Three Questions for Jacob Misiorowski's Second Season
As the Brewers gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on Jacob Misiorowski, who is poised to make a significant impact after a stellar debut. With the departure of Freddy Peralta, Misiorowski is now a key player in the team's rotation. Here's a breakdown of what to expect from him in his second year, along with some intriguing questions that will shape his future.
Can Misiorowski Build on His Impressive First Season?
Misiorowski's debut was nothing short of spectacular, leaving a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike. He started the season with an 11-inning no-hitter and carried a perfect game into the seventh inning, earning him an All-Star selection after just five major league starts. However, as the season progressed, he faced challenges, including a left tibia contusion that sidelined him for a period. Despite this setback, his strong finish in the postseason solidified his status as a rising star in the league.
The question now is whether he can maintain this momentum. Early projections suggest a slight dip in innings pitched, from 129 1/3 in 2025 to 116 2/3 in 2026, according to ZiPS. This could be a strategic move to manage his workload and prevent burnout. The strikeout rate might also decrease slightly, but the walk rate is expected to improve, aligning with his minor league development trajectory.
As a fan, it's natural to want to set high expectations, but it's crucial to temper them. Expecting another All-Star-level performance might be unrealistic. Instead, a season with small improvements in his stats could be considered a success, indicating continued growth and development.
Managing the Jump in Innings
Misiorowski's ability to handle a higher workload is a critical aspect of his development. In 2025, he pitched 141 1/3 innings, a 45% increase from the previous year. Most teams follow a 20-25% increase rule for inning limits, but Misiorowski's case is unique. After a short IL stint in August, he struggled initially but rebounded strongly in the postseason, showcasing his resilience.
Early projections suggest a slight increase in innings, but not by 45%. This means he might not reach the 200-inning mark in his second season. However, the Brewers' strategy of using openers and potential bullpen management could limit his starts. Quinn Priester, who pitched 157 1/3 innings last season, sets a high bar for Misiorowski's workload.
The key question is whether the increased workload will impact his performance. With an offseason to rest, he'll need to be fully recovered and ready to pitch a similar number of innings again.
Learning from the Brewers' Second-Year Pitchers
The Brewers have a history of developing pitchers, and Misiorowski can draw inspiration from their second-year performances.
- Brandon Woodruff: Woodruff made a strong debut in 2017, but his second season saw him bounce between the majors and Triple-A. He earned a postseason spot, making four appearances, two of which were starts.
- Freddy Peralta: Peralta's 2018 debut was solid, but he struggled in 2019, spending most of the season in the bullpen. His stats improved, indicating growth.
- Corbin Burnes: Burnes faced a setback in his second season, starting strong but eventually being moved to the bullpen due to poor performance.
- Aaron Ashby: Ashby's second season was promising, leading to a five-year extension. However, a shoulder injury cut his 2023 season short.
Misiorowski's path to success will likely involve a mix of growth and learning from these experiences. As he steps into his second season, the Brewers will be counting on him to continue the team's winning streak.
