Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I came across a very interesting article by David Adler of MLB.com, that highlighted the ten most nastiest pitches of the 2021 season.

Among them was the resulting strikeout of this epic matchup on June 11, between Jacob deGrom and Fernando Tatis Jr. — a filthy 94.9 mph slider.

Adler points out that the average Major League fastball is 93.5 mph. DeGrom is out there throwing sliders a mile-and-a-half per hour harder than that.

Additionally, this pitch by deGrom against Tatis Jr. was the fastest strikeout by a starter this year on a pitch that wasn’t a fastball.

By the way, the Mets would end up defeating the Padres 3-0. DeGrom got the win after tossing six one-hit innings and striking out ten.

DeGrom, 33, saw his season cut short by a strained UCL but is expected to be fully healed and ready to pitch come spring training in February