Reds Pitcher Joins Elite Slider Velocity Class

Cincinnati's Graham Ashcraft sees major spike in slider speed, now among MLB's hardest throwers

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:19am

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Cincinnati Reds reliever Graham Ashcraft has seen a significant increase in his slider velocity, now consistently sitting above 93 mph and reaching as high as 94.7 mph early in the 2026 season. This places him in rare company alongside Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Jacob Misiorowski, who features the hardest average slider in baseball. Ashcraft's improved stuff and command have provided a valuable boost to the Reds' bullpen as he emerges as a potential late-inning weapon.

Why it matters

Ashcraft's rise in slider velocity is an encouraging development for the Reds, who are looking to bolster their bullpen and find high-leverage arms to support their starting rotation. If he can maintain this increased velocity and command, Ashcraft could become a key piece of Cincinnati's late-inning relief corps as the season progresses.

The details

After averaging 89.8 mph on his slider during the 2025 season, Ashcraft has seen a notable jump in velocity, now consistently sitting above 93 mph and reaching as high as 94.7 mph early in the 2026 campaign. This increase in slider speed places him alongside Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Jacob Misiorowski, who features the hardest average slider in baseball. Ashcraft has paired this added velocity with improved command, allowing his arsenal to translate more effectively into results on the mound.

  • Ashcraft delivered an encouraging performance on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, throwing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.
  • Last season, Ashcraft's slider averaged 89.8 mph.

The players

Graham Ashcraft

A right-handed reliever for the Cincinnati Reds who has seen a significant increase in his slider velocity, now consistently sitting above 93 mph and reaching as high as 94.7 mph early in the 2026 season.

Jacob Misiorowski

An All-Star pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who features the hardest average slider in baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Stuff is starting to click. Things are lining up with my release. It's causing things to jump. I'd never have guessed I'd be throwing the slider like I have been this consistently. I know I've done it in the past, but it's a glimpse of it here and there. I'm in a really good spot right now mechanically.”

— Graham Ashcraft, Cincinnati Reds Pitcher

“Last year, his slider averaged 89.8 mph. This year, his slider is over 3 mph faster. The only pitcher in all of baseball who's throwing a harder slider than Ashcraft this year is Brewers All-Star Jacob Misiorowski.”

— Charlie Goldsmith, FOX 19 Reporter

What’s next

If Ashcraft can maintain his increased slider velocity and command, he could become a key late-inning option for the Reds as the season progresses.

The takeaway

Ashcraft's surge in slider velocity is an exciting development for the Reds, as it provides them with a potential high-leverage arm in the bullpen to support their starting rotation. His ability to pair this added velocity with improved command makes him a valuable asset that could help Cincinnati's playoff push.