Adrian Morejon Sets MLB Record: Left-Hander Consistently Hits 100 mph

Cuban reliever Adrian Morejon has made history by becoming the left-handed pitcher with the most 100 mph or faster pitches in Major League Baseball during the 2026 season, as reported by Pelota Cubana on social media.

A crucial component of the San Diego Padres' bullpen, the flamethrower has achieved 181 pitches at or above this velocity so far this season.

This achievement not only distinguishes him among lefties but also places him fifth in the overall MLB rankings, surpassing numerous right-handers. The only four pitchers ahead of him are right-handers Jacob Misiorowski (931), Mason Miller (412), Edgardo Henriquez (387), and Tyron Guerrero (275).

Morejon’s lead over other left-handers is particularly striking. The second in this category, Mason Montgomery, has managed 77 pitches at 100 mph or more this season, which Morejon exceeds by 104 pitches—a remarkable margin.

In total, 88 pitchers have hit triple digits at least once this season, but no left-hander has done so as frequently as the Cuban. Having a left-arm pitcher consistently break the 100 mph barrier is an anomaly in modern baseball, making Morejon’s achievement all the more impressive.

Morejon's overall statistics in 2026 highlight his exceptional form: a 9-2 record, a 2.59 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and 62 high-leverage relief appearances. His four-seam fastball averages 99.2 mph, and his sinker averages 99.5 mph, with a reported maximum of 101.7 mph this season.

This year's performance follows an equally memorable 2025 season, where the Havana native set a record for the most wins by a Cuban reliever in a single MLB season with 13 victories, surpassing the 12-win mark set by Minnie Rojas in 1967 with the California Angels.

Morejon signed with San Diego in July 2016 with an $11 million bonus and debuted in the majors in July 2019 at age 20. His career initially struggled due to injuries that hindered his development as a starter, but transitioning to a reliever role allowed him to reach his full potential.

At 27, the Cuban pitcher combines a fastball that consistently clocks in the triple digits with a diverse repertoire, making him a high-impact arm for the Padres and one of the fastest left-handed relievers in recent MLB history.