Is It Time For The Jacob Misiorowski Era To Begin?

[Matt Breen]

Should Milwaukee promote right-handed pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, the club’s top pitching prospect, from Biloxi to help fortify the team’s relief corps? Let’s examine the situation.

Image courtesy of © Curt Hogg / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jacob Misiorowski has some of the best raw stuff in the minor leagues. He has a wicked fastball, a wipe-out slider, and a developing curveball. His control, however, is lacking. 

The Brewers have continued to work Misiorowski as a starter, letting him go 3-5 innings each time he heads to the mound. The results have been mostly good. Forty-one strikeouts and only ten hits allowed in 27 innings is awesome. Twenty walks is not. 

Recently, The Athletic published an article in which Jim Bowden stated that Misiorowski could play in the majors right now, and be very effective, as a reliever. Scouts and analysts have addressed this question for a couple of years. His stuff is amazing, but can Misiorowski harness his pitches to limit the walks? The Brewers seem to think he can, hence his remaining at Biloxi and in the rotation.

This situation doesn’t appear dissimilar to Josh Hader's when he came to Milwaukee. The team insisted he was a starter before giving him a job as a reliever, a role he thrived in. 

The Brewers' dilemma is compounded by the club’s needs. Right now, the team is in first place, but they are doing it despite multiple injuries to their pitching staff (Jakob Junis, Wade Miley, DL Hall, Devin Williams, JB Bukauskas) and a rotation that does not go deep in games (the Brewers starters have pitched the fewest innings in the majors), which puts added pressure on the bullpen.

As the season moves on, will the Brewers relievers wilt under the weight of a heavy workload?

We should note that the relief corps has done a solid job this season (an ERA of 3.77), which is 13th in the majors. But that’s not exactly lights out like in 2023, when our bullpen had the second-best ERA in the majors. 2024 has seen some good performances (Bryan Hudson, Hoby Milner, Elvis Peguero), some bad (Abner Uribe), and some between. Plus, the injuries to the starters have forced Bryse Wilson - a reliable bullpen arm in 2023 - into the rotation.

So, the need is there. Yes, guys like Bukauskas, Junis, and Williams will likely return - at some point. But the Brewers will need a lot of arms over the course of the season. Other players at Nashville can help - but none have the potential of Misiorowski.

In an ideal world, the team would acquire a quality starting pitcher—maybe even a good reliever. But the Brewers are loath to deal prospects or take on salary, which makes Misiorowski even more attractive. 

So, do you make the call for Misiorowski? I hope he turns into a quality arm in the pen for the rest of 2024. He could be the player who comes in for an inning or two and regularly shuts down the opposing team. That sort of player can help the Brewers tremendously as they fight to reach the postseason. But in doing so, does it harm his development as a starter? 

My next question is, are the Brewers honest with themselves when they believe Misiorowski can develop into a starting major league pitcher? The club insisted that was the case with Hadar for a long time - before finally conceding he was too good as a reliever. Of course, that’s an extreme example of this sort of situation. It’s probably not fair to compare Misiorowski to Hadar - there are likely so many differences that we - the average fan - have no clue about. However, it is hard not to see similarities in the situation.

Perhaps the club could convince themselves that bringing up Misiorowski and putting him in the pen would be a bump in the road for his development as a starter. He would benefit by gaining valuable experience and the attention of the major league staff. And maybe the team could make a clearer assessment of Misiorowski’s future by seeing him in a relief role for the rest of 2024 (assuming he pitches well enough to stay in the majors). 

No matter the decision, it would be sweet to see Misiorowski on the mound for Milwaukee in 2024. His nasty fastball/slider combo is wiping out hitters. Add in the return of Devin Williams, and the Brewers bullpen could return to elite levels.

But I don’t think anyone can fault the club if they keep him on his developmental track in the minor leagues. Especially if the team feels he can develop into a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. And they certainly don’t want Misiorowski to get crushed in Milwaukee - and his confidence shattered. That can be disastrous. 

