The 25 Hardest Throwers in Baseball Right Now

Updated April 16, 2026 | Peak fastball velocity (FF/SI) from Statcast data

Velocity isn't everything in baseball, but it sure doesn't hurt. The ability to blow a fastball past a hitter at 100+ mph is one of the most electric skills in the sport, and the 2026 season has no shortage of arms bringing serious heat.

This list ranks the top 25 pitchers by peak fastball velocity this season, using Statcast-tracked data for four-seam fastballs and sinkers. Of the 25 names below, 19 are relievers or closers and 6 are starters, which tracks with the reality that bullpen arms can let it rip without worrying about pacing through six-plus innings.

#1 San Diego Padres · CL

Mason Miller

103.4Peak

101.4Avg

Nobody in baseball throws harder than Mason Miller, and it's not particularly close. Miller hit 103.4 mph on April 10th and has touched 102+ in four of his five outings this season. What makes him truly terrifying is that his average fastball sits at 101.4, meaning most hitters are seeing triple digits every single pitch. Pairs elite velocity with a wipeout slider that makes hitters look silly.

#2 LA Dodgers · RP

Edgardo Henriquez

103.2Peak

100.4Avg

The other member of the 103 mph club in 2026, and the 22-year-old is making a real case for a high-leverage role in the Dodgers' bullpen. Hit 103.2 on a sinker on April 4th and owns 5 of the top 25 individual pitches thrown this season by velocity. One of only two pitchers in baseball averaging triple digits.

#3 Baltimore Orioles · CL

Ryan Helsley

102.1Peak

98.7Avg

Brought his elite arm to Baltimore this offseason and hasn't missed a beat. Uncorked 102.1 on Opening Day and continues to be one of the premier closers in the American League. His average fastball sits just under 99, which would be the top velo for plenty of other relievers on this list. Says the pitch-tipping issue that plagued his Mets stint is fixed.

#4 Philadelphia Phillies · CL

Jhoan Duran

101.9Peak

98.2Avg

Made the move from Minnesota to Philadelphia and immediately stepped into the closer role for a Phillies team with serious October ambitions. His 101.9 mph peak is backed by an average of 98.2, paired with one of the nastiest splitters in baseball. That mid-80s splitter creates a velocity differential hitters simply can't adjust to.

#5 Chi White Sox · RP

Grant Taylor

101.9Peak

99.0Avg

If you're not familiar with Grant Taylor yet, you will be. The White Sox reliever matches Duran at 101.9 for peak, but his average of 99.0 mph actually places him third in average fastball speed across the entire league. That kind of consistency is what separates a guy who can touch triple digits from a guy who lives there.

#6Sam Bachman

101.4Peak

98.7Avg

The Angels' hard-throwing setup man has been touching 101+ regularly since last year.

#7José Soriano

101.3Peak

97.5Avg

One of the hardest-throwing starters in the game, regularly sitting 97-98 deep into starts.

#8Bubba Chandler

101.3Peak

99.0Avg

The former two-sport recruit is averaging 99 as a starter. That's borderline unfair.

#9Jordan Hicks

101.3Peak

98.4Avg

Once the hardest thrower in baseball, Hicks is back to bringing elite heat from the bullpen.

#10Jacob Misiorowski

101.3Peak

98.5Avg

Milwaukee's young flamethrower averages nearly 99 as a starter. Filthy upside.

#11Adrian Morejon

101.1Peak

99.1Avg

The hardest-throwing lefty in baseball. A 99 mph avg from the left side is absurd.

#12Victor Vodnik

100.9Peak

98.9Avg

A reliable high-leverage arm throwing gas in the thin Colorado air.

#13Chase Dollander

100.9Peak

98.9Avg

Colorado's other gas-thrower, matching Vodnik's numbers exactly.

#14Luis Medina

100.9Peak

98.0Avg

The former top prospect has always had the arm. Now he's putting it together on the Athletics.

#15Elvis Alvarado

100.9Peak

98.0Avg

Oakland's double dose of high-octane relief arms continues.

Rank

Team

Pitcher

Avg

Peak

Velo Range

Role

#16

Aroldis Chapman

97.3

100.8

CL

#17

Chase Burns

98.5

100.7

SP

#18

Robert Suarez

98.7

100.7

RP

#19

Daniel Palencia

99.0

100.6

CL

#20

Bradgley Rodriguez

97.9

100.6

RP

#21

Ryne Stanek

97.9

100.6

RP

#22

Eury Pérez

98.2

100.6

SP

#23

Tarik Skubal

96.8

100.4

SP

#24

Mason Montgomery

98.6

100.3

RP

#25

Andrés Muñoz

98.6

100.3

CL

Notable Names Just Off the List

A few names worth highlighting that didn't crack the top 25 but are throwing serious heat:

• José Alvarado (PHI, RP) peaked at 100.2. The Phillies' lefty is the hardest-throwing southpaw to just miss the cut.
• Cam Schlittler (NYY, SP) peaked at 100.1. A young Yankee starter sitting 97 and touching 100 is going to turn heads all year.
• Dylan Cease (TOR, SP), Taj Bradley (MIN, SP), and Abner Uribe (MIL, RP) all hit exactly 100.0, just barely missing the cut.
• Roki Sasaki (LAD, SP) peaked at 99.5 and is still building up innings in his first full MLB season.
• Paul Skenes (PIT, SP) also at 99.5. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is bringing more heat than most closers.
• Chris Sale (ATL, SP) touched 99.4 at age 37. Still has another gear when he needs it.