From undrafted prospect to a top rookie pitcher, Jack Dreyer is having a magical season

The former Hawkeye has become a reliable bullpen arm for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Jul 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Jack Dreyer (86) reacts after the victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Jul 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Jack Dreyer (86) reacts after the victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

What a ride it has been for former Hawkeye hurler Jack Dreyer. Before becoming a solid reliever in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen, Dreyer was a starter for the Iowa Baseball program, but suffered an injury setback during his final season in Iowa City.

Dreyer was a force for Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa, before joining the Iowa program in 2017. In 145 innings as an amateur player for Johnston, Dreyer posted a 1.13 earned run average (ERA) and a massive 195 strikeouts.

Dreyer continued to strike people out at a high rate with the Hawkeyes, amassing 76 strikeouts in 60.2 innings, being mostly used as a relief pitcher.

The entire 2020 college baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Dreyer underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2021 season. His injury history caused him to fall out of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Despite going undrafted in 2021, Dreyer signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and made his Major League debut this season against the Atlanta Braves.

It has been a long journey to The Show for Dreyer, but he is making the most of his opportunity with the Dodgers. After continuing to be a solid reliever for the Dodgers, MLB Network's Dan Plesac named Dreyer as his top rookie pitcher right now.

Dreyer is in elite company among rookie pitchers, beating out Yankees' rookie Will Warren and Kansas City Royals' rookie Noah Cameron.

During his stellar 2025 rookie campaign, Dreyer is 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 60.2 innings. He also has two saves on the season.

Dreyer has held opposing batters to a .212 batting average this season and has allowed only three home runs all season.

After a torrid start to the 2025 season, the Dodgers have cooled off significantly, but Dreyer has been a weapon for the team out of the bullpen.

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