In a move that has electrified college baseball circles, the Los Angeles Angels announced the signing of Blake Weiman to a minor‑league contract in February 2026. The right‑hander, who spent three seasons at the University of Kansas, will aim to translate his collegiate success to the big leagues, joining an exclusive list of Jayhawk alumni who have reached the majors.
A Milestone for Kansas Baseball
Weiman’s ascent is notable not only for its rarity — he becomes the first Kansas player promoted since Ryan Zeferjahn in August 2024 — but also for the trajectory he has charted through the minor leagues. Over nine professional seasons, he has compiled a 29‑13 record with a 3.94 ERA across 283 appearances, while maintaining a career opponents’ batting average of just .171.
His collegiate résumé reflects a blend of athletic and academic excellence. Weiman earned All‑Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in 2017, was named to the Academic All‑Big 12 First Team in both 2016 and 2017, and contributed to Kansas’s 2015 Rookie Team. Those achievements paved the way for his selection with the 238th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.
The Road to the Majors
After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Weiman’s professional journey took him through stints with the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros before landing with the Angels. In the current minor‑league season, he stands at 1‑0 with a 1.93 ERA over 18.2 innings, a performance that has kept opponents’ hits to a mere .171 average.
When Weiman finally steps onto a major‑league mound, he will join Ryan Zeferjahn as the 28th Jayhawk to appear in the big leagues, a testament to the program’s enduring talent pipeline. His debut is expected to be a watershed moment for Kansas fans, who have long awaited another home‑grown pitcher to make an impact on the sport’s highest stage.
Beyond the mound, Weiman’s story reflects a broader narrative of perseverance and scholarly commitment. Balancing rigorous academics with a demanding baseball schedule, he exemplifies the student‑athlete ideal that the University of Kansas has long championed. As he prepares for his first call‑up, the baseball community watches eagerly, hopeful that his disciplined approach will translate into lasting success at the highest level.