Flamethrowers rule mound as right-hander average 4-seam fastball reaches 95 mph
September 30, 2025
Flamethrowers have dominated the mound in the major leagues this year. The average four-seam fastball among right-handed pitchers has reached 95 mph for the first time. According to MLB Statcast, average velocity has increased for seven straight seasons. Reliever Mason Miller, traded from Oakland to San Diego in July, reached 100 mph with a big league-high 422 pitches. A study released by MLB last December concluded that rising velocities and maximum effort are likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries. Home runs rose to 1.16 per game, while stolen bases and strikeouts per team per game dropped.