It’s no secret that there’s plenty of heat in Arizona—and we’re not talking about the scorching hot sun. No, we’re talking about the kind generated by the mighty moundsmen who will soon take the field for the 2025 Arizona Fall League.
This year’s AFL is filled with the usual mix of pitchers making up for time lost to injuries, vying for spots on the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 draft and putting the finishing touches on their game before their big league debut. Their bodies, handedness and arsenals vary, but plenty of them come equipped with fastballs that have at least touched triple-digits this year.
Below, you can find the list of the AFL pitchers who have reached the prestigious 100 mph club this season.
Dennis Colleran, RHP, Royals
Colleran came to the Royals via Northeastern, where he pitched for two seasons before being selected by Kansas City in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. Colleran pitched at both Class A levels this year and struck out 72 hitters in 65.1 innings. He also walked 33 in that span, however, indicating a need to sharpen his control and command.
Fulton Lockhart, RHP, Angels
The Angels called Lockhart’s name in the 13th round of the 2024 draft. The South Florida alum did not produce great numbers this season in a year spent mostly at Low-A Inland Empire. With the 66ers, he allowed 25 runs (21 earned) and issued 30 walks over 20.2 innings. He did, however, strike out 36 hitters.
Emiliano Teodo, RHP, Rangers
The fireballing Rangers reliever returns to the Fall League after a breakout stint there in 2023. Teodo followed up with a fabulous Futures Game appearance in 2024 but spent a large chunk of this past season injured and struggled when healthy. He’ll look to rebound in the desert.
Chen-Wei Lin, RHP, Cardinals
Like most of the pitchers on this list, Lin marries high-end velocity with low-end control. The 6-foot-7 righthander spent most of his season at High-A Peoria and finished the year with 61 strikeouts and 37 walks in 46.1 innings.
JP Wheat, RHP, Cubs
Wheat was identified by scouts this spring as a pitcher to watch once the regular season got underway. Unfortunately, he’s been on the injured list since early June. He mixes his prodigious heater with a slider and changeup.
Brett Gillis RHP, Astros
Gillis was Houston’s ninth-round pick in 2022 out of the University of Portland but has been limited by injuries to just 54 innings. In fact,…