Brandon Kyle Woodruff (born February 10, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2017 and is a two-time All-Star selection. Woodruff has established himself as one of the most reliable starting pitchers in the National League, compiling a 55-29 win-loss record with a 3.08 earned run average and 912 strikeouts across his career.
Brandon Woodruff Bio
Brandon Woodruff has become a cornerstone piece of the Milwaukee Brewers rotation since his arrival in the organization. His journey from a small-town Mississippi high school standout to a major league All-Star reflects his dedication and resilience through adversity. Woodruff brings a power arm to the mound with an array of pitches that has consistently Confirmed him among the league’s top pitchers during his healthy seasons.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Woodruff was born in Wheeler, Mississippi, where he attended Wheeler High School. His baseball talent was evident early, as he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB draft directly out of high school. Rather than signing with the Rangers, Woodruff chose to pursue higher education and continue his baseball development at Mississippi State University. In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, further honing his skills against top college competition.
During his junior season at Mississippi State in 2014, Woodruff posted a 1-3 record with a 6.75 ERA in 37 innings pitched. Despite the modest collegiate statistics, his raw stuff and potential convinced the Milwaukee Brewers to select him in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB draft. This decision to attend college proved instrumental in shaping his future career trajectory.
Path to Major League Baseball
Woodruff began his professional career immediately after being drafted, making his debut with the Helena Brewers in 2014. He appeared in 14 games (eight starts) and recorded a 1-2 win-loss record with a 3.28 ERA, demonstrating the potential that led to his selection. The following season, he advanced to the Brevard County Manatees where he made 21 appearances (19 starts), compiling a 4-7 record with a 3.45 ERA.
In 2016, Woodruff continued his development with the Brevard County Manatees before receiving a promotion to the Biloxi Shuckers in May. That July, tragedy struck when his brother died following an ATV accident. Woodruff showed remarkable resilience, returning to pitch his very next start and throwing six shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out nine batters. He also contributed a home run at the plate that game. Woodruff finished the 2016 season with a combined 14-9 record and an impressive 2.68 ERA across 28 starts between both minor league affiliates.
Brandon Woodruff Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Woodruff began the 2017 season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate. The organization promoted him to the major leagues on June 13, though he injured himself while warming up and was placed on the disabled list. Woodruff was recalled to make his official MLB debut on August 4. He was optioned back to Colorado Springs on August 20 before being recalled once more on September 1. In eight starts for Milwaukee, he posted a 2-3 record with a 4.81 ERA, while also pitching 16 games (six starts) for Colorado Springs with a 6-5 record and 4.30 ERA.
Entering the 2018 season, MLB.com ranked Woodruff as Milwaukee’s third-best prospect. He opened the year with the Brewers but was optioned to Triple-A in early April. During the regular season, he appeared in 19 games (starting four) for 42.1 innings of work, recording a 3.61 ERA. His performance in the postseason proved transformative for his career. He started Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies, pitching three scoreless innings in the Brewers’ eventual 3-2 victory.
Milwaukee Brewers Breakthrough (2019-2022)
The 2019 season marked Woodruff’s emergence as a full-time major league starter. He appeared in 22 games with an 11-3 record, a 3.62 ERA, and 143 strikeouts in 121.2 innings. His breakout performance earned him a selection to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, where he replaced injured teammate Josh Hader. He also started the Wild Card Game against the Washington Nationals, though the Brewers fell to the eventual World Series champions.
In the shortened 2020 season, Woodruff started 13 games (tied for the most in the National League), going 3-5 with a 3.05 ERA and an outstanding 0.99 WHIP. He recorded 91 strikeouts in 73.2 innings while walking only 18 batters. For the second consecutive year, he started Milwaukee’s Wild Card Game, this time against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who would go on to win the World Series.
The 2021 season represented Woodruff’s finest year professionally. He pitched in a career-high 30 games while setting career bests in strikeouts (211), ERA (2.56), WHIP (0.96), and opponent batting average (.200). These exceptional numbers earned him his second All-Star selection and helped the Brewers capture the National League Central Division title. In two playoff appearances that year, he logged 7.1 innings with eight strikeouts.
Woodruff continued his strong performance in 2022, going 13-4 across 27 starts with 190 innings pitched and 190 strikeouts. He maintained a 3.05 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and held opponents to a .215 batting average. This season marked the first time in his career that he did not appear in the postseason.
