Padres infielder Luis Arraez, known for having the slowest swing speed in MLB at just 62.5 mph, is also the two-time defending batting average champion and impressively squares up the ball more often than anyone else in the league.

By the Numbers
  • 44% - Luis Arraez's squared-up rate per swing
  • 40% - Nicky Lopez's squared-up rate per swing
Yes, But

Despite his slow swing speed and limited athleticism in other areas, Arraez excels at the crucial skill of hitting the ball square on, showcasing his unique talent as a one-tool player.

State of Play
  • Arraez leads the league in squared-up rate per swing, highlighting his exceptional ability to make quality contact consistently.
  • While he lacks in speed, fielding, and hitting the ball hard, Arraez's mastery of squaring up the ball sets him apart as a standout performer.
What's Next

Arraez's continued success as a top hitter in MLB and his exceptional talent in squaring up the ball are likely to keep him at the forefront of discussions around unique skill sets in the sport.

Bottom Line

Luis Arraez's unmatched ability to consistently square up the ball, despite his slow swing speed and limited athleticism in other areas, cements his status as a valuable one-tool player, challenging traditional metrics and highlighting the importance of contact hitting in baseball.