SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Throwing fastballs at 100 miles per hour is becoming increasingly common in baseball, with 82 major-league pitchers reaching that speed during the 2025 season. Additionally, over 50,000 pitches were recorded at 98 mph or higher, signaling a new norm for pitching velocity. In the minor leagues, 140 pitchers also touched 100 mph, showing that impressive heat continues to emerge across the sport.
White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor strengthened his presence among this elite group by reaching triple-digit velocity 37 times last season, including a peak fastball recorded at 102.2 mph on June 22 in Toronto. This performance helped him secure the first of six saves that year.
Beyond Speed: Developing a Multifaceted Pitching Approach
While velocity remains a powerful weapon, Taylor and other pitchers recognize that simply throwing hard isn’t enough to dominate hitters anymore. Opponents are growing adept at timing these fastballs, so command and variety have become essential parts of a successful pitching arsenal. Taylor, 23, understands this evolution well.
“Nowadays, the best starters and relievers throw 100-plus, but every single one of the best starters has five or six pitch mixes,”
Taylor explained to the Sun-Times.
“So it shows that the game is adjusting to the velo. The hitters are getting a little better, so you have to have more options to get guys out.”
He cited Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as an example:
“Skubal hit 103 last year, and he’s still got a great pitch mix. Velo in short stints can carry you through an outing. But for long-term success, you need some other pitches.”
Expanding the Repertoire: New Pitches and Season Highlights
Last season, Taylor threw a combination of a four-seam fastball, curveball, slider, cutter, and changeup. This spring, he introduced a two-seam fastball designed to move away from left-handed hitters, adding another tool to keep batters off balance. Drafted in the second round out of LSU in 2023, Taylor demonstrated sharp performance at Double-A Birmingham, posting a 1.01 ERA over 15 appearances before moving up to the majors.
During his rookie major-league season, Taylor made 36 appearances for the White Sox, primarily out of the bullpen, and maintained a 4.91 ERA. Despite this, he recorded 54 strikeouts against just 15 walks over 36⅔ innings. Taylor finished the season strong by allowing no runs in his final 10 outings.
Current Role and Future Prospects with the White Sox
Although Taylor aspires to be a starting pitcher, he is currently establishing himself as a key reliever for Chicago, often working multiple innings per appearance. On opening day of spring training, he delivered a flawless inning against the Colorado Rockies, striking out two batters and throwing 10 strikes out of 12 pitches. Notably, three pitches hit 100 mph, with two others just shy at 99.6 and 99.9 mph.
Taylor’s ability to generate excitement during batting-practice sessions has been noticeable early in camp. He recently retired four consecutive hitters and famously broke teammate Andrew Benintendi’s bat with a powerful pitch. Benintendi remarked,
“It’s gross. He has the 100-plus fastball, but he’s worked on some stuff in the offseason that will make him even more effective.”
Building the White Sox Pitching Depth Amid Rebuild
Amid optimism surrounding rookie shortstop Colson Montgomery’s breakthrough, a promising young catching group, and the addition of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox’s future largely depends on strengthening their pitching depth. General manager Chris Getz’s rebuilding strategy includes integrating talents like Taylor alongside upcoming left-handed prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, both expected to debut in the majors this year.
Taylor addressed his immediate focus, saying,
“We’ve had conversations about how that might play out in the future, but at this time I’m solely focused on doing the best I can in the pen.”
He added,
“Any innings in the big leagues are fun. I enjoyed [the bullpen] last year, and I anticipate I’ll enjoy it again this year.”
Significance of Taylor’s Development for the White Sox
Grant Taylor’s increasing pitch variety and proven velocity mark him as a significant contributor to the White Sox bullpen and potentially the starting rotation in the seasons to come. His ability to mix pitches and command his fastball makes him well-positioned to thrive amid the league’s rising velocity standards and evolving hitter strategies. As the White Sox work toward ending recent losing seasons, Taylor’s continued growth and performance will be key factors in their quest for competitiveness.
