The Washington Nationals have claimed outfielder Joey Wiemer off waivers from the San Francisco Giants
The Washington Nationals have made another minor move this offseason after reports broke on Monday afternoon that the team has claimed outfielder Joey Wiemer off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. Robert Murray of Fansided was first to report the news.
This marks the sixth organization that Wiemer has joined since heading to the big leagues in 2020.
The Giants designed Wiemer for assignment last month after signing reliever Jason Foley, making the move to create a roster spot, but he adds to the depth on the Nationals roster ahead of 2026.
After becoming a fourth round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2020, Wiemer made his professional debut in Single-A with the Carolina Mudcats in 2021 before being promoted, then playing both Double and Triple-A in 2022. Wiemer then initially missed out on the Brewers' opening day roster ahead of the 2023 season, but he would be promoted days later after belting a double in his major league debut. Four days later, he posted his first career home run. He finished the season hitting .204 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs over 132 games.
Wiemer would open the 2024 season in Triple-A Nashville after being optioned before being included in a trade to the Cincinnati Reds on July 30, 2024 in a trade that also sent Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in exchange for pitcher Frankie Montas. He played just two games with the Reds, posting one walk in his lone at-bat.
Wiemer was then traded in late November of the 2024 season in a trade that also sent Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitcher Brady Singer. After being optioned to open the 2025 season and suiting up for Single-A Omaha, the Miami Marlins claimed him off waivers in early August before recalling him to the 40-man roster two weeks later. In 27 games and 61 at bats with the organization, Wiemer posted 13 hits, a pair of doubles, three home runs and 12 RBIs.
Two months later, Wiemer was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations before being designated for assignment less than three weeks later, making Monday's acquisition possible.
Wiemer's addition also rounds out the 2026 roster with the 40-man roster now filled. The Nationals enter spring training with seven outfielders on the roster including Wiemer, in addition to four catchers, six infielders and 23 pitchers.
While he's struggled to find his footing with hitting a major concern through his first three seasons in the MLB, Wiemer's defense sticks out for the Nationals outfield. Wiemer posted three outs above average in just 27 games in 2025, while he posted a fielding run value of +10 in 2023.
While a small move, it marks the first move for president of baseball operations Paul Toboni in 2026 after the organization previously signed Foster Griffin in the first official move of the offseason.
Whether the Nationals make any other moves now remains to be seen with Toboni now needing to DFA someone in order to create a roster spot, but now, Wiemer will look to establish himself at center field in 2026.