Brewers' 2025 early-round draft pick returns to the mound after serious car accident

Just less than one year ago, the Milwaukee Brewers added a new draft class filled with talent to their already stacked farm system. The 2025 draft class included first-rounder Andrew Fischer, who has since impressed at both the international level, participating for Team Italy during the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and in the minor leagues as his home run binge that began in High-A has extended to Double-A.

However, while Fischer earns most of the attention when it comes to Milwaukee's most recent group of draft picks, other names like high school shortstop Brady Ebel, former Boston College outfielder Josiah Ragsdale, and underrated right-hander Braylon Owens have all since found success in the Brewers' minor league system as well.

Ebel was the Brewers' second selection in last year's draft -- a pick they earned for losing Willy Adames to free agency after extending him the qualifying offer. Milwaukee then selected a pair of left-handed pitchers with their next two picks. The first was left-hander J.D. Thompson out of Vanderbilt University, who has since made just six starts in the Brewers' minor league system due to injuries. The second, who was selected in the Competitive Balance Round B, was high school southpaw Frank Cairone.

Cairone, who hails from Franklinville, New Jersey, was involved in a serious car accident back in January and, according to his own social media page, wasn't sure if he was going to be able to walk or talk again. Miraculously, just six months later, Cairone is not only back to walking and throwing a baseball, but he's already pitching in professional baseball games.

Brewers' 2025 draft pick Frank Cairone makes professional debut six months after involvement in serious car accident

Back in mid-April, Cairone was cleared to resume baseball activities and joined the Brewers' Rookie Ball affiliate down in the Arizona Complex League (ACL). Cairone was rehabbing for the last two months, but had yet to officially make his professional debut. That changed earlier today when Cairone was tasked with starting the ACL Brewers' game against the ACL Giants.

The Brewers eased Cairone back into game activity by having him throw just one inning this afternoon. The 18-year-old allowed one hit -- a single that came around to score after a stolen base, a wild pitch, and an RBI groundout.

However, results at this point are the least of anyone's concerns. What matters most is that Cairone is back on the mound after his scary situation back in January. It's been an incredible journey back to this point for the young southpaw, and today marks an impressive milestone in his baseball career.

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