Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has become the leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award in 2026. Known as “The Miz,” he has lived up to expectations, excelling with improved command and elite velocity. Misiorowski previously averaged over four walks per nine innings in 2025, a figure he reduced to 2.26 in 2026. This improvement contributed to his 0.79 WHIP, only allowing 84 hits across 155 innings. He also recorded 227 strikeouts and allowed a .154 batting average, making hits against him as rare as pitchers batting. He went 25 consecutive starts without giving up more than three earned runs.
That impressive streak ended in a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Misiorowski’s outing was atypical, lasting just four innings with five runs allowed on five hits and four walks, striking out five. Though not disastrous, it marked a dip from his usual performance. His recent four starts have shown a downward trend in his stats, causing some concern for the Brewers.
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Maintaining his average fastball velocity, Misiorowski’s innings pitched have reached unprecedented heights. In 2025, he pitched 129.1 innings between the minors and majors. With four starts left in 2026, he could reach 180 innings. The Brewers, clinching the postseason with the top seed, face decisions about Misiorowski’s usage to preserve his form.
Former Cy Young pitcher Jake Peavy suggests the Brewers should rest Misiorowski. Peavy, sharing his MLB Now discussion, stated, “They’ve got to skip him a start or two and get him feeling fresh again…to win a World Series, you have to ride this guy.” Ensuring Misiorowski’s health could increase the Brewers’ chances at their first championship.
The Brewers’ roster strength is undeniable. The offense, powered by Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, William Contreras, Andrew Vaughn, and Jake Bauers, remains consistent. The starting rotation includes formidable pitchers Kyle Harrison and Logan Henderson. Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and Aaron Ashby anchor a dependable bullpen.
Misiorowski’s role is crucial for the Brewers’ title aspiration. His relentless dominance in 2026 has few parallels. The Brewers must decide whether resting him before the play-offs is beneficial. Maintaining his routine could also prove effective. The Brewers’ coaching staff and Misiorowski are deliberating on the best approach in pursuit of the World Series.
As Ian Miller from OutKick observed, the Brewers’ championship fate may rest in handling Misiorowski wisely, balancing his utilization for optimal postseason performance.