Jacob Misiorowski delivered a remarkable pitching performance on Wednesday in Milwaukee, outdueling Paul Skenes in what has been described as a rare pitching showdown. Misiorowski demonstrated electrifying stuff by unleashing 12 fastballs exceeding 100 mph in the first inning alone, completing five shutout innings with eight strikeouts, two walks, and only two singles allowed. This dominant display marked a significant moment, suggesting that Misiorowski could be entering discussions among baseball’s top starting pitchers.
While it remains premature to declare Misiorowski superior to Skenes, his overpowering outing showcased qualities that few pitchers currently possess, even compared to Skenes. The Brewers’ right-hander briefly carried a 1.13 ERA and a strikeout rate over 33% through his first three major league starts, following a strong Triple-A tenure where he posted a 2.13 ERA and 31.6% strikeout rate across 13 games. These numbers have fueled high expectations for Misiorowski, and so far, he has unquestionably met them.
Evaluating Misiorowski’s Place Among the Game’s Elite Starters
There is ongoing debate about whether ranking Misiorowski as a top-40 starting pitcher is too optimistic at this stage. His command occasionally wavers, and workload management has been cautious—he has surpassed five innings only once in three starts, including Wednesday’s 74-pitch limit before removal by the Brewers. These factors temper enthusiasm, but his raw ability makes it difficult to dismiss his rapid ascent.
Prominent analysts, such as The Athletic’s Eno Sarris, have gone as far as comparing Misiorowski’s potential to that of Jacob deGrom. Although such comparisons require time and consistency to validate, the early promise is undeniable. Questions about Misiorowski’s ultimate ranking hinge on control and durability, but for now, his arsenal places him ahead of several established pitchers including Kevin Gausman, Jack Flaherty, and Luis Castillo—all currently regarded as solid top-36 starters.
Placing Misiorowski around 30th among starting pitchers seems reasonable given present evidence, with rookie Chase Burns trailing closely behind after his debut. Both young fireballers have the talent and opportunity to climb even higher in the ranks, potentially reaching elite status by 2025. For teams fortunate enough to have them, these prospects represent some of the brightest pitching futures in Major League Baseball.
Thursday’s Noteworthy Waiver Wire Additions Across MLB
Alongside Misiorowski’s emerging prominence, several other players caught the attention of fantasy managers and baseball observers following Wednesday’s action.
Nick Kurtz, a first baseman for the Athletics, has surged in performance, batting .306 with 10 home runs over his last 19 games. Despite a tendency to strike out, Kurtz has maintained strong offensive production, signaling he may soon rank among the top 10 first basemen, surpassing prospects like Spencer Torkelson and Tyler Soderstrom who have cooled down recently. Adding Kurtz could provide valuable lineup strength for teams in deeper leagues.
Jacob Lopez, an unconventional Athletics starting pitcher, has built a unique approach relying on a near side-arm delivery combined with excellent movement and extension on his pitches. His changeup and slider break more dramatically than typical for pitchers, enabling him to generate weak contact and limit batting averages. Although concerns exist that opposing hitters might eventually adjust and increase power production against him, Lopez’s current month of June has featured 38 strikeouts and only eight walks across 27.1 innings, making him a worthwhile pickup in nearly all leagues.
Outfielder Jo Adell of the Angels has continued an impressive hitting run, with four homers in eight games, boosting his June slash line to .266/.356/.658 and accumulating 10 homers in 91 plate appearances. While some regression might be expected, he appears on track for a 30-plus homer season, securing his status as a high-value fantasy option moving forward.
Kyle Teel, the White Sox catcher, may not stand out in one-catcher formats yet due to his early strikeout rate, but his strong walk rate and solid underlying metrics suggest room for growth. With a .346 expected weighted on-base average compared to his current .314, Teel’s potential remains promising despite limited playing time and challenges faced by other catchers recently injured or struggling, making him worth monitoring in shallower leagues, especially in head-to-head points formats.
Implications of Misiorowski’s Rise and Future Projections
Jacob Misiorowski’s dominant performance over Paul Skenes, combined with his early statistical dominance, signals a potential shift in the landscape of ascending starting pitchers in the MLB. While caution remains regarding his command and pitch count limits, the Brewers’ decision to manage his workload prudently bodes well for his long-term health and sustainability.
His inclusion among the top 40 starters could influence fantasy baseball rankings and team strategies, particularly as other standout rookies like Chase Burns develop. For fans and analysts, Misiorowski’s progress serves as a reminder of how raw talent paired with velocity and movement can challenge existing hierarchies among elite pitchers.
Looking beyond this season, Misiorowski and Burns appear to have the tools necessary to become some of the very best in the sport. The key for both will be consistent command and the ability to maintain health over full seasons. Until then, their early success offers hope and excitement for teams holding their contracts.