Levi Sterling Increased Fastball Velocity in 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates prospect saw his average fastball speed climb to 93.6 mph during the 2026 season.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Baseball

Levi Sterling Increased Fastball Velocity in 2026

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Levi Sterling boosted his average fastball velocity from 90.2 mph to 93.6 mph throughout the 2026 campaign. Selected 37th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Sterling progressed through Single-A Bradenton before earning a promotion to High-A Greensboro in August.

Why it matters

Developing velocity is a critical benchmark for young pitchers as they advance through the minor leagues toward the major leagues. Improving his fastball speed and repertoire allows Sterling to remain competitive against higher-level hitters within the Pirates organization.

Sterling recorded an average fastball velocity of 93.6 mph in 2026, an increase from his 90.2 mph baseline. During his Single-A season, he tallied 112 strikeouts and 39 walks over 96 innings pitched.

The players

Levi Sterling

He is a pitching prospect drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates who is currently developing through the team's minor league system.

Pittsburgh Pirates

This professional baseball organization competes in the National League Central division of Major League Baseball.

The details

Sterling utilized a mix of four-seam fastballs, changeups, sliders, and curveballs across 21 starts for Single-A Bradenton and three for High-A Greensboro. He demonstrated high-end potential by recording 11 strikeouts against Lakeland in August and tossing five scoreless innings in a September playoff appearance.

The Pirates selected Levi Sterling 37th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Sterling struggled with a 6.54 ERA in the Florida Complex League during 2025.
On May 3, 2026, Sterling pitched six scoreless innings against Lakeland.
Sterling struck out a career-high 11 batters against Lakeland on August 11, 2026.
On September 10, 2026, Sterling threw five scoreless innings in a playoff game.

Season Trajectory

Sterling's move to High-A Greensboro late in the 2026 season positions him for a more challenging assignment in the 2027 minor league hierarchy. His performance throughout the year helps define his standing within the organization's current pitching development pipeline.

Sterling is projected to reach fastball speeds near 95 mph as he focuses on refining his command during the 2027 season. His transition to higher competition levels will determine his readiness for a potential debut within the Pirates major league rotation.

The takeaway

Young pitchers often see significant velocity gains as they mature and adjust to the rigors of a full professional season. Maintaining that speed while refining control will be the primary objective for Sterling as he enters the 2027 campaign.