17 Strongest Outfield Arms in MLB History

Some outfielders made jaws drop not with their bat, but with their cannon of an arm. From throwing runners out at home to freezing baserunners in their tracks, these guys turned the outfield into a no-go zone.

This list is a tribute to those laser-armed legends who could throw a baseball like it was shot out of a cannon. Whether they were playing in the dead-ball era or the Statcast age, one thing’s for sure—these arms were no joke.

17. Raul Mondesi

Feb 24, 2018; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Raul Mondesi (27) watches his solo home run during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Mondesi was as fearless with his throws as he was with his swing. He turned right field into a danger zone with pure arm strength and swagger.

16. Vladimir Guerrero

Jul 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits an rbi-single in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

He didn’t believe in cut-off men and made it work. Vlad’s arm was pure chaos for baserunners, and he loved daring them to run.

15. Yasiel Puig

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Iglesias (4) runs for first as he hits a solo home run to center field in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The Reds won 6-5 on a walk-off single by Yasiel Puig in the bottom of the 10th inning. Chicago Cubs At Cincinnati Reds
Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer / Imagn Content Services, LLC

Puig’s throws were unpredictable, but they often arrived on a rope. His flair and cannon combined to make outfield assists must-watch TV.

14. Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente MLB
Wikipedia

Clemente’s throws were all about precision and power. He made gunning down runners from deep right look routine.

13. Rick Ankiel

New York Mets center fielder Rick Ankiel (16) bunts for a single during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Chicago won 8-2.
Dennis Wierzbicki / Imagn Images

Ankiel went from pitcher to outfielder, and his arm came with him. His throws felt like they were coming off the mound, not the warning track.

12. Dave Parker

Dave Parker
Wikimedia Commons

The Cobra had one of the most feared right arms of the ’70s. He once gunned down a runner at the plate from the All-Star Game corner.

11. Ichiro Suzuki

Seattle Mariners former outfielder Ichiro Suzuki
Joe Nicholson / Imagn Images

Ichiro’s debut throw from right field became legend overnight. Smooth, sharp, and always on the money—his arm was art.

10. José Guillén

Kansas City Royals designated hitter Jose Guillen (6) bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. The Angels defeated the Royals 11-0
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images

Guillén could throw out guys flat-footed with ease. He didn’t always hit, but his arm always played a role.

9. Dwight Evans

Dwight Evans
Wikipedia

Evans had one of the best throwing arms of his era and rarely got tested twice. His rifle from right field made runners think twice—if they thought at all.

8. Jackie Bradley Jr.

May 8, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (41) at bat against the Chicago White Sox during a game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Bradley’s routes and instincts were elite, but his arm sealed the deal. When he uncorked one, it was a thing of beauty.

7. Jeff Francoeur

Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur (7) hits at the Alumni Softball Home Run Derby before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at SunTrust Park
Brett Davis / Imagn Images

Francoeur made up for slumps at the plate by launching lasers from the outfield. His accuracy and velocity were consistently jaw-dropping.

6. Reggie Sanders

Apr 29, 2006; Kansas City, MO, USA: Kansas City Royals right fielder (16) Reggie Sanders hits a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.  Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) Denny Medley
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders wasn’t just fast—he could throw absolute seeds. His arm added another dimension to his already solid game.

5. Jesse Barfield

May 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays former player and alumni Jesse Barfield acknowledges the crowd during the 40th season ceremonies before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Boston Red Sox won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Barfield had arguably the strongest outfield arm of the 1980s. He made life miserable for anyone trying to tag up on a fly ball.

4. Andre Dawson

Sep 28, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs hall of famer Andre Dawson throws out a ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Hawk combined strength, accuracy, and that no-nonsense glare. Few dared to challenge his arm—and those who did often paid the price.

3. Larry Walker

swing Larry Walker
RVR Photos / USA TODAY Sports

Walker’s cannon was loud and lethal from Coors to Montreal. He paired elite defense with outfield throws that sizzled.

Read more: The 25 Best Defensive Outfielders in MLB History

2. Bo Jackson

Kansas City Royals former player Bo Jackson bats during the 2010 All Star celebrity softball game at Angel Stadium.
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images

Bo didn’t need perfect mechanics—just raw, terrifying athleticism. When he let it fly, it looked more like a missile than a baseball.

Read more: Ranking the 15 Most Exciting MLB Players of the ’80s

1. Yoenis Céspedes

Jul 24, 2020; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) follows through on a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning of an opening day game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

At his peak, Céspedes had the most jaw-dropping outfield throws in baseball. He turned highlight-reel assists into a regular feature.

Read more: 15 MLB Players Who Let a Contract Go Straight to Their Heads

Related Articles
Rickie Fowler tees off on 18 during the third round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin
12 Golfers Who Peaked Too Soon
Whether it was early major success, a burst of hype, or a rise in the rankings, these golfers hit their...
Read More
Philip Rivers
15 Quarterbacks Who Turned Every Game Into a Grudge Match
Here are 15 quarterbacks who brought grudge match energy every single week, turning football into their...
Read More
Alex Rodriguez
15 MLB Divas Who Always Needed the Last Word
Some were legends with huge resumes and even bigger egos. They always made sure their opinion was heard...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.