MLB Fastball Velocity Hits New Heights as Hitters Struggle

Major League Baseball is witnessing a persistent surge in pitching speed, with average four-seam fastball velocity on track to set a record for the sixth consecutive season, according to reporting from Sportsnet.

Through Saturday, four-seamers averaged 94.7 mph, an increase from 94.5 mph last year and a significant jump from the 91.9 mph average recorded when tracking began in 2008. Right-handed pitchers are currently averaging 95.2 mph, while right-handed relievers are averaging 95.6 mph. The trend extends to the minors, where the Triple-A average has risen to 93.6 mph from 92.7 mph in 2022.

Six pitchers have reached an average four-seam velocity of 100 mph, led by Athletics reliever Mason Miller at 101.3 mph and Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edgardo Henriquez at 100.6 mph. Milwaukee Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski, 24, is averaging 100.5 mph and has recorded a major league high of 670 pitches at 100 mph or faster; however, the Brewers skipped his Sunday start due to arm fatigue.

Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris, who increased his average from 92.6 mph in 2023 to 95.0 mph this year, attributes the trend to a better understanding of biomechanics. This velocity surge is paired with a diversifying pitch mix; while four-seamers dropped to 30.4% of pitches from 31.8% last year, sinkers (16.6%), cutters (7.8%), and offspeed pitches (14.3%) all saw increases.

Former players and managers note the increased difficulty for hitters. New York Mets interim manager Andy Green stated the game has gotten harder due to the combination of velocity and information. This is reflected in the box score, as big league batters are currently hitting .244, slightly below last year's .245 and above the .243 mark in 2024.