On Friday, Adrián Morejón threw the fastest pitch ever recorded by a Cuban player—clocking in at 101.1 MPH—excluding, of course, the “alien” Aroldis Chapman (who holds the Guinness World Record at 105.8 MPH). Since 2008 (the start of the Pitch Tracking Era), the record for the fastest pitch by a Cuban—Chapman aside—had been held by José Fernández, who reached 100.9 MPH on July 18, 2016.
Morejón’s previous personal best was 100.7 MPH (set on September 1, 2025, against Emmanuel Rivera). He achieved this new mark of 101.1 MPH (with a sinker) while facing Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers. Morejón pitched 2.0 innings, throwing a total of 23 pitches. He allowed no runs, gave up just one hit, and struck out one batter. His pitch mix included 11 sinkers, eight sliders, two changeups, and two fastballs. His pitches generated four “whiffs” (missed swings).
The left-hander had an outstanding season last year and Morejón was a jack of all trades last season with San Diego winning 13 games, saving three, securing 20 holds and sporting a miniscule 2.08 earned run average. Without a doubt the southpaw is one of the top relievers in baseball and could eventually take the closers role for the Padres if Mason Miller slips up or gets hurt.