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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