The Atlanta Braves added Jordan Weems ahead of the 2025 season, hoping to find a surprise bargain in the former rival. However, Weems didn't live up to expectations, struggling with the Gwinnett Stripers to the point the Braves opted to release the veteran reliever.
Weems landed with the Houston Astros, where the same story would play out. Only this time, Weems would get Major League action and continue to struggle. Houston opted to demote the veteran reliever, with the right-hander choosing free agency over accepting his assignment.
Choosing free agency appeared to signal a desire to find a new landing spot with a better opportunity. While this makes sense in theory, the reliever didn't need long to figure out there simply wasn't a clear landing spot that offered any better path. Weems settled for a minor league deal to return to the Astros. It makes sense to stick with the team given the recent struggles the reliever has dealt with. At least there is a level of familiarity that will help the veteran's attempts to get back to the Major League level.
Former Braves Reliever Jordan Weems Finds Predictable Landing Spot
Weems started his career as a catcher with the Boston Red Sox, converting into a reliever in 2016 with the organization. This started an up-and-down career, making stops with the Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Washington Nationals before landing in Atlanta. The most action of the veteran's career would come with the Nationals, spending three years with the club and making well over 100 appearances in that time. While the results still weren't ideal, it was a step forward for the career minor leaguer.
This led the veteran to sign with the Braves in hopes of making a shaky bullpen. It isn't as if Atlanta's standards were very high, considering the arms the team has willingly carried this season. However, it wasn't a fit with Weems unable to get it together in Gwinnett, leading to his latest failed free agency stint and landing back with the Astros.
Considering Houston's current standing, it is hard to imagine the veteran is going to get a better chance at joining a contender. Even on a minor league deal, the reliever offers value for his experience and ability to eat innings in a cleanup role. Despite the odd decision to part ways in the first place, opting to return was the right decision for the former Brave.