Daniel

Missaki

The 28-year-old right-hander returned stateside in 2024 after spending a pair of seasons in Japan and a year in the Colombian Winter League, posting a 4.68 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 44/23 K/BB ratio over 32 2/3 innings across three minor league affiliates for the Cubs. He has looked sharp in the Dominican Winter League and will add organizational bullpen depth for the Rangers.

Missaki was acquired from the Mariners back in December 2015 as part of a package for Adam Lind, but he underwent a second career Tommy John elbow surgery in March 2016 and hasn’t pitched in a professional game since.

If Missaki wasn’t on the top prospect radar before, he should be now. The 19-year-old was electric Friday, holding Cedar Rapids to one walk in seven otherwise flawless innings. Give Missaki credit for attacking the strike zone. In five starts this year, he’s fanned 30 hitters while allowing only four walks.

All three pieces are a long way away, but the Brewers are rebuilding and can afford to wait. Missaki, 19, underwent Tommy John surgery in May and will likely be sidelined until around midseason next year.