Milwaukee Brewers minor league pitcher Frank Cairone, the team's No. 26 prospect, was hospitalized following a serious car accident near his home in Franklinville, New Jersey, on Friday, January 2, 2026. The 18-year-old left-hander, drafted in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft, is receiving care with his family, according to the team. The Brewers expressed their support and promised updates on his condition.
Frank Cairone, an 18-year-old left-handed pitcher from Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, New Jersey, was involved in a serious car accident on Friday, January 2, 2026, near his hometown. The Milwaukee Brewers announced the news on Saturday, stating that Cairone is currently being treated at a hospital in New Jersey with the support of his family.
"The Brewers’ thoughts and prayers are with Frank and his family during this difficult time," the team said in a press release. "We will provide updates on Frank’s condition as they become available."
A source close to the family told NJ.com that Cairone was flown to Atlantic City Medical Center after the accident, though the extent of his injuries remains undisclosed. The Brewers have not released further details on his condition.
Cairone was selected by Milwaukee with the 68th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, a compensatory selection for unsigned 2024 draftee Chris Levonas. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, the prospect had a dominant senior season, striking out 94 batters in 44 innings while touching mid-90s with his fastball. He impressed scouts at the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona in June 2025, including a bullpen session at Chase Field.
"It was awesome," Cairone told the Courier Post about the combine experience. "And hopefully one day I will get the chance to pitch on a big-league mound."
During the draft process, Cairone sought advice from longtime pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., who praised him: "Frank is everything you want, he wants to work and get better, and I think he knows what he is capable of doing and he has everything you want in his makeup."
Despite turning 18 in September 2025, Cairone forwent a commitment to Coastal Carolina to pursue a professional career. He spent the late summer and fall at the Brewers' facility in Arizona preparing for his anticipated debut in 2026 but has not yet played professionally. Ranked as the Brewers' No. 26 prospect by MLB Pipeline, his future in the organization now hangs in the balance amid this setback.
