Jun 8, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig (47) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig has had an interesting path to the big leagues while also creating an impressive resume a season ago. Recently, he opened up on his career, which included playing in New Zealand, as well as his 2024 season.
Jared Koenig had a unique path to the big leagues
Jun 1, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Jared Koenig (47) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
After two seasons of NCAA baseball, Jared Koenig found himself playing in the Independent Leagues from 2017-2019. In 2019, he also then played in New Zealand, and ultimately got his first shot in affiliated ball as he signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics. The A’s provided him with a MLB opportunity in 2022, but he then latched on to the San Diego Padres organization and then eventually the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jared Koenig reflects on playing in New Zealand
Aug 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitching coach Chris Hook (84) comes out to talk with Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig (35) in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent publication at The New Zealand Hearld, Jared Koenig reflected on his journey to the big leagues, including a brief stint in New Zealand where he says, “I was the one reaching out for it (the opportunity).” Koenig also said about the experience, “I think I learned a fair amount more about myself. Knowing even when I’m chasing something and yeah, it took me going to another country to get that opportunity, but I think I learned I can go and do this and have fun and still do my job.”
“I don’t know how many other pitchers did that;” Jared Koenig opened up on his 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers
May 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jared Koenig (47) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Jared Koenig appeared in 55 games and posted an impressive 2.47 ERA, which included six starts. Of those six starts, four came in series where he was used as an opener in back-to-back games against the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. He also pitched in a variety of roles, spanning from the 4th to the 11th inning. Koenig reflected on his 2024 role by saying, “I don’t know how many other pitchers did that.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Jared Koenig is one exciting piece in the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen. He is a swiss army knife type of pitcher and should not have a hard time finding his way onto the field.
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Tyler Koerth is the Lead Milwaukee Brewers Sports Writer at Wisconsin Sports Heroics. Articles have been published on Bleacher Report, Iheart, MSN, Yardbarker, and more. He has been covering the Brewers since 2019.