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[sveumrules]

We should note that the relief corps has done a solid job this season (an ERA of 3.77), which is 13th in the majors. But that’s not exactly lights out like in 2023,

While the raw ERA isn’t overly impressive, Brewers relievers are currently 3rd in MLB at +3.73 WPA and second in MLB with 2.5 rWAR.

Their 49 “shutdown” appearances are tied for 6th most while their 18 “meltdown” appearances are 3rd fewest.

Or for more of an old school flair, their 17 Wins are most in MLB while their 5 Losses are tied for 2nd fewest.

All five of Hudson (17 ERA- | 59 FIP- | +1.56 WPA), Megill (38 ERA- | 71 FIP- | +1.09 WPA), Milner (41 ERA- | 88 FIP- | +0.71 WPA), Koenig (77 ERA- | 106 FIP- | 0.44 WPA) and Peguero (77 ERA- | 56 FIP- | +0.43 WPA) have been effective in terms of run prevention, peripherals and leverage.

Payamps has been unscored on in 13 of his 16 appearances. The three clunkers tanked his rate stats (126 ERA- | 106 FIP-), but he’s still been a slight positive contextually at +0.12 WPA.

White and Vieira are nothing special but both are fine to mop up low leverage innings as needed.

I’d leave Misio in the Biloxi rotation for now to stack innings and hope he makes some gains with his command before a possible August or September call up.

[Joseph Zarr]

To answer the article's proposed ?: Absolutely not.

In 6-of-8 games in the extremely offensively challenged 2024 Southern League, Miz has walked at least 3 batters. He's walked 5 twice. To a tune of 12 free passes in only 12 2/3 IP. 7 WP's and 2 HB in that same span.

We all know Miz has electric raw talent and tools, but to propose elevating him to the MLB level when he can't even stack consecutive outings (let alone innings) is a a wee fantastical from my vantage point.

It's hard to know what the future holds for Miz - is he a reliever? Can he actually repeat controlled mechanics for a starter's duration of innings? BUT, at just a mere 22 years old, the good thing is the Brewers have plenty of time to find out.

There is zero reasons to call him up at this stage given his lack of growth since his initial promotion to Double-A in 2023. If anything, the unfortunate truth is he has regressed. There is plenty of developmental work ahead. I would personally prefer that work doesn't come on an MLB mound for the foreseeable future. 

Patience. Patience. Patience.

 

[Thurston Fluff]

Great stuff, no command sounds more like Abner Uribe right now that Hader. He's also not on the 40 man roster right now. We have four players on the 60 day DL that will need spots if/when they come back. So is Miso so much better than the other relief options to offset losing the fifth worst player on the 40 man and hamper his development as a starter? I'd say no at this point.

[Brewcrew82]

I've always been an advocate of calling Mis up as soon as he manages to bring his control to a somewhat acceptable level. Even if it means skipping over AAA. 

That time is not right now, however. Last night another reminder. 

[duewizard]

No!

He has no control right now. 7.2 BB/9 in Double A. How do you think that plays in the Majors? Until he shows he can do at the very least least 4.5 BB/9 he has no place in a big league roster.

Otherwise, we will call him up, he will get shelled, and he'll be optioned immediately. Adding him to the 40-man before he is ready and getting him to the majors will start the service time clock early and will waste an option year.

PATIENCE. 

[NOMAAM]

Paredes should probably get the call.  Let White go.

[biedergb]

Mis could be electric in a 1-2 inning stint and he is unhittable.

But, his control is bad. That could lead to major hiccups in relief. A couple of walks and a HBP or WP will mean someone has to mop up his mess which will add more strain on the ‘pen.

Whether he is a reliever or starter in the future, his inability to get strikes when needed leads to high pitch counts. In AA he gets away with it since the hitters are just overmatched. In MLB they will just let him throw four balls and take the free pass.

