Velocity has become all the rage in recent seasons, and some pitchers stand out above the rest. These are the hardest throwing pitchers in MLB, according to Statcast.
Duran emerged as a dominant reliever in his rookie season and the hardest thrower in MLB. His four-seamer averaged 100.8 mph, and he finished the year with a 1.86 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 67.2 innings.
Returning from Tommy John surgery, Munoz was an electrifying reliever at the end of games for Seattle. He had a 2.49 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 65 innings for the team last season while his fastball averaged 100.2 mph.
Chapman struggled with the Yankees last season, but his velocity was still top notch. His sinker averaged 100.2 mph, though Chapman primarily works off a four-seamer that averaged "only" 97.5 mph.
Hicks has been known for his great velocity since the Cardinals promoted him in 2018. He has struggled with his control for much of his career, however, but Hicks has 20 career saves and an ERA near 4.00. His four-seam fastball averaged 100.1 mph last season, and he's hit triple digits regularly early this season.
Clase has been nearly untouchable since emerging with Cleveland in 2021, posting an ERA near 1.00 as the team's closer in back-to-back seasons. His four-seam fastball averaged 99.9 mph last season.
Graterol doesn't miss bats at a high rate with a sinker that averaged 99.7 mph last season, but he does provoke his fair share of groundballs. He converted four saves with a 3.26 ERA in 46 appearances last season.
Helsley was a breakout reliever last season while showing more velocity. His four-seam fastball averaged 99.6 mph, helping him post a 1.25 ERA and 19 saves in 54 appearances.
Alvarado has long been known for his devastating sinker, which averaged 99.6 mph last season. He finished 2022 with a 3.18 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 51 innings.
Doval emerged as elite closer for the Giants with a three-pitch mix that includes an upper-90's cutter. The cutter averaged 99.4 mph last season, and he finished with a 2.53 ERA and 27 saves.
Increased velocity helped Bautista emerge out of nowhere to become a top closer last season for Baltimore. He finished his rookie season with a 2.19 ERA and 88 steals in 65.2 innings, averaging 99.2 mph on his four-seamer.
Diaz was the top reliever in the NL last season with a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves, fanning 118 batters in only 62 innings while averaging 99.1 mph on his four-seamer. Unfortunately, Diaz will miss the entire 2023 season after tearing his knee at the WBC.
Fairbanks fought injuries in 2022 but was terrific when healthy. He had a 1.13 ERA and eight saves in 24 appearances, averaging 99 mph on his four-seam fastball.
The hype was real for Greene in his rookie season. The starting pitcher had 164 strikeouts in 125.2 innings, averaging 98.9 mph on his four-seam fastball.
While he's struggled to stay healthy, deGrom has been incredible in recent seasons when on the mound. He flashed a fastball that averaged 98.9 mph last season, helping him post a 3.08 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 64.1 innings.
Soto served as the Tigers closer` last season, showing off a fastball that averaged 98.7 mph from the left side. He finished with 30 saves with a 3.28 ERA.
Coming over from the Cardinals, Garcia continued to flash in his late-career emergence with a fastball averaging 98.7 mph and a 3.39 ERA in 61 innings.
Megill's brother, Tylor, is more well known in baseball circles, but Trevor is making a name for himself with his high-velocity fastball. His sinker averaged 98.6 mph last season, and he posted a 4.80 ERA in 45 innings.
New York has done well to unlock Abreu's ability in multiple stops, including a 3.16 ERA in 22 appearances after he was acquired last season. He has a blue chip arm, averaging 98.5 mph on his sinker.
A former top prospect in Baltimore, Harvey is trying to make a name for himself as a reliever. His fastball averaged 98.3 mph as he contributed a 2.52 ERA in 38 appearances.
Stanek was nearly unhittable with Houston last season, posting a 1.15 ERA over 54.2 innings. His fastball averaged 98.3 mph.
Loaisiga's fastball has plenty of life, and averaged 98.2 mph last season. He finished the 2022 season with a 4.13 ERA in 50 appearances.
Dominguez reemerged from arm injuries to help the Phils last season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 54 appearances. His fastball averaged a blazing 98.2 mph.
Strider had an amazing rookie campaign, finishing second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting after posting a 2.67 ERA in 131.2 innings between starting and relief. He also had 202 strikeouts with the help of a fastball that averaged 98.2 mph.
May returned from Tommy John surgery to help the Dodgers last season with an elite 98.1 mph fastball. He's hoping for better injury luck this year after making only six starts last season, as he went down with a back injury late in the season.
Bard is a great story, returning to baseball after a long hiatus due to anxiety issues and becoming an elite closer last season with 34 saves and a 1.79 ERA in 60.1 innings. Unfortunately, Bard is missing the start of the 2023 season due to anxiety.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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