The Milwaukee Brewers have become very proficient at developing starting pitchers. Just look at their starting rotation during the last five years. Many of the mainstays of that rotation were either purely homegrown (draft picks), or they were acquired while still in the minors, meaning the Brewers still had to develop them and maximize their talent. They’ve done that as well and as consistently as any team in the majors.
The list of names is impressive: Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Adrian Houser, Robert Gasser, Aaron Ashby, Tobias Myers, Logan Henderson, Chad Patrick, and Jacob Misiorowski readily come to mind. Will that list grow? Let’s look at the standout starting pitchers in the Brewers’ system for 2025.
The High Minors
Misiorowski and Henderson are two of the top stars. Misiorowski pitched enough that he’s no longer a rookie, but Henderson only amassed 25 1/3 innings, keeping his rookie status intact. Carlos Rodriguez posted a solid 3.82 ERA in Triple-A Nashville, averaging more than a strikeout an inning.
At Double-A Biloxi, Coleman Crow flashed signs of why (other than to save money) the Brewers traded two solid major leaguers (Adrian Houser and Tyrone Taylor) for him, posting a 2.50 ERA in 10 starts before getting a promotion to Nashville. Tate Kuehner also provided dominance with a 2.51 ERA in 21 starts, posting 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings. Tyson Hardin, a 12th-round pick in 2024, posted a solid 3.29 ERA in 10 starts at Biloxi after dominating at Advanced-A Wisconsin (2.34 ERA in 11 starts). Brett Wichrowski was also solid for the Shuckers.
Full-Season Class A Leagues
Hardin was not the only starter who performed well in Appleton. Bishop Letson missed about three months with shoulder trouble, but posted a 1.69 ERA when he was on the mound. Ryan Birchard posted a solid 3.91 ERA while striking out 10.5 batters every nine innings. Manuel Rodriguez racked up a 3.01 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, and was arguably the Timber Rattlers’ staff ace, despite missing about eight weeks—and he did it in his age-19 season.
In Carolina, Melvin Hernandez emerged as the Mudcats’ ace, posting a 10-5 record and a 2.00 ERA. He amassed 121 2/3 innings, allowing only three home runs and posting a WHIP of 0.99. The Mudcats also got a great deal of help from three 2024 late-round picks. Ethan Dorchies (10th round) posted a 3.27 ERA after dominating with the ACL Brewers. Travis Smith (15th round) posted a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts and allowed just one home run in 76 innings pitched before being promoted to the Timber Rattlers. Jayden Dubanewicz (16th round) delivered a 2.30 ERA over 58.2 innings and walked only 11 batters while in Zebulon.
Rookie Leagues
Tyler Renz, an 18th-round pick in 2024, put up solid numbers in Maryvale (3.50 ERA over 54 innings pitched) before earning a late-season promotion to Carolina, where he pitched even better.
In the DSL, Steven Duran posted a 2.77 ERA and didn’t allow a home run for the Brewers Blue squad—and did so despite being 16 years old when the season started, 2.5 years younger than the average DSL player. Diustin Mayorquin was one of four players tied for second in starts for the Brewers Blue team, and posted a 2.45 ERA over 47.2 innings, and also didn’t allow a long ball.
Minor League Starting Pitcher Of The Year
The Brewers have a lot of pitchers who can make their case to be the pitcher of the year. Kuehner dominated at Biloxi, serving as the ace of the Shuckers’ staff. Rodriguez did the same for the Timber Rattlers in Appleton. Henderson was superb before the flexor strain ended his 2025 season. Hardin also has a strong case.
But there is one pitcher whose performance stands above the others. Melvin Hernandez didn’t just become Carolina’s ace, he did so despite being over three and a half years younger than the average player in the league. He doesn’t even turn 20 until July 2026, yet he hasn’t merely survived; he’s thrived on the mound.
Congratulations to Melvin Hernandez, Brewer Fanatic’s 2025 Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year!
Interested in learning more about the Milwaukee Brewers’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!