Three Questions for Jacob Misiorowski's Second Season
As the sun sets on the baseball season, the spotlight shifts to Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers' rising star. With the departure of Freddy Peralta, Misiorowski is poised to become the face of the franchise, stepping into the spotlight as a pivotal figure in the team's rotation. As he embarks on his second season, a few key questions loom large, demanding attention and analysis.
Can Misiorowski Build on His Stellar Debut?
Misiorowski's first season was nothing short of spectacular. His career began with an impressive 11 no-hit innings, carrying a perfect game into the seventh inning of his season start. This performance earned him an All-Star selection after just five major league starts, a testament to his talent and potential. However, as the season progressed, he faced challenges, including a left tibia contusion that sidelined him for a period. Despite these setbacks, his postseason run showcased his resilience and determination, solidifying his place in the spotlight.
The question now is whether he can replicate this success in his second season. Early projections indicate a slight dip in innings and strikeouts, but an improvement in walk rate, aligning with his minor league development trajectory. While it may not be reasonable to expect another All-Star year, a season with small improvements could be considered a success, indicating continued growth and development.
Managing the Jump in Innings
Misiorowski's workload increased significantly between 2024 and 2025, pitching 141 1/3 innings in the regular season and postseason. This represents a 45% increase from the previous year. Most teams use a 20% to 25% increase as a general rule, but Misiorowski's case is unique. The question arises: how will he handle this jump in innings? Will he be able to maintain his performance and health with this increased workload?
The Brewers' early projections suggest a slight increase in innings, but not a dramatic jump. ZiPS, for instance, predicts 116 2/3 innings in 2026, a drop from the previous year. Other projections on FanGraphs place him between 134 and 139 innings, indicating a potential shift in his role. The Brewers' strategy of using openers and managing innings could play a significant role in his appearances and starts.
Learning from the Brewers' Track Record
The Brewers have a history of developing pitchers, and Misiorowski's second season provides an opportunity to learn from their past successes and failures. Let's examine the journeys of Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes, and Aaron Ashby, each facing unique challenges and outcomes in their second seasons.
Brandon Woodruff: After a strong debut in 2017, Woodruff bounced between the majors and Triple-A, serving in a bullpen role in 2018. His regular season performance earned him a postseason spot, showcasing his adaptability and resilience.
Freddy Peralta: Peralta's 2018 debut was promising, but he struggled in the rotation in 2019, leading to a move to the bullpen. His ERA and FIP improved, indicating growth and development.
Corbin Burnes: Burnes' second season was a stark contrast to his first. He faced challenges in the rotation, leading to a return to the bullpen. However, the Brewers' faith in him paid off, as he showed improvement in his third season.
Aaron Ashby: Ashby's journey involved a shift from the bullpen to the rotation in 2022. The Brewers' confidence in him led to a significant contract extension, despite some challenges in his second season.
As Misiorowski navigates his second season, the Brewers' track record provides valuable insights. The question remains: how will he perform, and will he write another chapter in the franchise's success story?
