Jered Weaver, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels. Born on October 4, 1982, in Northridge, California, Weaver grew up in a sports-oriented family. His older brother, Jeff Weaver, also pitched in the major leagues, which provided Jered with a unique perspective and inspiration as he developed his own skills on the mound.
Weaver attended California State University, Long Beach, where he played college baseball for the Long Beach State Dirtbags. His performance in college was outstanding, earning him the Golden Spikes Award in 2004, which is given annually to the top amateur baseball player in the United States. This accolade, among others, helped solidify his status as a top prospect for the MLB draft.
In 2004, the Los Angeles Angels selected Weaver in the first round as the 12th overall pick. After a brief stint in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut on May 27, 2006, against the Baltimore Orioles. Weaver's rookie season was impressive; he won his first nine decisions, tying the American League record for consecutive wins to start a career. His performance that year earned him a fifth-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Over the next several years, Weaver established himself as a reliable and effective starting pitcher. Known for his deceptive delivery and excellent command, he became a staple in the Angels' rotation. In 2010, he led the major leagues in strikeouts with 233, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing hitters. The following year, Weaver was selected to his first All-Star Game, an honor he would receive three times in his career (2010, 2011, and 2012).
The 2011 season was particularly noteworthy for Weaver. He finished with an impressive 18-8 record and a 2.41 ERA, placing second in the American League Cy Young Award voting behind Justin Verlander. His performance helped the Angels remain competitive in the American League West, although they ultimately fell short of the playoffs.
Weaver continued to be a key part of the Angels' pitching staff in the subsequent years. In 2012, he threw a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on May 2, a highlight of his career that demonstrated his ability to dominate a game from start to finish. That season, he finished with a 20-5 record and a 2.81 ERA, further cementing his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league.
As his career progressed, Weaver faced challenges with injuries and a decline in velocity. Despite these obstacles, he remained a competitor on the mound, adapting his pitching style to rely more on control and strategy rather than overpowering speed. His tenure with the Angels concluded after the 2016 season, during which he posted a 12-12 record with a 5.06 ERA.
In 2017, Weaver signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres. However, his time with the Padres was short-lived due to persistent back issues that limited his effectiveness. After making nine starts and posting a 7.44 ERA, Weaver announced his retirement from professional baseball on August 16, 2017.
Throughout his career, Jered Weaver was known for his competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure.
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