Baseball bats come in all shapes and sizes, but some players opt for the heaviest bats on the market. Major League Baseball (MLB) is no exception, as some of its top stars use bats that weigh in at a whopping 46 ounces. From home-run hitters to defensive specialists, there are players across the league who prefer a heavier bat for the extra power and control it provides. So who are the players that use the heaviest bats in MLB?
Josh Donaldson
The third baseman for the Minnesota Twins, Josh Donaldson, is known for using a 46-ounce bat. Donaldson has been a power hitter throughout his career, with a .276 batting average and a .831 on-base plus slugging percentage. He is also one of the few players in MLB to routinely use a bat with such a heavy weight.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper, the outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, is another power hitter who prefers to use a 46-ounce bat. Harper is currently one of the most feared hitters in the MLB, with a .279 batting average and a .908 OPS. His impressive power combined with his heavy bat make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Mike Trout
Though he is not as well-known for using a heavy bat as Donaldson and Harper, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is also known to use 46-ounce bats. Trout is considered one of the best players in the league, with a .298 batting average and a .946 OPS. His heavy bat gives him extra power and control, allowing him to hit for both power and average.
José Abreu
José Abreu, the first baseman for the Chicago White Sox, is often overlooked when it comes to power hitters, but he is also known for using a 46-ounce bat. Abreu is a talented hitter, with a .288 batting average and an .862 OPS. His heavy bat gives him the power he needs to be a successful hitter in the MLB.
Other MLB Stars Using Heavier Bats
Other stars in the MLB are also known for using bats that are heavier than the standard 34-ounce bat. These players include Yankees third baseman Gleyber Torres, Astros outfielder George Springer, and Cubs shortstop Javier Báez. All three of these players have impressive numbers, with Torres having a .286 batting average and a .800 OPS, Springer having a .284 batting average and an .881 OPS, and Báez having a .290 batting average and an .885 OPS.
Advantages of Using a Heavier Bat
Using a heavier bat can give a player several advantages in the game of baseball. First, a heavier bat will give a player more power on their hits, as it will generate more bat speed. This will allow them to hit the ball further and with more force. Secondly, a heavier bat will give a player more control over their swings. A heavier bat will give a player more time to adjust their swing, allowing them to make more accurate contact with the ball.
Disadvantages of Using a Heavier Bat
Though there are many advantages to using a heavier bat, there are also some drawbacks. First, a heavier bat can be harder to swing, which can lead to fatigue. This can be especially true for players who have not trained with a heavier bat. Secondly, a heavier bat will be slower than a lighter bat, which can make it harder to hit fast pitches. Finally, a heavier bat can be more difficult to control, which can lead to more strikeouts.
Conclusion
As seen, there are several MLB stars who prefer to use heavier bats for the extra power and control they provide. From Josh Donaldson to Mike Trout, there are players across the league who are known for using a 46-ounce bat. Though there are many advantages to using a heavier bat, there are also some drawbacks that must be considered. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide which bat is right for them.