Jacob Misiorowski’s Dominant Pitching Season
Jacob Misiorowski is experiencing an exceptionally strong pitching season, one that might rank among the best in history. What will it take for him to reach the level of baseball’s greats?
Recently, I explored the best single-season pitching performances, and while I could have launched into a detailed discussion about Jacob deGrom in 2018 or Dwight Gooden in 1985, I briefly pointed out that Misiorowski could be on track for his best season yet if he keeps going like this. The keys to greatness are evident; if he can grasp what it means to have a remarkable season, he’s certainly set to elevate his game.
Two factors influenced my rankings. First, his dominance relative to his contemporaries (which is why 1999-2000 Pedro Martinez ranks so highly). Second, the statistical outliers that define his season. For Misiorowski to excel further, he needs undeniable stats going forward. His current ERA stands at 1.45, which draws comparisons to Bob Gibson’s 1968 season, noted for an absurd ERA of 1.12 over 300 innings. This figure, while remarkable, needs context, especially since the strike zone back in ’68 was much wider. Gibson’s prowess, alongside Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, even led to changes in the rules. Still, it seems Misiorowski is on the verge of surpassing Gooden’s numbers from 1985, potentially setting new records for the era post-steroid scandal.
When I say “ever,” I usually refer to the years post-World War II. That’s really when baseball shifted, with many players back from military service and the integration of the sport gaining momentum. It just was a different game for pitchers back then.
However, it’s worth noting that ERA isn’t the only or the best measure of a pitcher’s ability. Metrics like FIP and SIERA can provide a clearer picture, accounting for factors a pitcher can’t control, like balls in play. Although SIERA data only goes back to 2002, Misiorowski finds himself ranked in the top tier alongside Clayton Kershaw and Curt Schilling. His FIP places him among the best; since 1945, only Corbin Burnes in 2021 and Pedro Martinez in 1999 have put up similar numbers. Generic recognition for FIP might not be common, but it’s a strong indicator, and Misiorowski’s ability here reflects positively on other historical measures, like Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Given his current trajectory, he’s expected to reach around 10 WAR, an impressive feat for any starting pitcher today.
But Misiorowski’s appeal goes beyond just statistics. He’s incredibly exciting to watch, known for throwing exceptionally hard, and he doesn’t back down from that. Recently, he recorded 47 pitches exceeding 101 mph, setting a record for a starter. He also struck out Kyle Schwarber with a pitch clocked at an astounding 165 mph, the fastest throw ever by a starting pitcher. In 2026, his use of the four-seam fastball jumped by 10%, dominating the league with 64% utilization, which is notable against the trend of pitchers shifting away from fastballs.
Why not go all in on the fastball? Recent data suggests that Misiorowski’s fastball is among the toughest to hit since tracking began in 2023, boasting a whiff rate of 44%. It’s pretty astounding, honestly; few pitchers exhibit such efficacy with their fastball. And frankly, he’s showing numbers that even seem improbable, further punctuating the challenge of maintaining such striking performance over a season.
Now, sure, we can look back at other great seasons, and the title of best-ever goes to Jacob deGrom in 2021. It’s wild to think that deGrom put up similar statistics but was a significantly better version of what Misiorowski is trying to achieve this year. With an ERA of 1.08, FIP of 1.24, and a staggering strikeout rate, deGrom’s season was phenomenal; it’s unfortunate his injury cut it short. For Misiorowski, staying healthy will be crucial.
Yes, he pitches with power, and while there’s ongoing debate about whether such speed contributes to injuries, there’s a lingering anxiety that he might struggle to maintain his current pace. But I won’t jump to conclusions about health; it’s uncertain if this remarkable performance can last throughout the season.
When examining expected statistics like contact quality, Misiorowski shows that he isn’t just benefiting from luck; he aligns with historical patterns for exceptional seasons. Yet, the belief that achieving such swing-and-miss rates with a starter’s fastball is dubious remains. We truly are witnessing something unprecedented.
Maybe the brilliance will fade or maybe we’ll see him facing tougher pitches later on. But who knows? We could very well look back at Misiorowski’s 2026 season as one of the greatest in baseball history. My advice? Enjoy it while it lasts.
