determined by genetics.
What other factors besides speed contribute to a player’s success in baseball?
While speed can be an important factor, there are many other skills that contribute to a player’s success in baseball. These include hitting ability, fielding skills, arm strength, and overall athleticism, among others.
How is speed measured in other sports, like football or basketball?
In football, speed is typically measured by a player’s 40-yard dash time, while in basketball it is often measured by a player’s time running up and down the court or in shuttle drills. However, these measurements can vary depending on the specific sport and position.
Can players with lower sprint speeds still be successful in baseball?
Absolutely. While speed can be an asset, there have been many successful baseball players throughout history who were not particularly fast runners. These players often excel in other areas, such as hitting, fielding, or pitching.
To Recap
Jarred Kelenic’s sprint speed of 28.4 feet per second indicates that he is a fast runner and has the potential to be an asset on the field. While his speed falls just short of the elite level, it still places him among the faster players in the league.
Speed is an important factor in baseball that can impact a player’s ability to hit, field, and run bases, and there have been many players in the past who have used speed to their advantage.
Kelenic’s speed could be a valuable tool as he continues to develop his skills as a player and has the potential to contribute to his overall success on the field.
