The Houston Astros are flying high as they own an AL West-leading 55-38 record, just days away from the 2025 MLB All-Star break. Despite all the bumps and obstacles Joe Espada's club has run into, the Astros aren't taking their foot off the gas pedal and will do whatever it takes to remain World Series contenders in the second half of the campaign.
Like most championship-caliber teams, the Astros only have room for the most helpful contributors on their roster. That's why Houston designated pitcher Jordan Weems for assignment on July 4. The struggling reliever wasn't performing up to expectations after joining the club on a minor-league deal last month, ultimately leading to his being DFA'd.
After going unclaimed on waivers, Weems elected free agency earlier this week, leaving time to tell where he'd end up next.
As it turns out, not that far away from where he left.
Astros Re-Sign RHP Jordan Weems 2 Days After Electing Free Agency
On Wednesday, MLB Trade Rumors' Anthony Franco reported that the Astros have re-signed Weems to a minor-league deal. The plan is for the 32-year-old reliever to report to Triple-A Sugar Land until he proves that he's deserving of another big-league opportunity.
Weems is currently in his sixth MLB season after being drafted in the third round by the Boston Red Sox in 2011. The Columbus, GA native spent time with the Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Washington Nationals before signing with the Atlanta Braves to begin the 2025 campaign. Much to his dismay, though, the Braves left Weems in the minors all year before releasing him in late May.
Two weeks after his Atlanta release, Weems joined Houston on a minor-league contract. He went 2-1 with a 3.97 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings across nine relief outings with Sugar Land before being promoted to the Astros' active roster on June 24. Unfortunately, it was downhill after that, as Weems pitched to a 6.00 ERA in two appearances before being DFA'd.
Professional sports are built on second chances, and it'll be interesting to see if Weems can capitalize on a second stint with the Astros. He was a terrific reliever with the Nationals two years ago, and returning to that form in the season's second half could put him in the running to join Houston's playoff roster.
In the meantime, Astros fans will eagerly follow Weems to see if he has what it takes to turn his disastrous campaign around.