Red Sox Prospect Juan Valera Hits 101.7 MPH as Minor League Starter

The 20-year-old right-hander has the potential to be one of the hardest-throwing starters in the minors.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to depict the powerful, explosive motion of a baseball pitcher throwing a pitch at over 100 mph.A young pitching prospect's blazing fastball ignites excitement for the future of the Red Sox farm system.Greenville Today

Juan Valera, a 20-year-old pitching prospect in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, recently hit 101.7 mph with his fastball during a start for the Greenville Drive. This velocity stands out, as Valera is a starting pitcher rather than a reliever, and his performance so far this season has been exceptional with a 2.16 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.

Why it matters

Valera's ability to consistently hit triple digits as a starter is rare, as most pitchers who can reach those velocities are typically used in relief roles. If Valera can maintain this level of performance, he could quickly rise through the minors and establish himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.

The details

On Thursday, Valera unleashed a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch by a starting pitcher in the minors this season. By comparison, the Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski has topped out at 101.3 mph, while Pirates prospect Seth Hernandez hit 102.4 mph in spring training but not in the regular season. Valera, ranked the No. 5 prospect in the Red Sox system by Baseball America, has hit 100+ mph before, including last year in High-A and in spring training.

  • On Thursday, Valera hit 101.7 mph with his fastball.
  • Last year, Valera also hit 100+ mph while pitching for Greenville.
  • Valera hit 100+ mph in the Prospect Breakout Game during spring training.

The players

Juan Valera

A 20-year-old right-handed pitching prospect in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, ranked the No. 5 prospect in the organization by Baseball America.

Jacob Misiorowski

A pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization who has topped out at 101.3 mph with his fastball, tied for the fastest by a big league starter this season.

Seth Hernandez

A pitching prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization who hit 102.4 mph with his fastball in spring training, but did not match that velocity in his first regular season start.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just a normal game for me.”

— Juan Valera

“I feel 100 percent and I'm super-excited for the season.”

— Juan Valera

What’s next

If Valera continues to dominate hitters in High-A, he could earn a promotion to Double-A early or mid-season, which would allow him to further establish himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the minor leagues.

The takeaway

Valera's ability to consistently hit triple digits as a starting pitcher is extremely rare, and if he can maintain this level of performance, he has the potential to quickly rise through the minors and become one of the most exciting young arms in baseball.