Finally. Baseball is back. Yesterday marked Opening Day, and the official start of the 2021 MLB campaign. Games finally matter again, and every team has (at least for now) a shot at making the postseason. But before we march forward into the madness of the regular season and close the book on the 2021 Spring Training for good, let’s take a look at some of the top moments from the preseason. Presenting the best bat flips of the spring.
5. Wander Franco vs. Miguel Yajure
https://gfycat.com/frankconventionalhusky
3/3/2021 — PIT @ TBR
The #1 overall prospect in all of baseball is coming, and soon. This solo bomb and bat flip off of Pittsburgh’s Miguel Yajure was just a taste of what we can hopefully expect from one of baseball’s most exciting upcoming talents, and a message to the rest of the league: Wander is ready (at least after a few weeks of ‘working on his defense’). The future star is looking comfortable among the big boys, and is presumably just weeks away from debuting in The Show for real. His bat flips are already those of a polished veteran, and we look forward to seeing them up at the big league level very soon.
Style: 7
Rotation: 120°
A 20-year-old making you insecure about your life progress: Priceless.
4. Akil Baddoo vs. Domingo Germán
https://gfycat.com/redwellofffirebelliedtoad
3/29/2021 — DET @ NYY
While not as highly touted as Franco, Detroit’s Akil Baddoo is working on putting his name on the radar of American League pitchers everywhere, and absolutely tattoos this high cheese from the Yankees’ Domingo Germán. The exciting rookie has enjoyed an explosive spring, where he hit .325 with a 1.210 OPS and five home runs. He’s becoming accustomed to trotting down to first base, as shown here with a fierce swivel and bat drop. With impressive power and speed, Baddoo will be a rookie to watch this season, and could wind up a highlight in an otherwise underwhelming Detroit lineup in 2021.
Style: 7
Drop: 7.5
Fluidity: 7.5
3. Marcell Ozuna vs. Tanner Houck
https://gfycat.com/felinevalidcassowary
3/16/2021 — ATL @ BOS
Marcell Ozuna appeared to already be in midseason form when he crushed this grooved fastball from Tanner Houck for a three-run shot against Boston. Proving it’s never too early to celebrate, Ozuna skipped down the line before tossing away his bat (though there was no selfie this time). Ozuna and Atlanta look to be shaping up into one of MLB’s top offenses again in 2021, as well as one of the most entertaining. NL East pitchers beware.
Style: 7.5
Rotation: 160°
Knocking the Rust Off: 8
2. Bo Bichette vs. Deivi García
https://gfycat.com/admirablealarmedhoneybee
3/24/2021 — TOR @ NYY
“Bo Bichette! Where?” The Toronto (Buffalo?) shortstop went yard against Deivi García and the Yankees last week, with a moonshot just beyond the wall in right field. It was Bichette’s first of two home runs on the day, and his most majestic as he let his bat gracefully tumble out of his hand on his backswing. And just watch his Show flow bounce as he takes off for first base. That’s some 80-grade lechuga right there. Bo’s ready.
Style: 8
Rotation: 240º
Noah’s Star Wars Reference: Corny
1. Ronald Acuña Jr./a>. vs. Garrett Richards
https://gfycat.com/shoddywarlikebongo
3/23/2021 — BOS @ ATL
Ronald Acuña Jr. signaled to bring on the season with this towering blast off of Garrett Richards, a monster shot only eclipsed by the downright incorrigible bat flip that followed. Between Acuña, Ozuna, and Freddie Freeman, this is likely the first of many such celebrations from Atlanta’s explosive core. Bring on the season.
Style: 8
Rotation: 260º
Conditioning: Best Shape of his Life
As always, vote on your favorite below, and let us know if there was one you think we missed. See you next time, with the best bat flips of week one!
What’s your favorite?
Photo by Dustin Ian D’Andrea/Flickr | Adapted by Doug Carlin (@Bdougals on Twitter)