Maybe he can learn control, but I agree minors is the best place to do this. 
Hader was a better pitcher in terms of control 3-4BB/9IP in the minors, MIs is more like 5-7BB/9IP.

[jay87shot]

To soon, I would love to see him up but have to admit he isn't there. Last year he threw 70 innings so my guess is his limit is 100-120 probably. I would say we should really consider it until bb get to 5/per 9 and he is around the 70-80 inning mark. Then we can ease the workload to fit the season and let him loose as a 25-40 pitch reliever/piggyback (love Hall/Misi piggyback back come August).

If he isn't there we can wait until May 2025 and save some service time. Part of me is also thinking that of he is a top 20 prospect maybe he could be best used to get a big bat. We are seeing starters blowing arms out like crazy and Misi with his slinging 3/4 release is going to be at risk his entire career. Maybe trading high on him isn't a bad idea.

[wallus]

Bide your time until our all-star closer comes back. I would absolutely not rush Mis.

[Matt Breen]

I like that people are coming down on the side of giving him time. That's a sound approach.

I will say that I didn't put in the article the scenario of just giving the guy another three months - and if we need him, call him up (assuming he's looking good) after the trade deadline. A power arm like Misiorowski in the last 6 weeks might be really nice to have. 

But essentially, I think most people believe you wait and let the kid get his pitches under a bit more control. Still an intriguing option if he proves himself - and the need is there down the road.

[jesusoftheapes]

Anyone who is worried about this is lost .  He won't be coming up in 2024 because it is not his time though by the break  he could find AAA work for sure.  As exciting as it is to watch that kid From Pitt to scorch batters and want the same Misiorowski is not ready though even so what he has now will play in the Show.   He is a guy who can dominate MLB bats even with his flaws because his best stuff is magic .  His walks are simple to explain as he is working on new pitches in AA which is why he is there.  In AAA you are prepping to be a pro.  In AA you are developing different things you do not get to develop AAA and above.   So do not let his walks stats scare you.    He is not a wild pitch thrower.  He is just working on a couple pitches which of course give him a few more Balls than normal .    So be it in development.   The Brewers need pitching help  . That is obvious.  But Jacob is not giving the Brewers a Skenes in 2024 .    HOWEVER TREVOR BAUER IS PITCHING IN MEXICO !!! If the Brewers want to add a cheap pitcher who could dominate the entire MLB and give this team a Pennant in this season there is one name out there that can check all the boxes of need and price .   Trevor Bauer is an INNOCENT MAN who is currently being railroaded by MLB because he fought them when the MeeToo thing went down BECAUSE he was innocent.   Trevor Bauer is the answer for the Brewers and he would not only dominate with a chip so big on his shoulder after his displacement no batter will hit the guy HE WILL BE CHEAP AS HECK which is what the Brewers covet most above all things.    Forget a long shot on a AA prospect who is just not ready.    Sign Bauer for peanuts and WIN THIS WHOLE DAMN THING!  Go Crew! 

[jesusoftheapes]

19 hours ago, reillymcshane said:

I like that people are coming down on the side of giving him time. That's a sound approach.

I will say that I didn't put in the article the scenario of just giving the guy another three months - and if we need him, call him up (assuming he's looking good) after the trade deadline. A power arm like Misiorowski in the last 6 weeks might be really nice to have. 

But essentially, I think most people believe you wait and let the kid get his pitches under a bit more control. Still an intriguing option if he proves himself - and the need is there down the road.

