▲ Power pitcher Jacob Misiorowski
Major League Baseball (MLB) mounds are getting faster with each passing year.
The average velocity of pitchers' four-seam fastballs has been on an upward trend for six consecutive years, reaching an all-time high of 94.7 mph (approximately 152.4 km/h).
The Associated Press reported that this year's average MLB fastball velocity is 4.5 km/h faster than the 147.9 km/h recorded in 2008, the year tracking began.
The rise in velocity has been particularly notable among right-handed pitchers.
This year, the average velocity for right-handed pitchers reached 153.2 km/h, and when limited to bullpen pitchers who throw at full effort for short innings, it climbs to 153.9 km/h.
Triple-A in the minor leagues has also seen an increase, with an average of 150.6 km/h, faster than the 149.2 km/h recorded in 2022 when measurements began.
This "velocity revolution" is being felt vividly on the field.
Chad Tracy, manager of the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, said, "When you watch Triple-A games these days, most pitchers coming out of the bullpen, whether left- or right-handed, throw at least 153 km/h." He added, "In the past, there were some middle-relief pitchers who would come in when the score gap was large throwing around 141 km/h, but that is a thing of the past."
Veteran hitter Marcus Semien (New York Mets) also shared the changed atmosphere, stating, "Even if it is a rookie pitcher whose name I have never heard before, I step into the batter's box assuming they will throw at least 153 km/h." He continued, "In the past, there were only a few pitchers in the league who could throw 157 km/h, but now, you expect even newly called-up pitchers to throw that hard easily."
Behind this rapid increase in velocity lies the advancement of cutting-edge science.
Pitchers have gained a much better understanding of biomechanics, making it easier for them to master the methods of throwing fastballs.
The increase in prospects who systematically train their bodies from a young age with the goal of reaching 160 km/h has also played a significant role.
In fact, the major leagues are currently filled with power pitchers who easily exceed an average of 160 km/h.
San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Mason Miller throws an average of 163 km/h, while Los Angeles Dodgers' Edgardo Henriquez (161.9 km/h) and Milwaukee Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski (161.7 km/h) also throw pitches of unimaginable speed.
The difficulties faced by hitters who have to face them have increased.
Amidst the pitchers' velocity revolution, the overall major league batting average this year remains at 0.244, with hitters struggling to find their rhythm.
Alex Bregman (Chicago Cubs) expressed the difficulty, saying, "Ultimately, we hitters have no choice but to look for good pitches and make good swings."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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