Cardinals Pitching Development Under Scrutiny After Rookie’s Stellar Debut

The June 12 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers wasn’t just another matchup on the MLB schedule. It was a glaring reminder of the Cardinals’ struggles in scouting and developing high-upside pitching talent.

Facing 21-year-old Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who made his major league debut, the Cardinals failed to record a hit during his dominant five-inning outing. Misiorowski’s electrifying 102 mph fastballs and sharp curveball showed off the Brewers’ developmental strengths and highlighted a troubling gap in the Cardinals’ pitching philosophy.

Let’s dig into what happened in that game—and why the Cardinals need to rethink their draft and development strategies.

Jacob Misiorowski: A Case Study in Taking Risks

Jacob Misiorowski’s breakout debut didn’t come out of nowhere. The Milwaukee Brewers took a calculated risk when they drafted him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Back then, Misiorowski was a raw prospect with wild pitching mechanics and spotty control. But Milwaukee saw his potential and put real time into his development.

With dedicated coaching, Misiorowski added polish and a nasty curveball to his arsenal. He quickly evolved into a pitcher capable of dominating at the major league level.

What Made Misiorowski Unique?

The Brewers’ willingness to take chances on high-risk, high-reward prospects like Misiorowski says a lot about their philosophy. They prioritize tools and upside, not just polish.

Misiorowski’s ability to touch triple digits on the radar gun, paired with improved control, shows what can happen when a franchise bets on raw potential instead of just playing it safe.

• High Velocity: Misiorowski routinely throws 102 mph fastballs. That’s an elite weapon most pitchers just don’t have.
• Improved Mechanics: He used to be too wild, but with the Brewers’ coaching staff, he’s refined his control.
• Diverse Arsenal: His sharp curveball, alongside that fastball, keeps hitters guessing.

The Cardinals: Stuck in “Safe Draft” Limbo

While the Brewers reap rewards from bold scouting and development, the Cardinals are in a different spot. They keep picking college pitchers with lower ceilings in recent drafts, going for “safe” picks like Cooper Hjerpe, Michael McGreevy, Zack Thompson, Dakota Hudson, and Jake Woodford.

Most of these arms have struggled to make a real impact in the majors. The organization focuses on pitchers who seem closer to MLB-ready, not the ones with untapped potential.

It’s odd, too, because the Cardinals have shown they’ll take risks with position players. High school draftees like Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman were chosen for their huge upside.

Why the Safe Draft Approach Fails

Picking pitchers with polished resumes might feel safe, but it often limits long-term potential. Without arms that have overpowering stuff, the Cardinals can’t build a staff that dominates elite hitters.

It’s a strategy that looks responsible on paper, but honestly, it’s holding the franchise back.

• Lower Ceilings: College pitchers are more refined, but they usually lack the elite velocity and “stuff” to become MLB stars.
• Limited Impact: Most of the Cardinals’ pitching draftees have ended up as back-of-the-rotation or bullpen guys.
• Missed Opportunities: By searching for “safe” arms, they pass on high-risk prospects who might become game-changers.

Turning the Corner: A New Approach for the Cardinals

The Cardinals have started to make some changes. They’ve revamped their pitching development staff, trying to catch up to teams like the Brewers.

Now, the focus shifts to rethinking draft philosophy, especially for pitchers. To build a rotation that can anchor a championship team, the Cardinals need to embrace the uncertainty of picking high-ceiling pitchers—even if their path to the majors isn’t straightforward.

Lessons from Small-Market Success Stories

Small-market teams like the Brewers and Rays have shown that betting on raw, high-upside pitching talent is worth it. These clubs, limited by payroll, find future stars through scouting and development—not big free-agent deals.

The Cardinals, even as a mid-sized market team, could really benefit from a similar mindset.

• Emphasize Upside: Target high school pitchers or raw college arms with elite tools and untapped potential.
• Invest in Development: Build a coaching staff that can unlock those tools without breaking what makes them special.
• Expand Risk Tolerance: Accept that not every prospect will pan out, but the ones who do could be franchise cornerstones.

The Road Ahead for St. Louis

For the Cardinals, Jacob Misiorowski’s debut says a lot. Playing it safe just doesn’t win championships anymore.

St. Louis needs to focus on developing high-ceiling pitchers. They should also create an environment where calculated risks aren’t just allowed—they’re encouraged.

That kind of shift won’t happen overnight. Still, it feels necessary if the Cardinals want to keep up with teams like the Brewers.

Misiorowski’s performance really should serve as a wake-up call. Too many teams, including St. Louis, hesitate to gamble on potential.

For the Cardinals, the real challenge isn’t just about drafting differently. They’ve got to embrace change and actually trust their own ability to nurture talent.

Will the Cardinals adapt fast enough to stay relevant? Or will they just keep sliding behind?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Opposing phenom placed Cardinals’ pitching development issues front and center