It’s hard to imagine a more impressive start to a Major League Baseball career than that of Jacob Misiorowski. At just 23, the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie has dazzled on the mound, allowing only two runs on three hits over his first 16 innings, with 19 strikeouts and seven walks. Misiorowski’s debut included an extraordinary feat, becoming the first pitcher in 125 years to begin his career with 11 hitless innings. In a recent standout performance, he outpitched reigning NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes in a highly anticipated matchup.
Despite his early success, Misiorowski remains grounded. “I think the biggest thing is not going on Instagram, not looking at all that stuff,” he shared in the visiting clubhouse at Citi Field before a game against the Mets. “I mean, you’re gonna see it, but I think that’s the biggest part of [keeping focused], staying off of that stuff, and being able to be with family, friends, and my girlfriend, being around her. That’s been huge that they’ve been with me.”
Finding Balance On and Off the Field
Misiorowski’s ability to stay focused is complemented by having his family travel with him during these early stages of his MLB career. He emphasizes living in the moment and taking things one day at a time. “Through my whole career, I’ve been told, ‘Hey, keep going. Stay where your feet are,'” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing with being able to stay mentally in control of myself, and just not thinking too far in the future.”
This mental discipline has translated into improved control on the mound, a significant achievement for Misiorowski, who struggled with command earlier in his career. Coming into the 2025 season, he had never posted a walk rate lower than 11.9% at any stop in his minor league career. This led many scouting services, including MLB Pipeline, to question his ability to consistently repeat his delivery given his 6’7″ frame.
Improving Command: A Season of Growth
The 2025 season has seen Misiorowski begin to rewrite the narrative. In 63.1 innings at Triple-A before his call-up, he posted a 12.3% walk rate, his lowest since 2023. While not eye-popping, these numbers indicate growth. In his last nine Triple-A starts, he issued three walks or fewer in seven outings, walking 22 and striking out 56 over 43.2 innings—a BB/9 of 4.2, a marked improvement from 2024.
“I don’t think it’s been any one thing,” Misiorowski explained regarding his progress. “I think it’s just been the work I put in over the years. I think it finally just clicked for me.” His training includes specific drills to maintain consistent mechanics, such as using water bags to improve stability and command.
“The biggest thing for me is the water bags and staying on a good routine of throwing pens,” Misiorowski said. “I feel like if I do that every day, stay on that schedule, I’ll be fine.”
The Role of Visual Cues and Mechanics
Misiorowski’s success is also attributed to his use of visual cues. “Using my eyes to throw instead of just trusting that the ball was gonna go somewhere,” he noted, has been pivotal. His dynamic pitch arsenal includes a four-seam fastball with a 133 Stuff+ grade, a curveball with a 143 grade, and a slider with a 117 mark—all well above league average.
Establishing visual cues has been a turning point in Misiorowski’s maturity on the mound. “Everyone has their special [visual cues] or their thoughts that they have with a curveball, a slider, different things like that…You figure out what that is for you, and you do it like, repeat and repeat again,” he explained.
Misiorowski’s slider, which he uses to correct mechanical issues, is a key component of his pitching strategy. “For me, I think the biggest [check] is the slider,” he revealed. “The slider gets me back pretty good. I think it’s just one of those things. That’s the one pitch I’ve always had control over.”
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
Misiorowski’s ability to harness his mental and physical tools suggests a bright future. His level-headed approach, combined with a strong support system, indicates that his current success is more than just a fleeting hot streak. As he continues to refine his skills, the Brewers’ rookie is poised to make a lasting impact in the MLB.
With his impressive debut and ongoing development, Jacob Misiorowski is not just a promising talent but a potential cornerstone for the Brewers’ pitching staff. As he continues to grow, both on and off the field, the baseball world will be watching closely.
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