This news is not about Jacob as much as it is about Skenes .  We are jealous and that is all .  Jacob is not really ready but even so what he does do would play at the MLB level.  However what he can be as good as anyone in the current bullpen as is if you wanted him to just be a couple inning a game guy max .   If you want a starter with a rifle for an arm you wait.  However I really do not believe that is the plan for him anyways.  I think he is the next Hader/Williams Closer for the Crew and not the next big starter .   Who knows really? Only the Crew knows the plan for now.  The truth is the Brewers are really good and will be getting better through 2024 as more bats come back into play.  They need better pitching no doubt .  Gasser helps but the team needs an ACE and Freddy is not giving them that right now.    There is one name and one name ONLY that gets the Crew to the place they need to get.  Trevor Bauer who is currently pitching in Mexico for no good reason ! He would be dominate and unhittable and would also cost less than your average newbie .     If the Brewers are serious about winning for a change giving Bauer his MLB opportunity would propel this team deep into a run for something they have never had.   A World Series WIN! 

[jesusoftheapes]

22 hours ago, wallus said:

Bide your time until our all-star closer comes back. I would absolutely not rush Mis.

We have an ALL Star Closer Right now and its not Williams .  McGill is the best closer in the MLB right now.  Hidden from most I know but McGill is throwing better than any closer in the NL right now and its obvious .   Williams is a nice piece but I say trade him Hader style because the Brewers have a closer worth keeping as is.   Williams is better than McGill but not by much and McGill's heat is what is winning in the MLB today. 

[jesusoftheapes]

On 5/19/2024 at 4:09 PM, biedergb said:

Mis could be electric in a 1-2 inning stint and he is unhittable.

But, his control is bad. That could lead to major hiccups in relief. A couple of walks and a HBP or WP will mean someone has to mop up his mess which will add more strain on the ‘pen.

Whether he is a reliever or starter in the future, his inability to get strikes when needed leads to high pitch counts. In AA he gets away with it since the hitters are just overmatched. In MLB they will just let him throw four balls and take the free pass.

Maybe he can learn control, but I agree minors is the best place to do this. 
Hader was a better pitcher in terms of control 3-4BB/9IP in the minors, MIs is more like 5-7BB/9IP.

I think if they really want a starter you wait .  If you want a bullpen guy what he has is perfectly suited for the Show as it stands right now.    If he is going to be a bullpen guy bring him up now.   If he is a future starting pitcher leave him be.  What I saw in Spring Training from Jacob was a guy who can strike out any MLB batter today.   The guys good .   His future is bright and it can go several ways. 

[jesusoftheapes]

On 5/19/2024 at 12:17 PM, Brewcrew82 said:

I've always been an advocate of calling Mis up as soon as he manages to bring his control to a somewhat acceptable level. Even if it means skipping over AAA. 

That time is not right now, however. Last night another reminder. 

Remember his numbers are not important.  In AA he is working on new pitches and his control looks worse than it is because of that .  When he hits his pitches he is a shutdown guy who has every bit of what you need to win in the Show.  He can develop more to his game if you leave him in AA and AAA as a starter but if your goal is a starter waiting is needed probably and if not bring him right now and just let him throw his 3 pitches and win with him.   

[jesusoftheapes]

On 5/19/2024 at 1:39 PM, duewizard said:

No!

He has no control right now. 7.2 BB/9 in Double A. How do you think that plays in the Majors? Until he shows he can do at the very least least 4.5 BB/9 he has no place in a big league roster.

Otherwise, we will call him up, he will get shelled, and he'll be optioned immediately. Adding him to the 40-man before he is ready and getting him to the majors will start the service time clock early and will waste an option year.

PATIENCE. 

