Jacob Misiorowski Throws 105 MPH Fastball, Sets New Record for Fastest Pitch by a Starter Again
Milwaukee Brewers rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski continued his remarkable early run by setting a new record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher. In Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, he opened by striking out Kyle Schwarber in five pitches, finishing with a foul tip that was clocked at 105 mph on the broadcast and 104.5 mph in MLB’s official pitch data. That broke the 103.7 mph mark he had set just days earlier on Sunday, giving him the record for the second time in less than a week.
Misiorowski’s first inning was overpowering from start to finish. After retiring Schwarber, he struck out Trea Turner on four pitches and Bryce Harper on three, completing a perfect first inning with three strikeouts. His first-inning fastball command and velocity were dominant throughout, with his slowest fastball registering 102.3 mph and three of his pitches surpassing 104 mph. In total, he broke his own record four different times in the inning, underscoring just how explosive his arm speed has become.
While Misiorowski now holds the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher, the overall major league record still belongs to former Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, who reached 105.8 mph in 2010. That leaves Misiorowski just 1.3 mph shy of the all-time high, a small but significant gap at such extreme velocity. Given his imposing 6-foot-7 frame and elite arm strength, the possibility of him eventually surpassing Chapman’s mark appears increasingly realistic if he continues to develop and maintain his current form.
Beyond the radar gun readings, Misiorowski has emerged as one of the most impressive pitchers in baseball this season. His high-velocity fastball has made him one of the most difficult pitchers to face, and his early performances suggest he could quickly become one of the league’s top arms. With Misiorowski, Shohei Ohtani and Cristopher Sánchez all performing at a high level, this season’s National League Cy Young race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
