Jacob Misiorowski and Drew Rasmussen are the respective aces for the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. Misiorowski is a young electric starter who is poised to win the 2026 National League Cy Young Award. His fastball can reach 104 MPH and he's become one of MLB's most popular stars. Drew Rasmussen is not quite as flashy, but he's a steady veteran. Rasmussen is quite underrated as well, as he is among the best starters in the game.
With the Brewers and Rays set to battle in the World Series, former MLB manager Joe Maddon was recently asked which star pitcher he'd rather have start a Game 1 for him in a World Series, via MLB Network Radio.
“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.
Article Continues Below“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.”
Both Rasmussen and Misiorowski will be ready to lead their teams in the 2026 Fall Classic. Game 1 of the World Series between the Rays and Brewers in Milwaukee will be played at 8 PM ET on Friday night.