MILWAUKEE — Arguably the focal point of the unexpected 2026 World Series between the Brewers and Rays is a gangly, baby-faced fireballer with an open Pokémon obsession.
Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski, the likely winner of this year’s National League Cy Young Award, is the foremost star in a low-revenue Fall Classic otherwise devoid of household names such as the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani or Yankees’ Aaron Judge. The 24-year-old Misiorowski, widely known as “The Miz,” will start Game 1 for the Brewers on Friday, and before the club’s faithful at American Family Field, is expected to bring more of his legendary heat from the mound.
In two and a half seasons as a major leaguer, Misiorowski has redefined what speed means among starting pitchers. Misiorowski threw 1,115 pitches at 100 miles per hour or faster this season, nearly doubling the prior league record, and peaking with a June throw to likely NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong that reached 105.5 miles per hour.
Part of the uniqueness of that speed also comes from how slender the 6-foot-7 Misiorowski is. At just 201 pounds, he is essentially the opposite of other flamethrowers like Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman that are built like NFL linebackers.
After bursting on the scene in 2024 and becoming an All-Star Game starter after just five big-league starts, Misiorowski has maintained a quiet confidence that transcends his youth and the on-field demands placed on him as the Brewers seek their first World Series title.
“It’s not easy what he’s going through,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, describing Misiorowski as “Forrest Gump” during the team’s World Series workout day on Thursday. “This kid is way over his, what people would call his inning limit. I think we’ll redefine that in the years to come, how we approach that. But that’s another day. … He’s taken on a lot of responsibility as a young kid. I think it’s been a lot for him.”
Despite Murphy’s worry about him, Misiorowski said he is looking to maintain his typical focus, even as the Brewers are in the World Series for the first time in 44 years.
“All I’m thinking about is Game 1,” he said. “For me, this is the spot we want to be in, and we’re lucky enough to be here and have the opportunity with everything that might happen or could happen.”
Youth Appeal
Misiorowski’s rapidly rising fame is particularly strong among young kids. A key element of that has been his deep passion for Pokémon, the wildly popular Japanese media franchise that has stretched into trading cards, video games, an animated series, and films. Misiorowski has incorporated Pokémon characters into his equipment, and he even has a Pokémon-themed basement in his home.
“Definitely the flame energy,” Misiorowski said when asked what type of Pokémon energy he planned to bring to Game 1. “What’s Charizard’s signature move? Fireball. [I’m going to] bring some fireball. I’m going to be ready.”
During this summer’s MLB Little League Classic in Pennsylvania, Misiorowski was mobbed by the throngs of players competing in the Little League World Series, and has continued to be a particular inspiration for younger fans.
“I don’t know how to answer that one,” when asked about his impact on kids. “It’s an honor to be in that spot, in that situation, to have that effect on a fan. It’s really cool.”
Contract Matters
Misiorowski’s exploits, meanwhile, are happening while he’s still one of the lowest-paid players in the league. His base salary for 2026 is $788,300, just above the league minimum of $780,000. That’s because he’s still under the Brewers’ control, and won’t be eligible for arbitration until after the 2028 season. Free agency won’t arrive until after the 2031 season. Misiorowski, however, will be in line for at least $300,000 for more from the postseason player pool as a result of the Brewers reaching the World Series.
While Milwaukee has struck pre-arbitration contract extensions with other young stars such as outfielder Jackson Chourio and shortstop Cooper Pratt, the budget-oriented club has not yet engaged in such talks with Misiorowski. The delay likely owes to the enhanced injury risk Misiorowski has as a pitcher, and the extended time that remains before arbitration and free agency arrive.
A prime part of Misiorowski’s career, however, now stands at risk as MLB team owners and players are bitterly divided in ongoing labor talks. As management is pursuing a hard salary cap, a lockout is expected in December, and threatens to disrupt a sizable portion of the 2027 season and perhaps more. He’s entirely aligned, though, with the union’s fervent resistance to a potential cap.
“My thought with [the labor situation] is to keep building on the former generations [of players] and build on what they gave us,” he said. “You don’t want to be the generation to send something backwards. You just keep building on what former generations have given you and hope for the best.”
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