Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jayson Werth

Discover the career path of Jayson Werth, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jayson Werth is a retired American professional baseball outfielder. Spanning from 2002 to 2017, his 15-season MLB career included stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals. Werth was known for his strong offensive abilities and played a key role on the Phillies' 2008 World Series-winning team. After his time in Philadelphia, he signed a notable free-agent contract with the Washington Nationals, where he became a veteran leader and continued to contribute offensively.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1996: First Playoff Berth Since 1996

In 2004, Jayson Werth's ninth-inning single set up Steve Finley's game-winning grand slam against the San Francisco Giants, helping the Dodgers to clinch the National League (NL) West Division and send them to the playoffs for the first time since 1996.

1997: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles

In 1997, Jayson Werth was drafted 22nd overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB Draft. He chose to sign with the Orioles, foregoing a commitment to play college baseball for the Georgia Bulldogs.

1998: Season with Delmarva Shorebirds

Jayson Werth began the 1998 season with the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds, batting .265 with eight home runs and 53 RBI in 120 games. He was also selected to attend the South Atlantic All-Star Game.

1999: Promotion to Bowie

In 1999, Jayson Werth received a promotion to Bowie after participating in the Carolina League All-Star Game. He batted .305 through 66 Carolina League games.

December 12, 2000: Traded to the Blue Jays

On December 12, 2000, Jayson Werth was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for John Bale.

2000: Season with Frederick

In 2000, Jayson Werth received a demotion back to Frederick. He batted .277 with two home runs and 18 RBI in 83 at bats across 24 games.

September 1, 2002: MLB Debut with Blue Jays

On September 1, 2002, Jayson Werth was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays for his major league debut. He recorded a hit in his debut and solidified his place as an outfielder.

2002: MLB Debut

In 2002, Jayson Werth made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. He split his time between the major and minor leagues.

2002: Moved to Outfield

In 2002, Jayson Werth was moved to the outfield when he was promoted to the Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs.

2003: Alternating between Major and Minor Leagues

In 2003, Jayson Werth spent most of the season alternating between the major and minor leagues due to injuries to the Blue Jays' core players. He played in 26 major league games, batting .208.

March 31, 2004: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On March 31, 2004, Jayson Werth was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitcher Jason Frasor.

2004: Lowest Batting Stats since 2004

Due to injury, Jayson Werth was limited to 88 games in 2015, during which his .221 batting average, 51 hits, and .302 on-base percentage were the lowest of his career since 2004.

December 20, 2006: Phillies signed Werth

On December 20, 2006, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Jayson Werth to a one-year, $850,000 contract, with additional incentives. This was after conducting physical tests to ensure his health for the upcoming season.

2008: Everyday Outfielder and World Series Champion

By the end of the 2008 season, Jayson Werth had become an everyday outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. He won a World Series championship, continuing his family's baseball legacy.

January 22, 2009: Werth signed contract extension with Phillies

On January 22, 2009, the Phillies signed Jayson Werth to a two-year, $10 million contract extension. The team wanted to retain Werth as an outfielder and a right-handed power hitter.

December 5, 2010: Werth signed with the Nationals

On December 5, 2010, Jayson Werth signed a seven-year, $126 million contract with the Washington Nationals after Adam Dunn left for the Chicago White Sox.

December 2010: Signed with Nationals

In December 2010, Jayson Werth signed a seven-year, $126 million contract with the Washington Nationals.

May 3, 2011: Werth returned to Citizens Bank Park

On May 3, 2011, Jayson Werth returned to Citizens Bank Park for the first time since joining the Nationals. He was booed by Phillies fans before receiving a standing ovation.

2012: Werth's Season Performance and Injury

In 2012, Jayson Werth aimed for a fresh start after the previous year. He fractured his left wrist on May 6 while fielding a hit, sidelining him. He returned to the lineup on August 2. Despite appearing in only 81 games due to injury, Werth batted .300 with five home runs and 31 RBI.

2013: Successful Season with Nationals

In 2013, Jayson Werth had a successful season with the Nationals, batting .318 with 25 home runs and 82 runs batted in.

2013: Werth named NL Player of the Month

In 2013, Jayson Werth played through injuries but had a strong July, leading the NL with 24 RBI, 11 doubles, and 17 extra-base hits. He was named July's NL Player of the Month. He finished the year batting .318 with 25 home runs and 82 RBI, and a career-best .931 OPS.

2014: Werth's Performance and Recognition in 2014

In 2014, Jayson Werth led MLB in win probability added early in the season. After adjusting his batting stance, he had a strong July, earning him the NL Player of the Month Award. He finished the season with a .292 batting average, 16 home runs, and 82 RBI.

2015: Werth's Injury-Plagued Season

In 2015, Jayson Werth's season was marked by injuries. He underwent shoulder surgery in January and fractured his left wrist in May. He returned in July, but his performance was inconsistent. Limited to 88 games in 2015, his batting average, hits, and on-base percentage were the lowest since 2004.

2016: Werth's 200th Home Run and Postseason Appearance

In 2016, Jayson Werth hit his 200th career home run on April 19. From June 20 to August 20, Werth carried an on-base streak through 46 games, tying Rusty Staub's franchise record. Werth batted .244 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI across 143 games. The Nationals faced the Dodgers in the 2016 NLDS, where Werth hit his 15th career postseason home run in Game 3, tying Babe Ruth.

2017: Werth Addresses Organic Trade Association

In 2017, Jayson Werth delivered a speech for the Organic Trade Association about his difficulties in obtaining organic farming certifications and advocating for more help for farmers seeking to become organic.

2017: Werth's Final Major League Season

In 2017, Jayson Werth, at 38, remained an everyday outfielder for the Nationals. Sidelined by a foot fracture in June, he rejoined the team in August. Batting .226 in 70 games, he received a standing ovation for his last regular season game at Nationals Park. He recorded two hits and two walks in Game 5 of the NLDS, but the Chicago Cubs defeated the Nationals.

March 27, 2018: Mariners Offer Minor League Contract

On March 27, 2018, the Seattle Mariners offered Jayson Werth a minor league contract as an opportunity to extend his career with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.

June 28, 2018: Werth Announces Retirement

On June 28, 2018, Jayson Werth announced his retirement from professional baseball after realizing he preferred being with his family and fearing further injury. He finished his MLB career with a .267 batting average, .816 OPS, 229 home runs, 799 RBI, and 132 stolen bases.