SF Giants lose newly-added outfielder in waiver claim to the Washington Nationals

The Joey Wiemer era is over before it began. The SF Giants lost the newly-added outfielder in a waiver claim to the Washington Nationals, per the team's transaction log.

SF Giants lose newly-added outfielder in waiver claim to the Washington Nationals

Wiemer has been designated for assignment in the middle of December to make room for Jason Foley. Foley joined the Giants on a one-year deal, but he has multiple years of team control after this one.

The veteran reliever underwent shoulder surgery in May of 2025. That will likely keep him out into the middle of the 2026 season. Foley has pitched to a 3.16 ERA in parts of four seasons with the Detroit Tigers.

The Wiemer news resolved his status that had dragged on for longer than normal. He, along with Wade Meckler, had been on waivers for nearly three weeks. There is usually a pause on the waiver wire during the holidays, and this often leaves player stuck in limbo. With the latest move, that pause has seemingly been lifted.

In November, the Giants acquired Wiemer from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations. It felt like a move that was geared toward a niche role for 2026.

Wiemer is a passable defender at all three outfield positions, and has a career .779 OPS against left-handed pitching. For a team that struggled with outfield defense and against southpaw pitchers in 2025, this felt like a puzzle piece that might fit.

However, the Giants already have a lot of outfielders on the 40-man roster. Only Heliot Ramos and Jung Hoo Lee have concrete roles for 2026. The rest of the group will be competing for playing time in spring training.

Barring any changes, the notable competition that might take place would be between Luis Matos and Jerar Encarnación. They have similar profiles, and both are out of minor league options. If they do not make the team, then they will need to be placed on waivers. There is likely only room for one of them on the roster.

Grant McCray and Drew Gilbert will also compete for playing time. Both have minor league options remaining, so they will not have the same dynamic as Matos and Encarnación.

The Giants have turned over some of the outfield depth on the 40-man roster. And, that depth chart will look a bit different by the time Opening Day rolls round. Wiemer will now compete for a roster spot for the Washington Nationals.