MLB Exclusive: Talkin' With Dbacks' Drey Jameson

Major League Baseball has been around for over 150 years, with just over 23,000 players ever making it to the show. Each has their own unique journey to the big leagues, but there’s only been one Drey. And that is Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Drey Jameson, whose path to the majors went from pitching at mid-major Ball State in the MAC to saving games as the D-backs fought for a postseason spot during what ultimately became their 2023 World Series run.

It wasn’t all highs, though, unfortunately, for the former first-round pick. After rocketing through the Arizona system and carving out a solid role in the bullpen, Jameson hit a major setback with Tommy John surgery in late 2023, considered one of, if not the most serious injury a pitcher can face. Still, it didn’t stop Drey. He battled his way back to the majors, including recording a save at Wrigley Field in 2025. Just when things were trending up again, injuries began to derail his season. Even cutting it short before he eventually found himself back on the mound in the Arizona Fall League, working to regain form and prepare for his next step to rejoin the D-backs at the big league level in 2026.

Drey Jameson: Back on the Mound for 2026

With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than a month, I got the chance to talk with Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Drey Jameson as he prepares for the 2026 season, one where he looks poised to be a big piece of the D-backs’ push back into the playoffs. Jameson’s story is one of the most unique in the game, from those college days at Ball State to the rumors of him beating one of, if not the fastest players in baseball, Corbin Carroll, in a race. With a career 2.65 ERA at the major league level he is proven & driven to be a long term STUD out the pen. 2026 shapes up as a year where he feels fully back to being the Drey Jameson he knows he can be. Here is what he had to say about what lies ahead.

Q: What was it like coming back from a major injury in 2025, going from time in the majors to rehab and then competing in the Fall League? What helped you stay focused?

Drey: The injury in 2025 was very annoying and confusing. Going through that process was actually a lot tougher than my first injury because we didn’t have a clear answer on what was wrong. We were just trying things that corresponded to what I was feeling, so it was hard to wrap my head around what was going on and what the future held.

I eventually overcame that and received Botox. Playing in the Fall League was really good for me to see if the Botox worked and to get back into game form since I had missed so many games. I was pleased with the results, we are healthy and rolling into 2026.

Q: Heading into 2026, D-backs fans are really excited. From a team-first perspective, what’s your personal focus on how you can help Arizona this season?

Drey: I believe I’m going to add some depth to the pen this year. I’m working on a lot of pitching-side stuff and strength training to make sure I can sustain my health through a full season. I’m ready for 2026.

Q: As you enter the 2026 season with the D-backs and look ahead beyond that, what goals have you set for yourself?

Drey: I’m setting multiple goals, but the main one is to stay healthy. I believe I will because I’m putting in the work to make it happen. If I stay healthy, all my smaller goals will pan out; that’s my main priority and everything else will fall into line.

Character On The Bump: Cartoon Kicks & Custom Style

Hearing Jameson talk about the season ahead has to get D-backs fans excited. We know what he brings to the mound from a skill standpoint, but that’s not all there is to know about Drey. There’s a whole other side of his game. We’ve all heard the saying, “Look good, feel good, play good,” and Jameson fully embodies that. He brings ice to the desert with his style, and his one-of-a-kind cleat game is unmatched. From the now-famous Scooby-Doo cleats (still my personal favorite, as I continue searching for a trading card of him wearing them to get auto’d for my PC) to the SpongeBob pair he rocked at Wrigley Field, I wanted to give him the chance to tell fans the origin story of his Swagability (yes, I made that word up... deal with it) & how he hopes it leaves a positive impact on the younger fans.

Q: You’ve got a unique style on the mound, including the cartoon cleats. Where does that come from? Is it a way to show personality or keep the game fun?

Drey: My cleats are a way to show off my favorite cartoons from when I was a kid. But the true meaning is that we are grown men playing a kid’s game as a job. Kids look up to us, and I like to show things they might see on a daily basis. It shows them that I’m no different than they are, and that their dreams and goals can be the same as mine.

Q: Your cleats are some of the most creative in baseball, from Scooby-Doo to Spongebob. Is there a personal connection to those characters, and what goes into choosing which theme to rock? Have you thought about doing a fan choice pair?

Drey: The creations are based on my favorite cartoons growing up. I like to really dive into the details and let my artist, Lucia, use his creativity when designing them. I usually pick the main characters because those are the ones I remember the most and the ones people recognize. A fan choice pair would definitely be cool to do! I haven’t really thought of that yet, but I’ll definitely consider it.

Quick interjection...MY fan submission: Space Jam Looney Tunes

Lifestyle: Jameson Knows About That AZ Livin'

For fans who aren’t as social-media savvy, I’ve gotta say, get on there ASAP and give Drey a follow. Not only is he great at interacting with fans, but he also sells Arizona living like nobody else in his downtime. Whether he’s golfing with scenic views, helicoptering through Arizona’s national parks, or finding the best spots around the Valley, he does an awesome job showcasing what makes AZ life special.

Q: What are your favorite off-day spots to hang out or eat in Arizona? Any go-to food or local places you love?

Drey: Off days are pretty chill for me; I usually go golf. For food, I loved Etta, which has now changed to Guest House, that’s one of my favorite spots on any given day. Some others here in Arizona I like are Dominic’s Steakhouse and a new spot that just opened called 40love.

Fun Fact: 100mph...Could it be Superhuman?

Now I gotta hit up those spots for sure, how cant we? Though personally, I’ve gotta say Taco Guild or Joyride Taco House are can’t-miss spots too. I wanted to wrap up the player profile with a little fun. So throwing 100 mph feels superhuman to me as I pour tickets & nearly throw my shoulder out trying to hit 70 mph at Dave & Buster’s, stuffed full of mozzarella sticks & wings. For Drey, though, it’s just par for the course on any given day.

Q: If you could compare throwing 100 mph to any superpower, what would it be?

Drey: That’s a tough one! I guess I would just compare it to anything involving super speed.

Batter Up: Drey vs WHO? Era's Colliding

Lastly, as sports fans, we’ll always argue records across generations and players from different eras, it is sometimes the best part of being a sports fans. When your with the guys you always talk about what would you do against the greats & hell we ain't even close to the talent guys like Jameson can bring to the table. So I had to see who Drey would want to face, and who he wouldn’t want to see step into the batter’s box. His answer did not disappoint.

Q: If you could face any hitter in baseball history, current or past, who would it be? And who would you not want to see in the box?

Drey: If I could pick anyone to throw an at-bat to, I would definitely go with Albert Pujols. He was my favorite player growing up, and I think it would be so cool to face a guy I admired and watched as a kid. As for guys I’d rather not face? There are definitely some, but I’m never backing down or scared to face anyone. I believe in myself and my ability to pitch, I can compete with whoever is in that box!

BIG THANKS: Baseball Is Just Around The Corner

I want to give a huge thank you to Drey for taking the time to do this. As a blogger trying to grow an audience, getting to do a MLB player exclusive like this truly means more than you know.

To D-backs fans... I know we’re all excited to see Jameson back on the bump, bringing the heat & the style at Chase Field this season. He feels primed to take on a major role in the bullpen for a team that looks ready to come into form as a contender this summer. Also as we get closer to the season, keep an eye out for my position previews & potentially more player exclusives. Folks I don't know if you've checked lately but...The ESPN app already has spring training games sitting at the top of my events list. The baseballs are thawing out...the 2026 season is officially loading.