Mason Miller’s Rocket Arm Rewrites Postseason History

Miller’s ninth pitch of the game was pure poetry in motion—if poetry could travel faster than most cars on the highway. That 104.5 mph heater painted the bottom left corner of the strike zone with surgical precision, leaving Kelly looking like he’d just witnessed a magic trick. The called third strike was so perfect, so devastating, that even the Cubs fans had to tip their caps.

“One hundred and four, we love that,” Padres Manager Mike Shildt said afterward, probably still grinning from ear to ear. This wasn’t just any record, either. Miller shattered Aroldis Chapman’s previous postseason mark of 104.2 mph, which had stood since pitch tracking began in 2008. When you’re breaking records held by Chapman, a guy whose arm should probably be studied by NASA, you know you’re dealing with something special.

Miller’s October Dominance Continues

But here’s what makes this story even crazier: Miller isn’t just throwing hard, he’s throwing with purpose. Through his first two postseason appearances, the numbers are absolutely bonkers. Eight consecutive strikeouts spanning Games 1 and 2, tying Josh Hader for the longest such streak in postseason history.

Let’s break down the Miller experience for opposing batters so far this October:

• Nine total at-bats faced
• Five strikeouts swinging (guys couldn’t even catch up)
• Three strikeouts looking (frozen like deer in headlights)
• One hit by pitch (even Miller’s mistakes hurt)

That’s right—not a single ball has been put in play against him. Not one. Cubs hitters have either struck out or gotten drilled. That’s not pitching; that’s straight-up domination.

The Trade That’s Already Paying Dividends

The Athletics probably knew they had something special when they dealt Miller to the Padres at the trade deadline, but even they couldn’t have predicted this level of October magic. San Diego gave up top prospect Leo De Vries—the kind of trade that makes front offices nervous—but watching Miller work in the postseason makes that decision look brilliant.

This Pennsylvania native already owned another ridiculous record: the hardest pitch ever thrown in an All-Star Game at 103.6 mph. Now he’s got the postseason record too. At this rate, Miller’s going to need his own wing in Cooperstown.

What This Means Moving Forward

The scary part for opposing teams? Miller’s just getting warmed up. The Padres’ bullpen was already MLB’s best during the regular season with a 3.06 ERA, and now they have got this heat-seeking missile closing out games.

Game 3 is set for Thursday at Wrigley, and you can bet Cubs fans are hoping they don’t see Miller again. But if the game’s on the line, expect number 22 to come jogging out of that bullpen with his four-seam fastball ready to rewrite more history books.

Miller’s 104.5 mph rocket isn’t just a number on a radar gun—it’s a statement. It says the Padres are here to play, they’re not intimidated by the bright lights of October, and they’ve got the kind of closer who can make grown men look silly with a single pitch.