NEWSLETTER
For a while now, the (accurate) narrative around baseball is that offense in general is way down. There have been a number of theories that attempt to explain the shift, including improved analytics, increases in defensive shifting, and even larger strike zones. But one of the more compelling (in terms of intrigue) theories cites the explosion of high velocity pitchers throughout the league, particularly in the bullpen.
Last night, a couple of relievers lent credence to that theory, with a handful of pitches exceeding 103 (103!) MPH. If I asked you to guess who the first culprit was, I think it would take just one try: Aroldis Chapman.
Yesterday, Chapman threw 16 fastballs in his ninth inning appearance against the Orioles. The average velocity of which was 102.8 MPH and he topped out at 105.8, according to Brooks Baseball (105.1 according to Statcast). Care to see what a 105 MPH pitch looks like in real life?
Take a look:
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There’s not much you can do with that, but look silly (or scared). Then, Atlanta Braves reliever Mauricio Cabrera threw 12 fastballs of his own that averaged out at 102.13 MPH, maxing out at 104.1 MPH, according to Brooks Baseball.
Check out the big one below:
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There is just a ton of velocity going around the Majors, and it appears to be occurring at greater heights and with greater frequency every single day. Be careful, MLB hitters, and swing fast.
