MLB pitchers set new fastball velocity record at 94.8 mph
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 4:34 PM
Last updated Sep 29, 2026
Major League Baseball reported a record average fastball velocity of 94.8 mph for the sixth consecutive year, surpassing last season's 94.5 mph. Right-handers averaged 95.3 mph and pitchers 25 or younger reached 95.9 mph. The increase in fastball speed coincides with low batting averages, with this year's average at.244, down from.245 last year. Despite efforts to enhance offense through defensive-shift restrictions, batting averages remain near historical lows. Meanwhile, pitchers threw a record low of 21 complete games this season, reflecting a trend towards shorter outings. The record of pitches exceeding 100 mph also rose, with notable performances from pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski.
- •Fastball velocity averages 94.8 mph, highest since tracking began.
- •Batting average falls to.244, near historical lows.
- •Only 21 complete games recorded this season, a new low.
- •Jacob Misiorowski sets record with 1,115 pitches over 100 mph.
- •MLB's efforts to improve offensive performance show minimal effect.
- 5:22 PMESPN MLB — MLB pitchers set fastball velocity record for sixth straight season
- 3:57 PMYahoo Sports — The fast get faster: MLB pitchers again set fastball velocity record by averaging 94.8 mph
"Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season and batting averages remained near all-time lows in this era of pitching dominance. Four-seam fastballs averaged 94.8 mph this year, according to MLB Statcast, up from 94.5 mph last season and 91.9 mph when tracking started in 2008. “I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to know that getting 97 by someone is a little easier than 91,” said Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale, a 37-year-old who averaged a career-high 96.1 mph this year.
"Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season and batting averages remained near all-time lows in this era of pitching dominance.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 29, 2026, 5:22 PMMLB pitchers set fastball velocity record for sixth straight season
Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season and batting averages remained near all-time lows in this era of pitching dominance.
- Yahoo SportsSep 29, 2026, 3:57 PMThe fast get faster: MLB pitchers again set fastball velocity record by averaging 94.8 mph
Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season and batting averages remained near all-time lows in this era of pitching dominance. Four-seam fastballs averaged 94.8 mph this year, according to MLB Statcast, up from 94.5 mph last season and 91.9 mph when tracking started in 2008. “I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to know that getting 97 by someone is a little easier than 91,” said Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale, a 37-year-old who averaged a career-high 96.1 mph this year.
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