Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jacob Misiorowski recently captured the spotlight after receiving high praise for his fastball. Ranked No. 100 on MLB’s Top 100 Prospects list, Misiorowski boasts an impressive 80-grade fastball, as highlighted by Major League Baseball’s official Instagram account.
Misiorowski’s fastball earned recognition not just for its speed but for its unique characteristics. According to Sam Dykstra of MLB.com, while reaching triple digits is impressive, it’s not solely the velocity that sets Misiorowski apart. The 6-foot-7 right-hander generates elite extension, reducing the distance between his release point and the batter, thereby giving hitters less time to react. Additionally, his three-quarters release position offers a flatter approach angle, allowing his fastball to stay above swinging bats. In Double-A and Triple-A during the 2024 season, opposing hitters managed just a .212 batting average against his heater, while the whiff rate stood at 31 percent—compared to the Major League averages of .247 and 22 percent, respectively.
While many fans celebrated the young pitcher’s promising talent, concerns emerged about his pitching mechanics. The second slide of MLB’s Instagram post showcasing Misiorowski’s pitching motion sparked a wave of comments suggesting a potential risk of Tommy John surgery. Numerous fans speculated on his future health, with comments like, “Tommy will meet John,” and “Tommy John has entered the chat.” Some observers pointed to what they described as the “W” arm motion in his delivery, which medical experts often associate with increased stress on the elbow joint.
Despite these concerns, Misiorowski continues to make strides toward his big-league debut. In the 2024 season, he posted a 3-5 record with a respectable 3.33 ERA across 21 starts and 97.1 innings. His ability to maintain such solid numbers in the upper minors demonstrates both his talent and resilience as a pitcher.
It remains uncertain whether Misiorowski will officially break into MLB in 2025, but signs point to him being on the brink of achieving that milestone. If he can maintain his dominant fastball and refine his pitching mechanics, he could become a game-changing asset for the Brewers. While the debate over his health and mechanics continues among fans, there is no denying the excitement surrounding one of Milwaukee’s most promising pitching prospects.
