Twins’ Jhoan Duran Shatters Pitching Speed Record with a Blazing 104.8 mph Fastball
In an astounding display of power and velocity, Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran broke his own record for the fastest pitch of the 2023 MLB season. Not only did he set a new season-high with a blazing 104.8 mph four-seam fastball, but he also claimed the 11th-fastest pitch since pitch tracking began in 2008.
Duran’s remarkable feat occurred during the Twins’ 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old pitcher, who already owned the four fastest pitches of the season ranging from 104.4-104.6 mph, surpassed his previous achievements with an awe-inspiring display of his arm strength.
Although Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suárez managed to put Duran’s historic pitch in play, grounding out to shortstop for the second out of the bottom of the ninth, it didn’t dampen the excitement surrounding Duran’s accomplishment. He continued his dominant performance by striking out designated hitter Mike Ford with a 104 mph heater, securing his 16th save of the season and helping the Twins clinch their second consecutive victory.
Duran’s exceptional talent and incredible velocity have made him a standout player in the majors. Currently, he possesses the second-highest average fastball velocity of any pitcher in the pitch tracking era, with only the Los Angeles Angels’ Ben Joyce surpassing him. Additionally, Duran joins an elite group of just five pitchers who have thrown a pitch clocked at over 104 mph.
When asked about his record-breaking pitch velocity, Duran remained modest, stating, “I throw to home plate like as hard as I can. Something happens.” His dedication and focus on simply doing his best on the mound have clearly paid off, as he continues to set new speed records.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was in awe of Duran’s prowess, remarking, “It keeps going into outer space… You see it throughout the league as a whole, where it’s gone from one level to the next level when it comes to velocity. But he’s living on his own planet at this point.”
With his electric fastball and relentless drive, Duran shows no signs of slowing down. As history has shown, his latest speed record is unlikely to last for long. Baseball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future performances and wonder if his next pitch might surpass even his own astonishing achievements.
Reporting by Do-Hyoung Park contributed to this article.