If you’ve been keeping an eye on minor league chatter, you’ve probably heard the whispers. Some players come through with stats that make scouts drool, others just make box scores look busy. Ryan Birchard, however, has been quietly rewriting expectations. With the Brewers’ organization backing him, he’s not just playing games; he’s plotting the kind of rise that makes front offices sit up and rethink their spreadsheets.

Ryan Birchard has been making noise in the minors, and there seems to be a major league start on the horizon. But before making that start, he will need to tweak his game a bit and bring the best version of himself. And Birchard knows very well which part of his game to tweak. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Brichard reflected on the same. “Definitely got to cut down on the walks. I had more walks than hits given up this year. That’s horrible… I can’t be walking that many people… Goal number one this off-season is… cut down on the walks.”

Ryan Birchard’s offseason goal is crystal clear. Slash his walk rate and sharpen command, addressing a glaring issue from 2025 when he issued 73 walks over 103.2 innings. With 2 more walks than hits in the minors, Brichard knows efficiency is non-negotiable. This determination stems from a belief that every fastball and breaking ball must be precise, forcing hitters into uncomfortable decisions. The Brewers’ organization has seen enough to invest in his potential, trusting that disciplined adjustments will unlock dominant outings.

His approach is methodical: Experiment during the five days between starts but leave mechanics untouched during live games, ensuring consistency and game management. Brichard has firsthand experience with what happens when you try to fix your mechanics mid-game. Velocity disrupted, performance dipped, so now preparation and timing guide his refinement process.

By embracing this structured strategy, he can convert minor tweaks into measurable results, translating into strikeouts and fewer free passes. Fans witnessing his process see a pitcher who blends intelligence with power, ready to impose himself on every at-bat.

For pitchers, it is always the small things that change their game.

For example, Justin Verlander in 2014–15 had problems focusing on mechanics and came back better. If Brichard can do the same, he will be a nightmare for batters. His stats, including a 3.91 ERA over 103.2 innings with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and 151 strikeouts in 125 innings across the minors, prove his high-caliber talent. Awards like the AFL Rising Stars recognition and MID Pitcher of the Week highlight flashes of dominance, confirming his ability to shine under pressure.

If Ryan Birchard executes even a fraction of these offseason adjustments, opposing hitters might as well start rehearsing their apologies. The Brewers didn’t gamble on a fifth-round pick; they drafted a pitcher who can quietly turn chaos into dominance. Fans can watch him fine-tune every pitch, knowing each session inches him closer to MLB impact. Birchard isn’t just learning the game; he’s plotting a quiet takeover that could make box scores sweat. And probably that comes from certain inspirations…

Ryan Birchard talks about his favorite pitcher to watch in the majors

When it comes to dissecting pitchers, Ryan Birchard doesn’t just scroll through stats or highlight reels like the rest of us mere mortals. He’s hunting quirks, mechanics, and subtle artistry, studying the game like a scientist with a radar gun. Some names he praises might make casual fans scratch their heads, while others are established stars whose craft still manages to surprise even seasoned pros.

Ryan Birchard has a keen eye for pitchers who stand out, blending skill with unconventional flair. “I’m going to say some like crazy names because they’re not all on the Brewers and the lefties sometimes,” he admits, hinting at his taste for the unexpected.

He finds joy in watching Sean Manaea, confessing, “I love watching Sean Manaea. I don’t know why, I just love watching them.” Hunter Brown of the Astros also captivates him, as Birchard noted, “I’d say it’s kind of similar. Arm slot, I’m pretty over the top.”

This fascination isn’t just casual admiration; it’s a study of craft and nuance, mirrored in his own game. Birchard explains, “I try to, I really try to aim for guys like with like the same arm slot or arsenal as me, kind of see how they, you know, navigate certain hitters.” Even established stars like Walker Buehler make the cut, their mechanics offering lessons that statistics alone can’t convey.

Watching Ryan Birchard study pitchers like Sean Manaea and Hunter Brown feels hypnotically precise and focused. Observing him analyze Walker Buehler turns casual fandom into an intense, almost scholarly obsession with craft. His fascination with arm slots and arsenals turns every game into a puzzle only he can decode. If fans think they’re just watching a ball soar, Birchard is already cataloging its secrets for his own craft. Baseball may seem like numbers to many, but Birchard sees art, science, and controlled chaos