The hardest-throwing pitchers in MLB

Duran emerged as Minnesota's closer last season and also the game's hardest thrower. His four-seam fastball averaged 101.8 mph, and he fanned 12.1 batters per nine innings.

Hicks should be rewarded handsomely in free agency after one his best seasons in 2023. He averaged 100.3 mph on his four-seamer and also triple digits with his sinker.

Bautista was an elite closer for the Orioles, posting a 1.48 ERA and 33 saves. He also averaged 99.5 mph with his fastball. Unfortunately, Bautista is likely to miss most all of 2024 after Tommy John surgery.

Miller shows elite velocity as a starting pitcher, averaging 99.1 mph and posting a 3.76 ERA in 22 starts as a rookie. He's looking to build on that performance this season.

While erratic at times, Hernandez has his velocity down averaging 99.1 with his four-seam fastball last season. He finished with an ERA above 5.00 but did fan 9.9 batters per nine innings.

Chapman's velocity rebounded last season after struggling in 2022. He averaging 99.0 mph on his four-seamer and 101.1 mph with his sinker while posting 15.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

Clase has become an elite closer over the last three seasons with an elite sinker. His four-seam fastball averaged 98.5 mph last season.

Fujinami struggled early last season in Oakland as a starter, but found his footing in Baltimore out of the bullpen. His fastball averaged 98.4 mph.

The fireballing Greene has struggled with injuries during his pro career, but there's no questioning his arm. He had 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings and averaged 98.3 mph with his fastball.

Lopez saw an uptick in velocity out of the bullpen last season while pitching with three different teams, averaging 98.2 mph. The Braves are hopeful the trend can continue after signing him in free agency, and could potentially use Lopez as a starter.

Brash flashes an elite repertoire led by a four-seam fastball that averages 98.1 mph. He had 13.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023.

Merryweather has struggled with injuries for much of his career, but finally stayed healthy last season for the Cubs. He paid off as an elite setup man and averaged 98.1 mph on his fastball.

Alcantara was unable to repeat as a Cy Young winner but still had a strong season with a 4.14 ERA in 28 starts. He also averaged 98 mph on his fastball. Unfortunately, he will miss all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.

Erceg emerged in the A's bullpen as a hard thrower, averaging 97.9 mph. The fastball helped him fan 11.1 batters per nine innings.

Abreu has been an elite setup man in Houston over the last two seasons with a sub-2.00 ERA. He averaged 97.6 mph on his fastball last season.

Perez was as advertised as an elite prospect when Miami promoted him last season. He finished with a sub-4.00 ERA in 19 starts and averaged 97.5 mph on his fastball.

Rodriguez carries momentum after a great second half in 2023. The O's ace averaged 97.4 on his fastball.

Finnegan was a lockdown closer for the Nats and a hard thrower. He averaged 97.3 mph on his fastball.

Santos flashed as a closer for the White Sox late last season. He averaged 97.3 mph on his four-seam fastball and 98.9 mph on his sinker.

Strider has been an ace in Atlanta over the last two seasons. He's also shown an elite fastball that's averaged 97.2 mph.

Estevez saw an increase in velocity as the Angels' closer last season. His fastball averaged 97.1 mph.

Garcia saw his velocity fall slightly with the Padres last season but still averaged 97.0 mph. He signed with the Angels this offseason.

Ohtani made headlines with a record-breaking contract this offseason. He won't pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery, but was one of the hardest throwers in the game last year for the Angels, averaging 96.8 on his four-seam fastball.

McClanahan is likely to miss all of 2024 following elbow surgery, which is a shame after showing as Tampa Bay's ace over the last three years. He averaged 96.8 mph last season.

Scott emerged as Miami's closer during the second half of last season. The lefty had a 2.31 ERA in 74 appearances and averaged 96.8 mph with his fastball.