Oakland A’s: Jordan Weems making case for major league job

Jordan Weems has not had a long pitching career, but he is making a case to be a part of the Oakland A’s future.

A third round draft pick of the Red Sox back in 2011, Jordan Weems has had an interesting baseball career. Originally drafted as a catcher, Weems was unable to get past AA, posting a less than inspiring .172/.253/.254 batting line in 150 plate appearances. His career, at least as a prospect, appeared to be on the ropes.

However, Weems possessed a strong throwing arm. The Red Sox, hoping to get something out of their third round investment, transitioned the former catcher to the mound. While he was very much a work in progress, Weems showed flashes of potential, leading to the hope that he could be a future arm out of the bullpen.

That transition has worked out well for Weems thus far. In his time as a pitcher, he managed to reach AAA twice, although his performance showed some of those rough edges. Thus far in his minor league career, he has posted a respectable 3.87 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP, striking out 208 batters with 104 walks in 200 innings.

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After finishing his time in the Red Sox system, Weems signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A’s, including an invite to the major league portion of spring training. During the brief time he had before baseball was shut down, Weems looked solid, allowing just four hits and two walks in his six innings, striking out seven batters.

As would be expected, he possesses a solid fastball, reaching the mid 90s with excellent movement. Weeks also has a slider and a changeup, although both pitches are still a work in progress. If the slider can be more consistent as a weapon, Weems could find himself starting the season at the AAA level.

That development of a second pitch will be key. Weems has a fastball that is major league caliber at this point, but he needs that second offering that he can throw for a strike. If he can develop that pitch, Weems may be able to be a part of the A’s bullpen moving forward. Otherwise, he will not progress further than where he is.

Jordan Weems is an intriguing talent on the mound, despite his late conversion to pitching. It will be the development of a second pitch that will determine if he can be a part of the Oakland A’s future.