Imagine two players, one rising and the other seemingly falling, both in the minor leagues just months ago. Fast forward to today, and they’re the unsung heroes who propelled the Milwaukee Brewers into the National League Championship Series. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could these midseason additions really be the difference-makers in a postseason run? Let’s dive in.
Back in June, Andrew Vaughn and Jacob Misiorowski were worlds apart. Vaughn, struggling with the Chicago White Sox, was sent down to the minors after batting a mere .189 in 48 games. Misiorowski, on the other hand, was on the rise, earning a promotion to the Brewers’ rotation. Their paths crossed when Misiorowski’s ascent indirectly led to Vaughn’s arrival in Milwaukee. How? Misiorowski’s promotion displaced Aaron Civale, who expressed frustration and was eventually traded to the White Sox—the same team that sent Vaughn to the Brewers in exchange. And this is the part most people miss: Civale ended up with the Cubs, pitching against the Brewers in the NL Division Series, while Vaughn and Misiorowski became key figures in Milwaukee’s success.
Vaughn’s transformation in Milwaukee is nothing short of remarkable. After being called up in July due to an injury to Rhys Hoskins, he was given a clear ultimatum by manager Pat Murphy: improve or return to the minors. Vaughn not only listened but thrived, batting .308 with a .493 slugging percentage in 64 games. His tiebreaking homer in Game 5 against the Cubs was the exclamation point on his redemption story. But here’s the question: Was it a change of scenery, better coaching, or simply Vaughn’s determination that turned his season around? Let us know in the comments.
Misiorowski’s journey was equally dramatic. The flamethrowing right-hander burst onto the scene with an All-Star selection after just five starts, outdueling Cy Young contenders like Paul Skenes and Clayton Kershaw. However, a left tibia bruise sidelined him, and his return was marked by inconsistency. Critics questioned his postseason reliability, but Misiorowski silenced doubters with a dominant NLDS performance. In Game 5, he allowed just one run over four innings, hitting 100 mph on 10 of his 17 fastballs. Here’s the bold take: Misiorowski’s ability to harness his electric stuff under pressure might just make him the Brewers’ secret weapon against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Do you agree, or is it too early to crown him?
Their stories are a testament to resilience and opportunity. Vaughn’s resurgence and Misiorowski’s grit have not only redefined their careers but also reshaped the Brewers’ postseason trajectory. As they prepare to face the Dodgers, one thing is clear: these midseason additions are no longer just role players—they’re game-changers. What’s your take? Are Vaughn and Misiorowski the real MVPs of the Brewers’ playoff run, or is their success just a fluke? Let the debate begin!
