Full Breakdown
MLB Fastball Velocity Sets New Record Amid Pitching Surge
By Drooid · · How we work
Record-Breaking Fastball Speeds
Statcast data show four-seam fastballs averaged 94.8 mph this season, the highest yearly average for the sixth consecutive year. Pitches reaching 100 mph or more hit a new high of 5,687, eclipsing the previous record of 3,701. Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski logged 1,115 such pitches, the most since tracking began in 2008, and recorded a peak of 105.5 mph when Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong fouled it off on June 26.
Trend and Historical Context
When Statcast started in 2008, the league-wide fastball average was 91.9 mph. The upward trajectory has continued each season, reaching the current 94.8 mph mark. Pitchers 25 years or younger as of June 30 posted an even higher 95.9 mph average, indicating that velocity gains are driven largely by younger arms. Right-handers averaged 95.3 mph, left-handers 93.5 mph, and relievers 95 mph.
Key Statistics
- 5,687 pitches >= 100 mph (record)
- 1,115 100+ mph pitches by Misiorowski (season record)
- 21 complete games – the fewest since 2015 and far below historic norms (e.g., 510 in 1981)
- Batting average .244, a slight dip from .245 the prior year and near the lowest of the “pitching-dominance” era
- Team home-run rate 1.15 per game, marginally below last season’s 1.16
Official Statements & Responses
MLB officials cite the continued rise in velocity as a product of advanced training methods and minor-league emphasis on hard-throwing. Astros manager Joe Espada noted that both hitting and pitching have fundamentally changed compared with two decades ago. Boston Red Sox outfielder Braiden Ward explained that minor-league clubs prioritize maximizing velocity, stressing that accuracy can still earn promotions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to know that getting 97 by someone is a little easier than 91,” — Atlanta
- “I’m glad I got out of the game when I did,” — San Diego
- “It's crazy, man. Everybody throws 100,” — New York Yankees
- “They try to get the most guys to throw as hard as they can,” — Boston Red Sox