Beyond 100 MPH: Henriquez's Explosive Rise

Baseball velocities continue to climb, with the average fastball reaching 94.6 mph in 2026. Among the elite is Edgardo Henriquez, a 24-year-old Venezuelan pitcher for the Dodgers, who threw 440 pitches clocked at 100 mph or higher during the 2026 season. This places him among the league's top flamethrowers, alongside Jacob Misiorowski and Mason Miller.

Henriquez posted a strong 2.85 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 60 innings in 2026, building on his increased role in previous seasons. His advanced metrics are also eye-catching; his expected ERA of 2.47 ranked in the 98th percentile, outperforming his actual ERA. His FIP of 2.50 was tied for 15th among pitchers with at least 50 innings.

Beyond his fastball, Henriquez utilizes an effective 87.4 mph slider with significant movement and a mid-90s cutter that generates many whiffs. With his velocity, diverse pitch arsenal, and strong underlying numbers, Henriquez is poised for continued success and is expected to become a more recognized name in the sport.