Major League Baseball four-seam fastballs averaged 94.7 mph through Saturday of the 2026 season, continuing a six-year streak of velocity increases. According to league tracking data, this marks a steady climb from a 91.9 mph average when MLB first began tracking velocity in 2008, as biomechanical training and younger rosters push the game toward a new speed ceiling.
The Velocity Climb: From 91.9 to 94.7 mph
Baseball is faster than it has ever been. The average four-seam fastball has risen from 91.9 mph in 2008 to 94.7 mph in 2026. This isn’t just a trend among elite closers; it’s a systemic shift across the entire league.
Boston Red Sox manager Chad Tracy noted the change in bullpen depth, observing that most pitchers now throw 95-plus mph. In previous eras, Tracy said, teams would reach the lower part of their bullpen and see pitchers throwing 88 mph.
The data shows the climb has been consistent:
- 2008: 91.9 mph (Tracking began)
- 2021: 93.7 mph
- 2025: 94.4 mph (First half)
- 2026: 94.7 mph (Current)
Did you know? Right-handed pitchers are currently averaging 95.2 mph, while right-handed relievers are pushing the average even higher at 95.6 mph.
Biomechanics and the Push for 100 mph
Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris attributes the surge to a better understanding of how the body moves. Harris, who increased his own average from 92.6 mph in 2023 to 95.0 mph this year, stated that people are learning the biomechanics of the body to figure out why people throw hard.
This scientific approach has created a “youth movement” in the big leagues. Harris suggested that younger players are entering the league earlier because they see 22-year-olds throwing 100 mph and realize they won’t maintain that peak velocity by age 30.
The results are visible in the current leaderboards. Six pitchers now maintain a 100 mph average. Leading the pack are Athletics reliever Mason Miller at 101.3 mph and Dodgers reliever Edgardo Henriquez at 100.6 mph. Even starters are hitting these marks, with Milwaukee’s 24-year-old Jacob Misiorowski averaging 100.5 mph, up from 99.3 mph as a rookie last year.
The New Standard for Professional Hitters
For hitters, the “elite” velocity of a decade ago is now the baseline. Marcus Semien, a three-time All-Star who debuted in 2013, noted that the average four-seamer was 92.7 mph when he entered the league. Now, Semien said, players expect any unknown pitcher to throw 95-plus mph.
This shift has redefined what is considered a “notable” pitch. In the 2001 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof, a 95-mph fastball was described as “elegant” and “streamlined.” In 2026, that figure is no longer a standout statistic.
Velocity Trends Across Minor Leagues
The velocity surge isn’t limited to the Major Leagues. Triple-A averages have also climbed, rising to 93.6 mph from the 92.7 mph average recorded when tracking began at that level in 2022. This suggests that the training pipeline is producing high-velocity arms at a faster rate than ever before.
Velocity Comparison: Then vs. Now
| Metric | Previous Era/Year | 2026 Season |
|---|---|---|
| MLB Avg Four-Seam | 91.9 mph (2008) | 94.7 mph |
| Triple-A Avg | 92.7 mph (2022) | 93.6 mph |
| RH Reliever Avg | N/A | 95.6 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current average MLB fastball velocity?
As of the 2026 season, four-seam fastballs average 94.7 mph.
Who is the fastest pitcher in MLB right now?
Mason Miller of the Athletics leads with an average four-seam velocity of 101.3 mph.
Why is pitching velocity increasing?
According to Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris, improved knowledge of biomechanics and training is allowing pitchers to maximize their physical potential.
Do you think the game is becoming too fast for hitters to keep up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into baseball analytics.
