Pitchers have never thrown harder than they do in modern MLB, with velocity considered one of the most valuable currencies. These are the hardest-throwing pitchers in MLB during the first half of the 2024 season, based on average four-seam fastball velocity from Statcast.
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Known for his unbelievable velocity while in college at Tennessee, Joyce is showing flashes of a potential closer this season with a fastball that's averaged 101.5 mph. If he can throw strikes, Joyce has a chance to pitch at the end of games for the Angels soon.
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Miller broke in as a starter with Oakland last season but has made a name for himself as the team's closer in 2024. Averaging 100.8 mph with his four-seamer, Miller started the year with a 2.39 ERA and a whopping 15.8 K/9 in 37.2 innings.
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Duran continues to dominate as Minnesota's closer, though his strikeout rate is down this season after beginning the season on the shelf with an oblique injury. He's averaged 100.3 mph on his fastball over his first 28 appearances.
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Uribe began the season as part of Milwaukee's closer committee, but poor control pushed him to the minors in early May. He has huge potential if he can harness a fastball that averages 100.1 mph.
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Martinez is beginning to show better control and results this season, giving him the potential to pitch at the end of games soon. His four-seamer has averaged 99.9 mph this season.
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Due to his electric sinking fastball, Clase has been an All-Star in the last two seasons and could be a Cy Young candidate this year. He began the season with a 0.67 ERA and 25 saves in 41 appearances, and his fastball has averaged 99.8 mph.
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Helsley has led MLB in saves in the first half of this year, putting together arguably his best year with dominant stuff. The Cardinals closer's fastball has averaged 99.4 mph.
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After being selected first overall in last year's draft, Skenes has taken MLB by storm with a 2.06 ERA through his first nine starts. He's also shown the most fastball velo of any starting pitcher, averaging 99.2 mph.
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Soriano has been one of the few bright spots for the Angels this season, with his seamless transition from the bullpen to the rotation. The flamethrower's four-seam fastball has averaged 98.9 mph, and he's posted a 3.77 ERA in 76.1 innings.
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Megill has filled in well as Milwaukee's closer while Devin Williams recovers from a back injury. The Brewer posted a 1.59 ERA and 18 saves in his first 30 appearances, averaging 98.8 mph on his fastball.
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Kopech moved from starter to the bullpen during Spring Training, and the move has helped his velocity. The former top prospect has struggled with his control, but he's also fanned 50 batters in 36 innings and averaged 98.7 mph on his fastball.
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Suarez throws mostly fastballs, but the quality of the pitch still makes him nearly unhittable. His fastballs average 98.7 mph, and he's posted a 1.09 ERA and 20 saves through 33 appearances.
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Kelly has made only 16 appearances this season due to injury, though he hasn't shown any sign of fastball deterioration at age 36. He averaged 98.6 mph on the pitch while healthy.
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Munoz stepped up as Seattle's closer down the stretch last year and continues to dominate. He posted a 1.64 ERA and 13 saves in 33 appearances, with his four seamer averaging 98.4 mph.
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Mason Miller has received most of the attention as the A's closer, but Erceg can also bring it as their setup man. His fastball has averaged 98.4 mph, and he's been strong with a 3.30 ERA in 30 appearances.
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After signing in spring training, Stanek has been a setup man and part-time closer for Seattle. His fastball has averaged 98.3 mph, and he's posted a 3.78 ERA in 38 appearances.
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Hernandez has struggled with injuries this season but has shown plenty of oomph on his fastball while healthy. He's averaged 98.3 mph through 11 appearances.
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A former closer in Detroit, Soto continues to be effective in Philly as a left-handed setup man. His fastball has averaged 98 mph, and he's posted a 3.62 ERA through 33 appearances.
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Harvey has fared well as Washington's primary setup man for Kyle Finnegan, and his velocity has been strong. He's averaged 97.9 mph and posted a 4.35 ERA over his first 41.1 innings.
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Rodriguez has established himself well in his rookie season as a key part of the Giants bullpen. The right-hander's fastball has averaged 97.9 mph, and he's posted a 4.32 ERA through 21 appearances.
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Nicolas is one more hard thrower to reckon with in Pittsburgh's hard-throwing bullpen. He's averaged 97.9 mph with a 4.32 ERA through 22 appearances.
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Kerkering was a key part of Philly's bullpen in last year's playoffs, and he's continued to befuddle hitters this season. He's averaged 97.8 mph on his fastball and posted a 1.47 ERA in his first 29 appearances.
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Greene has shown improvement in his third MLB season while showing off elite velocity. His four-seam fastball has averaged 97.7 mph, and he's started the year with a 3.70 ERA through his first 17 starts spanning 97.1 innings.
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Colorado has seen some promising arms this season despite their struggles. Vodnik shows potential to pitch in high-leverage situations with a fastball that's averaged 97.7 mph and a 4.09 ERA over his first 36 appearances.
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Rebounding from injury this season, Alcala has been terrific for the Twins bullpen. He has a 1.80 ERA in 25 appearances, with a fastball averaging 97.7 mph.