Padres Sign Ryan Weiss

The San Diego Padres have their first addition of the offseason.

Right-hander Ryan Weiss, who flopped in his first season back in the U.S. following a stint in the Korea Baseball Organization, has signed to a one-year contract with the Padres, who announced the deal. Financial terms were not available. The deal includes a club option for 2028. Whether he is a starter or reliever is yet to be determined.

Weiss, who turns 30 next month, signed with the Houston Astros last offseason for one year and $2.6 million after 1½ seasons in the KBO with Hanwa. But his time with the Astros, while it began with high expectations, did not go well. Weiss made his MLB debut this year, pitching in nine games, including two starts.

He posted a 7.10 FIP (7.62 ERA) with a 15.3% walk rate and 22.9% strikeout rate over 22 innings. He also allowed eight homers.

 

 

 

 

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Weiss was sent to Triple-A on May 5 to see if he could iron out his early issues, but then was designated for assignment on June 12. He remained in the organization after going unclaimed, likely due to the money on his contract combined with his performance.

He wound up making 22 appearances, including 13 starts, at Triple-A, but had a 5.42 ERA with an 11% walk rate and 20.7% strikeout rate. The Padres are banking on having identified what Weiss was doing wrong and are confident they can make improvements for him to make the Opening Day roster either as a starter or reliever. He will likely be stretched out in spring training as a starter.

Weiss had lasted pitched in affiliated ball in 2023 at Triple-A with the Kansas City Royals.