With Spring Breakout dud, Jacob Misiorowski's step back this spring is sadly complete

The Milwaukee Brewers’ #4 prospect, Jacob Misiorowski, has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville, where he will continue developing as a starter. This decision follows a rocky spring training in which Misiorowski struggled with consistency. Despite a 3-0 record, his 9.39 ERA over 7.2 innings painted a different picture. The hard-throwing right-hander surrendered seven hits, eight earned runs, one home run, and five walks while striking out nine batters.

With his fate for the start of the season already decided, Misiorowski's Spring Breakout performance only reinforced the belief that he needs more time. This past against the Reds, the 22-year-old was pulled in the second inning after allowing three runs. His outing was marred by command issues, including a wild pitch, a hit-by-pitch, and a balk—highlighting exactly why the Brewers opted to keep him in the minors for now.

Will Jacob Misiorowski solve his control problems in time for 2025?

There’s no denying Misiorowski’s talent. Armed with a mid to high-90s fastball that can touch triple digits, an improved slider, and a sharp curveball, he possesses the arsenal of a future ace. However, raw stuff alone doesn’t guarantee success in the majors. The Brewers, a team committed to long-term excellence, understand this better than most teams. Their decision to keep him in Triple-A reflects their belief that he is on the cusp of breaking through, but needs to refine his command before he can contribute at the highest level.

This year’s approach will be slightly different from 2024. Last season, the Brewers briefly converted Misiorowski into a bullpen arm late last year, a move that could've accelerated his path to the majors. But for the 2025 campaign, manager Pat Murphy has made it clear: the plan is for him to develop as a starter. If all goes well, Brewers fans should expect to see him debut in that role later this season. Of course, plans can change depending on the team’s needs, but for now, Milwaukee remains committed to his long-term plan as a frontline starter.

Misiorowski entered spring training with high expectations, but few believed it was realistic for him to crack the Opening Day roster. Command issues have long been a concern, and while his arm talent is promising, inconsistency continues to hold him back.

An opportunity did arise when left-hander Aaron Ashby landed on the injured list with a lat strain, followed by DL Hall’s placement on the 60-day IL. For a brief moment, it looked as if the door might open for Misiorowski. Yet, the Brewers quickly closed that gap with the signing of veteran lefty Jose Quintana, reinforcing their preference for experience in the rotation while their young flamethrower continues to develop.

Still, there’s no reason to dwell on what could have been. Misiorowski remains a crucial part of Milwaukee’s future, and his time will come. The Brewers have begun infusing their lineup with young talent, and when he finally gets a hold on his command, Misiorowski has all the makings of a household name. His journey may have hit a brief pause, but it’s only a matter of time before he takes the mound at American Family Field as a key piece of the Brewers’ rotation.

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