The fastest pitch in history and the fastest in 2023 (there are two Dominicans)

Aroldis Chapman can turn on the radar gun like few others, while Jacob deGrom throws a heat that no starting pitcher can match. But how do these flamethrowers sit in MLB history?

There are few things more impressive in sports than see a pitcher turn on the radar gun. The ability to carry and shoot a ball at over 100mph It excites fans, intimidates hitters and leaves teams fantasizing about the possibilities of what that power arm can do.

What is the fastest pitch in MLB history?

On September 24, 2010, Aroldis Chapman made MLB history. Then a rookie relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, he unleashed a fastball clocked at 105.1 mph that later bumped that up to 105.8 mph.

Fastest pitch in MLB history: Aroldis Chapman, 105.8 mph

Technology plays a fundamental role in speed. Major League Baseball implemented the sistema PITCH/FX in 2006, allowing it to more accurately track the motion and speed of pitches, and the software has continued to improve over the years.

While many MLB statistics date back to the 1900s, the specific data of movement and speed only comes from modern technology. As a result, Aroldis Chapman is credited with the fastest pitch in MLB history.

Chapman did it again the following year, a wild pitch that almost struck All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen in the face.
History repeated itself a few years later, this time with the Yankees. Closing out the game in the ninth inning, Chapman unleashed a 105.1 mph fastball against the Baltimore Orioles.

Aroldis Chapman’s fastball is widely regarded as fastest pitch in MLB today. In fact, even after more than 575 career innings from him and countless 100+ mph pitches.

What is the fastest pitch in the MLB this 2023?

On Opening Day 2023, Cardinals reliever Jordan Hickslhe threw a fastball of 103.8 mph against the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s the fastest pitch in MLB in 2023 so far, with Hicks’ 103.6 mph and 102.9 mph fastballs just behind.

MLB’s fastest pitches in 2023

• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – 103.8 mph – 30 de marzo vs TOR
• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – 103.6 mph – 30 de marzo vs TOR
• Aroldis Chapman, Kansas City Royals – 103.5 mph – April 4 vs. TOR
• Jhoan Duran, Minnesota Twins – 103.3 mph – April 11 vs CWS
• Jhoan Duran, Minnesota Twins – 103.2 mph – April 11 vs CWS
• Gregory Santos, Chicago White Sox – 103.1 mph – April 22 vs. TBR
• Jhoan Duran, Minnesota Twins – 102.9 mph – April 11 vs CWS
• Aroldis Chapman, Kansas City Royals – 102.9 mph – April 22 vs. LAA
• Aroldis Chapman, Kansas City Royals – 102.9 mph – April 22 vs. LAA
• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – 102.9 mph- 30 de marzo vs TOR
• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – 102.8 mph – Paril 19 vs ARZ
• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals -102.7 mph – 30 de marzo vs TOR
• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – 102.7 mph – 30 de marzo vs TOR
• Aroldis Chapman, Kansas City Royals – 102.7 mph – April 22 vs. LAA

Since April 23, there have been seven pitches this season at over 103 mph, con Jordan Hicks, Jhoan Duran, Aroldis Chapman y Gregory SantoThey’re responsible for the fastest pitches in the MLB this season.

Average fastest fastball in MLB 2023

courtesy of Baseball Savant, These are the pitchers with the fastest average fastball velocity this year, with data collected during the first month of the season.

• Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals – promedio de 100.8 mph
• Felix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles – 99.4 mph average
• Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds – promedio de 99.2 mph
• Reynaldo Lopez, Chicago White Sox – averaged 99.1 mph
• Gregory Santos, Chicago White Sox – 99.1 mph average

Average MLB Fastball Velocity in 2022

Some of the fastest pitchers in 2022 clocked over 103 mph, with multiple relievers and even some starters hitting 102 mph with relative ease. As expected, MLB set a record for highest average fastball velocity in 2022.

2022 MLB fastball speed (average): 95.6 miles per hour

In 2008, MLB recorded just three pitchers in the playoffs who threw fastballs 100 mph or faster. In 2022, there were 164 pitchers who hit triple figures with their fastball.

It’s all part of the revolution, movement and spin are paramount to off-speed pitches and speed is a treasure on fastballs. The numbers reflect how baseball has changed.

Do pitchers throw harder these days?

With technology becoming a greater resource for pitchers and with more emphasis on speed, we’re seeing players throwing harder than ever. Average MLB fastball velocity has skyrocketed since 2002 and will likely top 95 mph this season.

On September 22, Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley threw the fastest pitch in the MLB last season with a 104 mph fastball off San Diego Padres slugger Josh Bell. He passed his teammate for the title of MLB’s fastest pitch in 2022. Jordan Hicks, threw the second-fastest pitch in MLB that season, a 103.7 mph fastball on Aug. 19.