Joe Maddon didn’t hesitate when asked which arm he’d want for a Game 1 World Series start.
“Rasmussen,” Maddon responded to the question. “Misiorowski, beautiful, man.
That is like pure gas talent, that is how God drew it up just like that. And then Rasmussen, the quality of his pitches… his changeup of course.
I think there's just a little bit advanced maturity regarding being able to control his emotions in a moment.
“The thing I saw about Misiorowski, I think more than anything, maybe just too much going on mentally at different times. So I think Rasmussen in a big moment is gonna be able to control his emotions, his stuff, better than Misiorowski will.”
That evaluation lands right in the middle of a fascinating World Series matchup between two very different pitchers. Jacob Misiorowski and Drew Rasmussen are the aces for the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, and both are set to headline the 2026 Fall Classic.
Misiorowski brings the kind of electricity that turns heads instantly. He’s the young starter with a 104 MPH fastball and the kind of profile that has made him one of MLB’s most popular stars. He’s also being projected to win the 2026 National League Cy Young Award.
Rasmussen, meanwhile, doesn’t come with the same flash, but his reputation is built on steadiness. He’s a veteran presence, and Maddon’s take makes clear why he believes Rasmussen would be the better pick in a tense October opener.
Game 1 of the World Series between the Rays and Brewers in Milwaukee is scheduled for 8 PM ET on Friday night.
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Brewers World Series Run Could Hinge On Some Unexpected Names
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Among the more intriguing possibilities is Sal Frelick, whose bat could become a sneaky source of power at exactly the right moment. On the other side, Yandy Daz has long been a tricky matchup for Milwaukee, even if the overall numbers against the Brewers havent been loud, and his ability to do damage in key spots could shape how much room Tampa Bay has to work with throughout the series. [Read more 🡒]
Brewers Face A Huge Catcher Decision Fans Wont Ignore
With the Yankees looking for help behind the plate this offseason, one Brewers name is already surfacing in trade chatter. Bleacher Reports Zach Buckley speculated that Milwaukee could listen on a catcher upgrade chip, and the profile fits a player with plenty of value around the league.
William Contreras is the obvious draw there. A three-time All-Star and one of the better offensive catchers in the game, he would give New York a very different look from Austin Wells, whose defense has stood out more than his bat. For Milwaukee, the question is whether a player that productive becomes too tempting to move, even if the return would have to be substantial. [Read more 🡒]