As the Milwaukee Brewers entered this year’s Spring Training, the most familiar feeling wasn’t excitement—but a void. Freddy Peralta had left, taking with him the ace the team had relied on for seasons. And instead of rushing to find a new name from outside, the Brewers made a much bolder choice: putting their faith in Jacob Misiorowski.
No big announcements. No big contracts. Just a very clear shift in how the team talks—and thinks—about its rotation.
According to MLB.com, Misiorowski is the name under the most pressure among the players who have to “replace a departing star.” That’s no coincidence. At 24, he’s no longer a sheltered prospect. He’s entering a phase where the Brewers need him to be a cornerstone, not just a potential.
Misiorowski’s 2025 season won’t be perfect. A 5–3 record with a 4.36 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) reflects a pitcher still learning to control the pace in MLB. But behind those numbers is what makes the Brewers willing to gamble: ace material.
87 strikeouts. 1,242 whips. And most importantly: velocity. Averaging 99.3 mph fastballs, 94.1 mph sliders—numbers that would stop any team. This isn’t a pitcher who needs to be “optimized” to survive. This is a pitcher who just needs fine-tuning to dominate.
The question is: will that fine-tuning come in time?
Misiorowski is the type of pitcher who relies heavily on fastballs. According to Baseball Savant, he uses four-seamer over 55% of his pitches. Sliders, curveballs, and changeups follow, but not always consistently. In MLB, high speed isn’t enough without consistency. And that’s the real test this spring.
The Brewers don’t just need Misiorowski to pitch quickly. They need him to believe in his entire arsenal. They need him to maintain his effectiveness on his second and third stints in the lineup. And they need him to do that while Brandon Woodruff—considered an experienced counterweight in the rotation—carries a significant injury history.
That puts far more pressure on Misiorowski than a typical “second year.”
Pat Murphy won’t say outright that Misiorowski is the new ace. But the way the Brewers are preparing for this season speaks volumes. No Peralta replacement. No safe options. They’re letting Spring Training answer their biggest question.
If Misiorowski comes out and shows maturity—better control, a more flexible pitch mix, and the composure of a leader—the Brewers may have solved their hardest problem without sacrificing resources. But if he struggles, the void Peralta leaves will no longer be an abstract concept. It will become apparent with every inning.
This isn’t just the Brewers’ season. This is Jacob Misiorowski’s defining season. From “fast thrower” to “rotation leader.” From potential to responsibility.
The Brewers have gambled. Now they can only wait and see if Misiorowski is ready to respond with the pitching—or not.
Leave a Reply