Milwaukee Brewers Era (2023-Present)
On January 13, 2023, Woodruff signed a one-year, $10.8 million contract with the Brewers, avoiding salary arbitration. He made just two starts before being placed on the injured list with shoulder tightness. On April 15, he was diagnosed with a sub-scapular strain in his throwing shoulder, and on May 15, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Woodruff was activated on August 6 and pitched the first complete-game shutout of his career in a 12-0 home victory over the Miami Marlins on September 11. Following the season, he underwent right shoulder surgery to repair his anterior capsule, an injury that caused him to be non-tendered by the Brewers.
On February 21, 2024, Woodruff re-signed with the Brewers on a two-year deal. His recovery included multiple setbacks during minor league rehabilitation starts, including right ankle tendonitis in May and a batted ball that clipped his right elbow in June. He was activated from the injured list on July 6, 2025, debuting a new cutter in his first start. Across 12 starts that season, Woodruff logged a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. On November 3, he declined his 2026 option and became a free agent. Nine days later, on November 18, he accepted the $22 million qualifying offer to remain with the Brewers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Woodruff features a power-oriented pitching repertoire headlined by a mid-90s fastball that generates significant swings and misses. His curveball serves as an effective secondary weapon, while his newly introduced cutter added another dimension to his arsenal upon his return in 2025. He demonstrates excellent strike-throwing ability and has shown the capacity to work deep into games when healthy. His ability to pitch effectively in high-leverage situations and postseason environments distinguishes him among National League pitchers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Woodruff’s most memorable postseason moment came during the 2018 National League Championship Series when he hit a home run off future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became only the 22nd pitcher and third relief pitcher in postseason history to accomplish that feat. His 2021 All-Star selection coincided with the Brewers’ division championship run, solidifying his status as an ace-caliber starter. His complete-game shutout against Miami in 2023 represented a career milestone, showcasing his durability when available.
Brandon Woodruff Career Wins
Across parts of seven major league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Woodruff has compiled impressive statistics that reflect his status as a frontline starter when healthy. His career record stands at 55 wins against 29 losses with a 3.08 ERA and 912 total strikeouts.
Milwaukee Brewers Highlights
Woodruff’s career with the Brewers has been highlighted by consistent excellence when on the mound. His best statistical season came in 2021 when he posted a 2.56 ERA and 211 strikeouts while helping lead Milwaukee to the NL Central title. His 2022 campaign featured a remarkable 13-4 record with exactly 190 strikeouts in 190 innings pitched. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2019 with an 11-3 record in his initial full season as a starter, and his second in 2021 after his career-best performance.
Other Wins and Performances
Woodruff’s minor league career demonstrated his potential before reaching the majors. His 2016 season with Biloxi saw him go a combined 14-9 with a 2.68 ERA across 28 starts, establishing himself as a prospect worth watching. His immediate impact upon returning from injury in 2025, going 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts, further Confirmed his abilities.
| Series | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB Career | 55 | 29 | 3.08 | 912 |
Brandon Woodruff Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Woodruff grew up in Wheeler, Mississippi, as the brother of a young man whose tragic passing in July 2016 deeply affected him. Despite this devastating loss during a critical point in his professional development, Woodruff demonstrated extraordinary resilience by returning to the mound shortly thereafter and delivering a performance that honored his brother’s memory.
Personal Life
Woodruff is married to Jonie Woodruff, and together they have two children, a daughter and a son. Despite the demands of a professional baseball career and the physical challenges he has faced in recent seasons, Woodruff maintains a strong commitment to his family. He and his wife have built their life around supporting his baseball pursuits while raising their children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Woodruff’s recovery journey following his 2023 shoulder surgery. After enduring multiple setbacks during his minor league rehabilitation, including ankle tendonitis and a batted ball injury to his elbow, Woodruff was activated from the injured list on July 6. His return was marked by the introduction of a new cutter pitch that proved effective against major league hitters.
Across his 12 starts, Woodruff demonstrated he had regained his form, posting a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio reflected his ability to miss bats while maintaining command. The right-hander showed the stuff that had made him a two-time All-Star, giving the Brewers a reliable presence in their rotation down the stretch.
Following the season, Woodruff navigated his free agency carefully before accepting the $22 million qualifying offer from Milwaukee. His decision to remain with the Brewers signaled his confidence in the organization’s direction and his commitment to helping them compete for a division title in the seasons ahead.