MLB Best Fastball: The Best Fastballs of 2018

MLB Best fastball: The Best Fastballs of 2018

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros talks with the media during a press conference before Game Four of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 17, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets throws a pitch in the bottom of the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Zack Wheeler

Number four on this list is another Met, Zack Wheeler. While trade rumors surrounded this talented right-hander throughout the summer, Wheeler did finish out his resurgent season still pitching for the Mets.

In 2018, Wheeler completed his first full season since 2014, while also posting career-best strikeout and walk numbers. Wheeler has excellent velocity on his fastball, averaging nearly 96 mph, and even better effective velocity at 97 mph.

While his fastball has a middling spin rate, it excels in every other category. He gets really good movement on his fastball and generates a ton of ground balls at 43%. The excellent ground ball rate coupled with his very good 23% whiff rate helped him limit opposing batters to just a .307 xwOBA against his fastball.

Wheeler will attempt to put together two good, healthy seasons in a row in 2019 before hitting free agency at season’s end. If he can do that he should be in store for a hearty pay-day as he has some of the best stuff in the game when he is healthy and on the mound, and he will be just 29 entering free agency.

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