Record Fastball Velocities Highlight MLB Playoffs
The Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres showcased some of the fastest pitches in Major League Baseball history. During Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) between these teams, they averaged an impressive fastball velocity of 98.50 mph. According to Baseball America’s JJ Cooper, this set a new record for the highest average fastball velocity in a single game.
This development marked an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of pitching, where speed and accuracy are key. However, the very next day, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves pushed this narrative even further.
In Game 2 of their NLDS at Dodger Stadium, five pitchers recorded fastball speeds of 100 mph or more. Edgardo Henriquez of the Dodgers reached 103.0 mph, followed by Roki Sasaki at 102.1 mph and Edwin Diaz at 100.8 mph. For the Braves, Robert Suarez hit 101.4 mph, and Didier Fuentes reached 101.2 mph. This marked the first time that five different pitchers threw 100 mph fastballs in the same game, according to Cooper.
“It’s the first time five different pitchers have been recorded throwing 100 mph in the same game,” stated Cooper.
Another highlight from these games was Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers, who is recognized as the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in baseball history. He threw his first pitch against Fernando Tatis Jr. at a remarkable 104.8 mph. As a leading contender for the NL Cy Young Award, Misiorowski has continually pushed radar readings higher.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Braves have taken a different approach. Fuentes and Sasaki, primarily starting pitchers, have increased their velocity while operating from the bullpen. On the other hand, Diaz and Suarez, seasoned closers, have consistently delivered triple-digit fastballs over the years. Henriquez, at 24, has contributed to the Dodgers’ postseason bullpen in recent years.
The presence of a reliever capable of delivering a triple-digit fastball has become standard in Major League Baseball. By the 2025 season, all teams had at least one such pitcher, and this trend continued into 2026. The dominant teams are leading this shift, consistently pushing the boundaries of pitching speed.