MLB Playoffs Highlight Record Fastball Velocities

During the recent National League Division Series, the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres achieved remarkable fastball velocities. In Game 1, the teams recorded an average fastball speed of 98.50 mph. According to Baseball America’s JJ Cooper, this set a new record for single-game fastball velocity.

This event signifies the evolution in pitching, where velocity and accuracy are crucial. However, the narrative advanced further the next day with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

In Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, five pitchers exceeded 100 mph: Edgardo Henriquez reached 103.0 mph, Roki Sasaki hit 102.1 mph, Edwin Diaz clocked 100.8 mph, Robert Suarez achieved 101.4 mph, and Didier Fuentes threw at 101.2 mph. Cooper noted that this is the first occurrence of five pitchers throwing 100 mph in one game.

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The Brewers feature Jacob Misiorowski, the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in history, who pitched 104.8 mph to Fernando Tatis Jr. His arm strength could secure him the NL Cy Young Award.

The Dodgers and Braves displayed a mix of starting and relief pitchers with incredible velocity. Fuentes and Sasaki, typically starters, boosted their speeds in the bullpen. Diaz and Suarez are experienced closers known for fast pitches. Henriquez has made notable impacts as part of the Dodgers’ recent postseason bullpens.

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By 2026, having a reliever capable of reaching triple-digit speeds became an MLB standard. In 2025, every team had at least one pitcher who could achieve this, a trend that continues to evolve.

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