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 set to make his spring debut on Tuesday. With the departure of Freddy Peralta, Misiorowski is now a key player in the team's rotation. He's being pushed as one of the new faces of the franchise, and his performance in his second season will be crucial. Here are three questions to consider as he embarks on this new chapter.
Can Misiorowski Build on His Strong First Season?
Misiorowski's debut was nothing short of spectacular. He started with 11 no-hit innings and carried a perfect game into the seventh inning of his season opener. This impressive performance earned him an All-Star selection after just five major league starts. However, as the season progressed, his performance dipped, possibly due to a left tibia contusion that put him on the IL. Despite this setback, his postseason run showcased his resilience and talent, putting him back in the spotlight.
The challenge now is to maintain this momentum. While early projections are positive, it's important to set realistic goals. Misiorowski might not reach the heights of his All-Star debut, and he may not even be the top pitcher in the rotation. The question is, will a season with small improvements in his stats be considered a success? It would indicate continued growth, but it might not be as flashy. The goal is to see him remain electric and establish himself as a premier pitcher in the league.
How Will the Jump in Innings Be Managed?
Misiorowski's workload increased significantly between 2024 and 2025, from 97 1/3 innings to 141 1/3 innings, a 45% jump. This is a crucial aspect of his development, and it's important to consider how the team will manage his innings in 2026. Most projections suggest a slight increase, with ZiPS predicting 116 2/3 innings, a drop from the previous year. Other projections on FanGraphs estimate between 134 and 139 innings, with 30 to 32 appearances.
The Brewers' strategy with openers and potential bullpen usage adds an interesting layer to this question. It's possible that Misiorowski will make fewer starts, but there's also a chance he'll pitch a full season. Quinn Priester, who made 29 appearances last season, pitched 157 1/3 innings, which could be a benchmark for Misiorowski. The main concern is whether the increased workload will impact his performance and if he can maintain a similar level of success.
What Can We Expect from Misiorowski's Second Season?
Comparing Misiorowski's journey to other Brewers pitchers can provide insight. Brandon Woodruff, for instance, had a strong 2018 season after his debut in 2017. Freddy Peralta, on the other hand, struggled in his second season after a strong first year. Corbin Burnes faced a setback in his second season, returning to the bullpen after a poor performance in the rotation. Aaron Ashby, despite a strong second season, faced injuries in subsequent years.
Given the Brewers' track record, Misiorowski is likely due for growth. The question is, how will he perform in his second season? Will he continue to shine and establish himself as a premier pitcher, or will he face challenges similar to those of his predecessors?
