The Milwaukee Brewers are making moves, and this time, they're betting on a right-handed pitcher with a unique skill set. Brewers' latest signing: A towering pitcher with a twist.
The Brewers have signed Jacob Waguespack, a 6'6" right-hander, to a minor league contract, according to team insider Curt Hogg. While Waguespack wasn't a highly touted draft pick, his journey through baseball has been intriguing. And here's where it gets interesting...
Waguespack, now 32, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012 but chose to pursue college baseball at the University of Mississippi. Despite a solid collegiate career, he went undrafted, leading him to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015. But the story doesn't end there.
By 2018, Waguespack had climbed to Triple-A, and he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays mid-season. He made his MLB debut in 2019, showcasing a promising 4.38 ERA in 16 games, including 13 starts. But the road to success isn't always smooth.
The 2020 season was a struggle, as evidenced by his 8.15 ERA in 11 relief appearances. After a full season in Triple-A, Waguespack ventured to Japan for two years. His 2022 season in Nippon Professional Baseball was impressive, but 2023 didn't live up to the same standards. And this is the part most people miss—Waguespack's resilience.
He returned to the US and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor league deal, even making their 2024 Opening Day roster. An injury cut his season short, but he bounced back in 2025 with stellar numbers in Triple-A. Now, the Brewers are giving him a shot at big-league spring training.
Waguespack's appeal lies in his unique pitching mechanics. His towering height allows for an incredible seven feet of extension in his delivery, resulting in a remarkable induced vertical break on his four-seam fastball. This movement is a pitcher's dream, as it can deceive batters and generate weak contact. But is this enough to make a lasting impact in the MLB?
Waguespack's arsenal includes a four-seamer, a cutter, and a sinker, providing three distinct fastball shapes. His curveball, with a steep 12-6 drop, is another weapon. However, this comes at a cost, as his horizontal movement on off-speed pitches is compromised.
The advanced analytics tool, Prospect Savant, reveals Waguespack's ability to limit hard contact in Triple-A. His numbers suggest he can induce weak contact, a valuable skill for any pitcher. But will this translate to the big leagues?
While Waguespack may not break into the MLB roster early in the 2026 season, he provides valuable depth in Triple-A. And when the inevitable injuries strike, he could be the unsung hero the Brewers need. Is Waguespack the hidden gem the Brewers are hoping for, or will he be another minor league success story? Only time will tell, and the baseball world awaits his journey.
