*This content was translated by AI.
Right-handed pitcher Ryan Weiss (30, Houston Astros), who was widely loved by Hanwha Eagles fans as "Daejeon Jesus," has faced the harsh reality of Major League Baseball (MLB). After being designated for assignment (DFA), he was not claimed by any other team and will remain in the minor leagues.
According to multiple U.S. media outlets, including the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Astros officially announced on the 18th (Korean time) that "Weiss has cleared waivers and has been assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, Sugar Land Space Cowboys." Previously, Houston needed to create a spot on their 40-man roster to call up infielder Rinel Delgado, and in the process, they designated Weiss for assignment.
During the one-week waiver period, no Major League team expressed interest in him, and Weiss ultimately chose to stay with Houston, accepting his status as a minor leaguer instead of moving to another team or exercising his free agency rights.
Weiss was the protagonist of a representative "reverse export miracle" produced by the KBO League last season. Joining Hanwha as a replacement foreign player midway through the 2024 season, Weiss successfully renewed his contract thanks to his quick adaptation. In the 2025 season, he made 30 starts, posting an impressive record of 16 wins, 5 losses, and a 2.87 ERA, playing a decisive role in Hanwha's advancement to the Korean Series. His sharp pitching and excellent fan service earned him the ultimate nickname "Daejeon Jesus" from Hanwha fans.
Having conquered the Korean stage, Weiss signed a one-year contract worth $2.6 million (approximately 4 billion won) with a club option for 2027 upon his return to his hometown team, Houston, making a glamorous entry into the Major Leagues.
Opportunity came quickly. Joining Houston's bullpen as part of the opening day roster, Weiss appeared in a total of nine games, including two starts, and even made his dream debut in the Major Leagues. However, the wall of the Major Leagues was high. Finishing with three losses and no wins, and a 7.62 ERA over nine games, Weiss left behind regrets and was eventually demoted to Triple-A on May 6.
Aiming for a comeback, he switched his role to starting pitcher at Triple-A Sugar Land, but could not change the momentum. Weiss started all five minor league games, going winless with three losses and a 8.41 ERA, suffering a significant slump. The continuous poor performance, regardless of whether it was in the Major Leagues or minor leagues, ultimately led to Houston's "awaiting release" storm.
Initially, there were predictions that Weiss could acquire free agency status after clearing waivers and explore the possibility of returning to the KBO League. However, returning to Korea would require a major decision to forfeit the substantial remaining salary he would receive this season.
Weiss ultimately made a realistic choice. By choosing to stay with Houston, he secured his $2.6 million salary while beginning anew his journey to re-enter the Major Leagues in the relatively familiar Sugar Land. It remains to be seen whether "Daejeon Jesus," who once commanded the mound at Hanwha, can sharpen his sword in the minor leagues and step onto the Major League mound once again.
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*This content was translated by AI.
