The Brewers' Rising Star: Can Jacob Misiorowski Sustain His Success in Season Two?
The Hype is Real
Jacob Misiorowski is poised to take the baseball world by storm once again as he gears up for his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers. After a sensational debut, the spotlight is on him to deliver another stellar performance. But can he live up to the expectations?
Misiorowski's first season was nothing short of extraordinary. He began his career with an incredible 11 no-hit innings and maintained a perfect game into the seventh inning of his season opener. This remarkable start earned him an All-Star selection after just five major league appearances. However, as the season progressed, Misiorowski's performance returned to earth, possibly due to a left tibia contusion that landed him on the injured list. Despite this setback, he finished strong, with a postseason run that reminded everyone of his immense talent.
The Challenge of Consistency
As Misiorowski embarks on his sophomore season, the pressure is on. Early projections are optimistic, with ZiPS predicting 26 appearances, 116 2/3 innings pitched, a 3.86 ERA, and an improved walk rate. But will he be able to match his debut year's success? And here's where it gets controversial—is it fair to expect another All-Star season from Misiorowski? While a season of incremental improvements might be considered a success by some, it may not capture the public's imagination like his debut did. But is flashy performance all that matters?
Managing the Workload
One crucial aspect to consider is Misiorowski's workload. Teams typically don't set specific inning limits for pitchers, but Misiorowski's significant increase in innings between 2024 and 2025 (a whopping 45%) raises questions. Most teams use a 20-25% increase as a guideline, but Misiorowski's workload exceeded that. After a brief IL stint in August, he struggled with a 6.41 ERA in his first six starts upon returning. However, he bounced back in his final two starts and excelled in the postseason, allowing only two earned runs in 12 innings.
It's unlikely the Brewers will push Misiorowski's innings by 45% again in 2026. Most projections suggest a slight increase, with ZiPS estimating 116 2/3 innings. This could mean a reduced role, as some projections have him making 24-25 starts. This might be due to the Brewers' use of openers or potential bullpen management. But Misiorowski has the potential to pitch a full season, as demonstrated by Quinn Priester's 29 appearances (mostly starts) and 157 1/3 innings in 2025.
Learning from the Past
Looking at the Brewers' recent history, several pitchers have taken different paths in their second seasons. Brandon Woodruff, who made his debut in 2017, had a strong first season and continued to impress in his second year, earning a postseason spot. Freddy Peralta, who debuted in 2018, also had a solid start but struggled in his second season, leading to a bullpen role. Corbin Burnes, however, had a rough second season after a promising start, only to bounce back in his third year. And Aaron Ashby, who debuted in 2021, showed promise but missed significant time due to injury in his second season.
The Verdict
So, what can we expect from Misiorowski in his second season? The Brewers' track record suggests he's likely to continue his growth. With a strong debut and the team's support, Misiorowski has the potential to become a premier pitcher in the league. But will he sustain his success? That's the million-dollar question. And this is the part most people miss—while flashy debuts are exciting, consistency is the true marker of greatness. Will Misiorowski be the next Brewers' ace? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Misiorowski destined for greatness, or will he face the sophomore slump? Share your thoughts in the comments!
