The position of pitching requires accuracy, skill, and planning. The league’s fastest pitchers never cease to astound spectators, despite the fact that the position is still evolving. It begs the question: Just how hard can a human being throw? With pitchers often touching triple digits in today’s game.
Aroldis Chapman threw the quickest pitch ever timed in an MLB game. On September 24, 2010, Chapman, also known by his nickname “the Cuban Missile,” was seen throwing a pitch that measured 105.8 mph.
It appears that the fastest pitch in history may be a record that is continually beaten as pitchers throw harder and harder pitches.
5. R. Helsley, 99.6 mph
The fifth and penultimate pitcher on this list,Ryan Helsey, had a 99.6 mph average on his fastball for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017. The second Cardinal on our list, Helsley, had a stronger season than teammate Jordan Hicks, recording an astounding 1.25 ERA.
4. At 99.9 mph was Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase concluded 2022 with a 99.9 average velocity on his fastball, which surprised you because you would have thought the MLB statistics guys would simply give him the 0.1 mph raise. Clase will be able to sleep at night knowing that, despite not averaging 100 mph, he led the MLB with 42 saves last season.
When he came on from the bullpen, the 24-year-old was a force. For the Cleveland Guardians, Clase pitched 72.2 innings, recording 42 saves, 77 strikeouts, and a sparkling 1.36 ERA.
3. At 100.1 mph was Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks struggled for the St. Louis Cardinals and was the last pitcher to average triple digits. Hicks, in contrast to Jhoan Duran and Andres Munoz, had a challenging season, finishing with a 3-6 record and a 4.84 ERA for the Cardinals.
His fastball averaged over 100 mph, but St. Louis had much to be desired in terms of his ERA. He struck out 63 people in 61.1 innings.
2. At 100.2 mph, Andres Munoz
Last year, Andres Munoz had a great breakout season for the Seattle Mariners. Last year, the hard-throwing righty averaged the second-fastest pitch, concluding the year with a fastball average velocity of 100.2 mph.
Munoz rose to prominence in the Mariners’ bullpen and contributed to Seattle’s first postseason appearance since 2001. The organization was able to trade fellow reliever Erik Swanson to the Toronto Blue Jays thanks to the 23-year-rise old’s prominence.
1. Last season, Jhoan Duran had the quickest fastball in MLB (100.8 mph)
For Jhoan Duran and the Minnesota Twins, it was a memorable debut campaign. With a 2-4 record and eight saves with the Twins, the Dominican Republic-born 24-year-old pitcher pitched 67.2 innings. His 1.86 ERA was accompanied by 89 strikeouts.
With his fastball last season, the explosive right-hander averaged 100.8 mph. Jorge Lopez faltered after being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, which may lead to Duran taking over the closer position for the Twins.
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