LOS ANGELES DODGERS SIGN JORDAN WEEMS: A BOLSTERED BULLPEN IN THE MAKING

The Los Angeles Dodgers are leaving nothing to chance as they enter the 2026 season, especially after addressing their biggest weakness from the previous year—their bullpen. Coming off a World Series victory, the Dodgers have been actively shoring up their pitching depth, and on Monday, they made a key move to further strengthen their relief corps. The team announced the signing of Jordan Weems, a six-year veteran, to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. This decision comes as the Dodgers look to bounce back from a bullpen that ranked a disappointing 21st in ERA among all MLB teams last season.

Weems Brings Experience and Versatility to the Dodgers’ Bullpen

While Weems’ big league experience is relatively modest, with only 144 games over six seasons, his long and varied journey offers the Dodgers a wealth of depth and a unique skill set. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the 2011 draft, Weems initially entered the league as a catcher—an all-defense, no-hit backstop known for his outstanding arm but struggling with the bat. His offensive limitations kept him at the Single-A level for much of his early career, except for a brief stint with Double-A Portland in 2015.

However, Weems’ career trajectory took a sharp turn when the Red Sox decided to convert him to a pitcher in 2016 after struggling to develop offensively. Despite several more years in the minors, Weems found new life as a pitcher, eventually electing to become a free agent and signing with the Oakland Athletics.

Weems Finds His Groove with the Oakland Athletics

It was with the Oakland Athletics that Weems found his rhythm. After receiving an invitation to spring training with Oakland, he impressed the coaching staff with his pitching, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster in 2020. While the pandemic delayed the start of the season, Weems was able to make his debut with the Athletics, appearing in nine games and logging 14 innings with a respectable 3.21 ERA. His ability to strike out 18 batters while walking only seven showcased his potential as a solid reliever.

However, Weems couldn’t replicate that success in the following season. In July 2021, Oakland designated him for assignment, and he was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Unfortunately, his time with Arizona was brief and unsuccessful, as he gave up seven earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings. The Diamondbacks let him go, and Weems signed with the Washington Nationals soon after.

Best Stretch with Washington Nationals

It was with the Washington Nationals where Weems saw his most productive run in the majors. Over three seasons, Weems pitched in 124 games, logging 136 innings with a 5.04 ERA. He struck out 135 batters and walked 64, providing the Nationals with solid bullpen depth. While his ERA wasn’t exceptional, his ability to work through innings and hold his own in high-leverage situations made him an important piece for Washington’s relief corps.

Weems’ 2025 Struggles and the Astros Opportunity

In 2025, Weems started the year with the Atlanta Braves organization but was released in May after failing to make an impact. However, the Houston Astros took a chance on him, signing him shortly after his release. He spent the bulk of the season with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, where he had a chance to refine his craft. Although he only appeared in four games for the Astros at the big league level, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing seven earned runs, the team saw enough potential to take a flier on him.

According to an analysis by Matthew Moreno of SI.com, Weems brings a fastball that averages 95.7 mph, which could be an intriguing pitch for the Dodgers to work with. The Dodgers’ pitching staff, known for its ability to get the most out of its pitchers, likely sees Weems as a high-upside option to add to their bullpen mix.

A Potential Fit for the Dodgers’ Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping that Weems can rediscover the form that made him a reliable option with Washington. His ability to generate strikeouts and his power fastball could fit nicely into a bullpen that has already seen several changes. With the Dodgers’ bullpen issues from last season, bringing in Weems on a minor league deal could pay off if he performs well in spring training and earns a spot in the major league bullpen.

While Weems’ big league career has had its ups and downs, the Dodgers’ reputation for developing pitchers makes this signing a potentially valuable move. Weems might not have been a top-tier reliever in recent seasons, but the Dodgers’ pitching infrastructure could help him reach a new level of effectiveness.

The Dodgers’ Roster Moves Ahead of Spring Training

With spring training officially starting on Friday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, the Dodgers will have a chance to see how Weems fits into their plans. Along with the other pitchers in camp, he will be competing for a spot in what is likely to be a highly competitive bullpen. The Dodgers’ front office has made it clear that they are committed to improving their bullpen depth, and Weems’ addition is part of their broader effort to make sure they are prepared for a deep postseason run in 2026.

Given the Dodgers’ tight bullpen competition, Weems will need to prove that he can contribute to a team with World Series aspirations. His ability to adjust and perform in spring training could determine whether he makes the Opening Day roster or heads back to Triple-A to continue developing.

Conclusion: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing

The Dodgers’ signing of Jordan Weems is a low-risk, high-reward move aimed at adding more depth to their bullpen. While Weems’ big league resume is far from perfect, his fastball velocity and potential for refinement make him an intriguing option for the Dodgers, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff in preparation for a 2026 postseason push. Whether he cracks the Opening Day roster or not, the signing reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to addressing bullpen weaknesses and maximizing the potential of every player in their system.