Misiorowski Credits NLCS Defeat as Catalyst for Cy Young Contention
Jacob Misiorowski describes the 2025 National League Championship Series loss as a pivotal moment in his rapid ascent, with Brewers officials noting the experience has solidified his standing among MLB’s elite pitchers.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has identified his team’s 2025 National League Championship Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers as the defining moment for his current campaign. The 23-year-old right-hander, now a frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award, stated that performing on a major stage against the World Series champions provided the necessary confidence for his dominant 2026 season.
Misiorowski is scheduled to start against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, marking his first return to the venue since the 2025 playoffs. Despite his rapid transition from a wide-eyed rookie to an elite pitcher, he maintains a sense of perspective regarding his status. Speaking ahead of the start, he noted that the experience still feels surreal, recalling childhood memories of visiting the stadium as a spectator.
The Brewers’ trajectory with Misiorowski has been marked by both immediate success and subsequent adjustment. He made his MLB debut in June last year, throwing five scoreless innings against the St Louis Cardinals and earning an All-Star selection in just his fifth appearance. However, the second half of the 2025 season saw inconsistencies, with an earned run average exceeding 5.00 and increased usage as a bulk reliever during the postseason.
That relief role ultimately proved significant. Misiorowski finished the 2025 playoffs with a 1.50 ERA over 12 innings. His performance in Game 3 of the NLCS was particularly notable, where he pitched five innings, allowed two runs, and recorded nine strikeouts, including an out against MVP Shohei Ohtani.
Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold emphasised the value of this high-pressure experience. Arnold stated that surviving at the highest level against the best competition builds substantial confidence, validating Misiorowski’s ability to handle elite hitters. As Misiorowski prepares for Saturday’s start, he aims to maintain the composure that has characterised his rise from rookie sensation to a key component of Milwaukee’s pitching staff.
