Jacob Misiorowski: The Key Player in Brewers’ Championship Ambitions

Milwaukee Brewers star pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, often called “The Miz,” stands out as a leading contender for the National League Cy Young Award. In 2026, he has surpassed the expectations placed on his career, showcasing elite velocity paired with newfound command and control. In the previous year, Misiorowski allowed over four walks per nine innings, but he has reduced that to 2.26 in 2026, which has significantly impacted his performance.

In the current season, Misiorowski has allowed only 84 hits in 155 innings, presenting a remarkable 0.79 WHIP. He has struck out 227 batters, maintaining an opposing batting average of .154. His domination has ensured a run of 25 consecutive starts without conceding more than three earned runs.

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However, that dominant run concluded during a matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. In an atypical performance, Misiorowski lasted only four innings, allowing five runs on five hits and four walks with five strikeouts. Although his performance fell short of his usual standards, it was still not disastrous.

Despite maintaining his average fastball velocity, concerns have emerged due to a slight drop in his recent performances over the past four starts. Weighing on him is his already career-high inning total. In 2025, he threw 129.1 innings between the minors and majors, and he is on track to reach around 180 innings this year with four starts remaining before the Brewers head into the postseason, poised as top seed favorites.

Past Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy advises skipping some of Misiorowski’s starts to ensure he remains fresh for the playoffs. “They have to skip him a start or two and get him feeling fresh again,” Peavy remarked during an MLB Now discussion. Resting Misiorowski could be crucial for a successful World Series run.

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The Brewers possess the best opportunity to secure their first-ever World Series title, thanks to a potent lineup and formidable pitching depth. Alongside Misiorowski, they boast talents like Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and a reliable bullpen featuring Trevor Megill and Aaron Ashby.

As the postseason approaches, the Brewers management faces a critical decision. Should they prioritize Misiorowski’s routine and pitching rhythm, or conserve his arm for pivotal postseason games similar to the role Yoshinobu Yamamoto played in the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series success? This decision could be pivotal to the Brewers’ World Series aspirations.

Ian Miller reports for OutKick.