On June 13, 2026, the Houston Astros announced a move that sent ripples through both the Major Leagues and Korean baseball: pitcher Ryan Weiss, famously dubbed 'Daejeon Jesus' by Hanwha Eagles fans, was designated for assignment (DFA), putting his future in professional baseball squarely in question. The decision, officially made to clear a spot on Houston’s 40-man roster for infielder Raynel Delgado, signals a dramatic turn in the fortunes of a player who, just a year ago, was one of the KBO League’s most dominant arms and a beacon of hope for Hanwha supporters.
Weiss’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After joining the Hanwha Eagles midway through the 2024 season as a replacement foreign pitcher, he quickly showed promise, notching a 5-5 record with a 3.73 ERA across 16 starts. That strong showing earned him a new contract for 2025, and what a year it was: Weiss emerged as Hanwha’s ace, making 30 starts, winning 16 games against only 5 losses, posting a stellar 2.87 ERA, and racking up 207 strikeouts. His performances anchored the Eagles’ rotation, ultimately helping propel the team to a coveted Korean Series berth. Fans, captivated by his flowing locks and overpowering fastball, christened him 'Daejeon Jesus,' a nickname that stuck as his legend grew in Daejeon.
With his KBO success as a springboard, Weiss made his return to the United States, signing a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Houston Astros for the 2026 MLB season—a deal that included a club option for 2027. Expectations were high. The Astros, seeking to shore up their pitching depth, slotted Weiss onto their Opening Day roster, hopeful that his Korean renaissance would translate to the American big leagues. Unfortunately for Weiss, the transition proved far more challenging than anticipated.
Weiss’s MLB stat line tells a harsh tale. In nine appearances for Houston, he failed to record a win, finishing with an 0-3 record and a ballooning 7.62 ERA. He was used in both starting and relief roles, but struggled to find his rhythm in either. Notably, in his two starts, he was unable to complete four innings on both occasions, a far cry from the workhorse reputation he’d built in Korea. Even his trademark heater—clocked at up to 157 km/h—couldn’t consistently overpower MLB hitters, who seemed to adjust quickly to his arsenal.
Hoping to regain his form, Weiss was sent down to Triple-A Sugar Land. Yet, the struggles only deepened. Over five games, he went 0-3 with an 8.41 ERA, unable to recapture the dominance that made him a household name in Daejeon. As Houston’s injured pitchers began to return—most notably bullpen stalwart Josh Hader—the writing was on the wall. The Astros, needing to address infield depth and seeing no immediate path back for Weiss, made the call to designate him for assignment, effectively removing him from the 40-man roster and exposing him to waivers.
The DFA process now leaves Weiss in limbo. If another MLB team claims him off waivers within the next week, he’ll get a fresh start elsewhere. If not, he could be outrighted to the minors or granted free agency, opening the door for a return to international baseball. Speculation has already begun swirling about a potential reunion with Hanwha or another KBO club, given his proven track record in Korea and the high regard in which he’s held by fans and executives alike.
Hanwha’s front office, for its part, faces a complex calculus. While the idea of bringing back a tested ace is enticing, any decision will hinge on several factors: the current makeup of their foreign player roster, the health and performance of their pitching staff, the procedural hurdles of a KBO return, and, of course, the financial terms Weiss might command. As one source put it, "It’s not something to decide on emotion alone. There are a lot of moving parts, but a proven ace like Weiss hitting the market will get attention from Hanwha and other KBO teams."
Weiss himself has never hidden his affection for Korea or the Hanwha Eagles faithful. Upon departing after the 2025 season, he offered a heartfelt message: "Korea will always be a part of me. This isn’t a forever goodbye, it’s just until we meet again." That sentiment has only fueled speculation about a possible return, especially after recent social media posts showed him enjoying Korean-style barbecue with his family back in the United States—a subtle nod, perhaps, to where his heart still lies.
For now, the baseball world waits. Will another MLB team take a chance on the hard-throwing righty, banking on a turnaround? Or will Weiss find his way back to the KBO, where he’s already proven himself as an elite starter? The coming days will be crucial, as the waiver process plays out and teams on both sides of the Pacific weigh their options.
Weiss’s story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. One year, you’re the toast of a city, leading your team to the brink of a championship; the next, you’re fighting for a roster spot, your future uncertain. Yet, through it all, Weiss’s resilience and passion for the game have never wavered. Whether in Houston, Daejeon, or somewhere else entirely, it’s clear that his journey is far from over.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter, all eyes will be on Ryan Weiss’s next move. For Hanwha fans, the dream of seeing 'Daejeon Jesus' back in Eagles colors is alive and well. For Weiss, the next step—be it another shot in MLB or a triumphant return to Korea—promises to be watched with keen interest on both continents.