Those numbers are meaningless.   In AA he is working on new pitches which hurt his numbers that he won't be using if called up.   the 7,2 bb/9 numbers you posted are meaningless.   That would not be how he pitches in the Show if called up as his pitches would be limited to what he does best instead of working on new stuff .   You can see that number falling greatly if he was just throwing his best 3 pitches instead of working on new stuff all the time which is what is going on in AA .     For all of you who think like this I strongly suggest you stop looking at paper stats and watch him play.   He is ready to win at the highest levels and his best stuff is better than 80% of anyone currently in the MLB pitching right now.   Yes he can be worked into a more rounded pitcher with time and would have 2 or 3 more pitches with time maybe.  However it is obvious what he can do right now would play at a very high level  TODAY .  He would stop pitching experimental pitches instantly with a call up by design and would focus in on the 3 pitches he has already  mastered which are killers with very little answers for batters and would be near impossible to hit .    I do not know anything real about what the Brewers will do ever but as far as Jacob goes any move is the right move because he is just that good.   If we want a peak at what he is capable of in The Show let him pitch.   Brining him back down is not the end of the world and there is no wasting options.  

[jesusoftheapes]

23 hours ago, wallus said:

Bide your time until our all-star closer comes back. I would absolutely not rush Mis.

why is it rushing if he can throw 105 now?   There is no waste to experience and AA is NOT experience .  The only thing keeping him in AA right now is fear.   Fear should not be a motivation for keeping a star down.  Stars need to shine or they burn out .    Jacob is just to good to slow play to much.  He has more now than 80% of all MLB pitching.    He can play big league ball TODAY and win.   What he can be with more pitches is Trevor Bauer good with more speed.   Speaking of Trevor Bauer by the way.   SIGN THAT MAN NOW ! 

[jesusoftheapes]

On 5/19/2024 at 3:45 PM, NOMAAM said:

Paredes should probably get the call.  Let White go.

White signing was questionable at best .  

[NOMAAM]

14 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

White signing was questionable at best .  

Yeah, just an arm.  That I don’t get having a major league deal at all.  Myers or Paredes would be better.  Even if you just want them to eat inngs.

[NOMAAM]

14 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

why is it rushing if he can throw 105 now?   There is no waste to experience and AA is NOT experience .  The only thing keeping him in AA right now is fear.   Fear should not be a motivation for keeping a star down.  Stars need to shine or they burn out .    Jacob is just to good to slow play to much.  He has more now than 80% of all MLB pitching.    He can play big league ball TODAY and win.   What he can be with more pitches is Trevor Bauer good with more speed.   Speaking of Trevor Bauer by the way.   SIGN THAT MAN NOW ! 

Jacob doesn’t throw enough strikes to be effective yet.  He has a hard time getting through 3 inngs at AA.  So calling him up would most likely go worse than Abner.

[duewizard]

16 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

Those numbers are meaningless.   In AA he is working on new pitches which hurt his numbers that he won't be using if called up.   the 7,2 bb/9 numbers you posted are meaningless.   That would not be how he pitches in the Show if called up as his pitches would be limited to what he does best instead of working on new stuff .   You can see that number falling greatly if he was just throwing his best 3 pitches instead of working on new stuff all the time which is what is going on in AA .     For all of you who think like this I strongly suggest you stop looking at paper stats and watch him play.   He is ready to win at the highest levels and his best stuff is better than 80% of anyone currently in the MLB pitching right now.   Yes he can be worked into a more rounded pitcher with time and would have 2 or 3 more pitches with time maybe.  However it is obvious what he can do right now would play at a very high level  TODAY .  He would stop pitching experimental pitches instantly with a call up by design and would focus in on the 3 pitches he has already  mastered which are killers with very little answers for batters and would be near impossible to hit .    I do not know anything real about what the Brewers will do ever but as far as Jacob goes any move is the right move because he is just that good.   If we want a peak at what he is capable of in The Show let him pitch.   Brining him back down is not the end of the world and there is no wasting options.  

He is not working on new pitches? He still throws the fastball, slider, curve, change mix he had last year. I've seen him pitch. What I see is really big uncontrolled mechanics that lead to his walk issues. The key for him will be to find a way to make his mechanics more repeatable so that he can find the control he needs. He just doesn't throw enough strikes. Otherwise, he will continue to walk at least 3 guys per start.

