Statistics About The Average Pitch Speed

In this post, we will explore a comprehensive array of statistics regarding average pitch speeds in Major League Baseball (MLB) over the years. From the evolution of fastball velocities to the nuances of different pitch types and standout player performances, these data points offer key insights into the changing landscape of pitching in the MLB. Stay tuned as we delve into the numbers behind one of the most crucial aspects of America’s favorite pastime.

Statistic 1

"The average speed of an MLB fastball in 2008 was 90.9 mph."

Statistic 2

"In 2019, MLB fastballs averaged a speed of 93.4 mph."

Statistic 3

"The average speed of an MLB slider in 2017 was 84.2 mph."

Statistic 4

"In 1980, the average fastball was thrown at about 85 mph, but by 2002, the average fastball was thrown at about 89 mph."

Statistic 5

"In 2019, Barry Zito threw the slowest average fastball in the big leagues at 83.1 mph"

Statistic 6

"The average speed of an MLB changeup in 2019 was 84.9 mph."

Statistic 7

"In 2019, Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers had an average fastball velocity of 95.6 mph."

Statistic 8

"The average pitch speed in the MLB has increased nearly 3 mph over the past decade, from 90.1 mph in 2008 to 92.7 mph in 2017."

Statistic 9

"According to MLB Statcast data, the average sinker velocity in MLB since 2015 is 92.1 mph."

Statistic 10

"The average curveball velocity in the major leagues is approximately 77 mph."

Statistic 11

"Since 2008, the average pitching speed in the MLB has increased by about 1.4 mph."

Statistic 12

"As of 2016, the average four-seam fastball speed was 93 mph."

Statistic 13

"The average velocity of a split-finger fastball in the major leagues is approximately 85 mph."

Statistic 14

"As of 2014, pitchers aged 25-27 had the highest average pitch speed at 91.4 mph."

Statistic 15

"The average speed of sliders increased from 83.9 mph in 2007 to 84.9 mph in 2017."

Statistic 16

"In 2018, the Kansas City Royals led the major leagues with the highest average pitch speed at 94.1 mph."

Statistic 17

"In 2019, Gerrit Cole had the highest average fastball speed among starting pitchers in MLB at 97.2 mph."

Statistic 18

"In 2020, the average four-seam fastball speed was 93 mph."

The statistics analyzed reveal a clear trend of increasing pitch speeds in Major League Baseball over the years, with significant jumps in fastball velocities from 2008 to 2019. This rise in average pitch speeds reflects the evolving athleticism and training techniques of pitchers in the league. Special cases like Barry Zito’s slow fastball in 2019 and standout pitchers such as Josh Hader and Gerrit Cole show the exceptional outliers in terms of velocity. Overall, the data underscore the importance of velocity in modern baseball and highlight the ongoing quest for pitchers to throw harder and faster.