And, unfortunately, the numbers do not lie. He has carried a BB% over 10% since he was in JUCO at Crowder. 19% this year. Those are numbers in the minors! Big league hitters with good eyes will just lay off his stuff and let Misio walk them. 

There is no doubt the floor is an electric reliever, but he still needs to find his control in order to achieve it. And there is absolutely no need to rush. He is only 22 and will not be Rule 5 eligible until the end of the 2025 season

16 hours ago, jesusoftheapes said:

why is it rushing if he can throw 105 now?   There is no waste to experience and AA is NOT experience .  The only thing keeping him in AA right now is fear.   Fear should not be a motivation for keeping a star down.  Stars need to shine or they burn out .    Jacob is just to good to slow play to much.  He has more now than 80% of all MLB pitching.    He can play big league ball TODAY and win.   

His velo has been somewhat down this year to begin with. And velo is not the only thing that matters. Thyago Vieira averages 98mph on his fastball and you can see how that has gone. Uribe averages 99 but his lack of control makes him unsuitable for a closer role for now.

Fear is not keeping him down. Its logic. Everyone in the farm system knows he will not do well. Why destroy the kids confidence like that? And it is also a decision of roster construction and money. You put Misio on the 40-man and he performs badly so you have to option him. Now your 40-man is effectively a 39-man. You also waste an option year, and those are key with pitchers as they adapt to the bigs and bullpen flexibility is needed. And you start the service time clock early, which means you end up losing control over Misiorowski's best years.

"He has more now than 80% of all MLB pitching. " What do you mean by this?

 

[Team Canada]

Holy consecutive posts Batman! 

We're not going to turn this thread into another one on Bauer, any posts that reply to that content will be removed.

[brooks_quichenick]

29 minutes ago, Team Canada said:

Holy consecutive posts Batman! 

We're not going to turn this thread into another one on Bauer, any posts that reply to that content will be removed.

Instead of threatening people who may reply, why not just remove that completely unnecessary and unrelated Bauer stuff that was posted in this thread about Misiorowski?

[jesusoftheapes]

On 5/19/2024 at 11:03 AM, Joseph Zarr said:

To answer the article's proposed ?: Absolutely not.

In 6-of-8 games in the extremely offensively challenged 2024 Southern League, Miz has walked at least 3 batters. He's walked 5 twice. To a tune of 12 free passes in only 12 2/3 IP. 7 WP's and 2 HB in that same span.

We all know Miz has electric raw talent and tools, but to propose elevating him to the MLB level when he can't even stack consecutive outings (let alone innings) is a a wee fantastical from my vantage point.

It's hard to know what the future holds for Miz - is he a reliever? Can he actually repeat controlled mechanics for a starter's duration of innings? BUT, at just a mere 22 years old, the good thing is the Brewers have plenty of time to find out.

There is zero reasons to call him up at this stage given his lack of growth since his initial promotion to Double-A in 2023. If anything, the unfortunate truth is he has regressed. There is plenty of developmental work ahead. I would personally prefer that work doesn't come on an MLB mound for the foreseeable future. 

Patience. Patience. Patience.

 

I strongly disagree.  Skenes proved you do not need to wait when you have a flame thrower with 3 pitches that play at MLB level like Jacob  .   We brought up a AA pitcher last night and this was in preparation to bring up Jacob soon too.   Just like they did with Myers before Gasser this was a move to put Misirowski in his place right before they call him up.    He is coming up.  He will be pitching in Blue in 2024 .   Be excited and stop worrying.  The numbers he is putting up in Biloxi are jaded because at AA they are trying to get him to learn new pitches which f with his numbers .   His best 3 pitches play at the MLB level all day .  What blows my mind is all you who have an opinion have not watch him pitch one time this season or last.  You probably even missed his Spring Training mound time which was dominate against MLB bats.     This guy should come up.  Putting him back down is not hard to do and it does not hurt him .  Experience at the MLB mound level is more important for a pitcher like him than anything he can learn in AA .