Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — Wednesday’s game to close out the homestand was remarkable for even more than the ridiculous comeback and Shohei’s equally ridiculous bobble-head-night walkoff Sayonara home run. It also was the first big league win for Dodgers rookie reliever, Jack Dreyer. The 26-year-old lefty pitched two innings of no-hit, scoreless ball and allowed for the Dodgers to tie the game in the eighth, and then walk it off in the bottom of the ninth. What better reason than that to revisit a story that got a little media traction during Spring Training back in Arizona–the fact that Jack Dreyer is, in addition to being an up-and-coming big league pitcher, a whiz with the Rubik’s Cube.
At first glance, it might seem like just a quirky hobby. But for Dreyer, it’s become something much more — a tool for focus, connection, and even creativity.
A Cubing Pro in the Bullpen
According to multiple accounts coming out of Spring Training, Dreyer can solve a Rubik’s Cube in as little as 14 seconds. That alone is impressive, but his talents go far beyond speed. What really sets him apart is his ability to turn hundreds of cubes into vibrant works of art. Last spring, he created a large mosaic portrait of Shohei Ohtani using more than 1,200 Rubik’s Cubes. Though the piece was accidentally knocked over and destroyed, it left a lasting impression at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers’ spring training facility in Arizona.
Dreyer’s interest in cubing started back in high school in Johnston, Iowa. What began as a fun challenge evolved into a passion, and by college, he was experimenting with cube art — though not all of his early designs were masterpieces. “At the beginning, my artwork was pretty horrible,” Dreyer said to the LA Times back in March. “I would finish a design and show my roommates, and they wouldn’t even be able to tell who it was.”
But he didn’t stop, and his skill grew. These days, Dreyer shares his cubes with teammates in the clubhouse, turning a solitary hobby into a shared experience. Pitchers like Tony Gonsolin, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Jackson Ferris have all tried their hand at solving the puzzle, and Dreyer has become an informal coach to those looking to improve.
A Breakout on the Mound
While Dreyer’s Rubik’s Cube artistry has drawn curiosity and admiration, it’s his performance on the mound that’s pushing him into high leverage situations in the Major Leagues.
After signing with the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Iowa in 2021, Dreyer spent the next few years quietly climbing through the farm system. In 2024, he posted a stellar 2.20 ERA across 46 appearances between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Even more impressive was the major leap in his command — he cut his walk total dramatically, issuing just 12 free passes in over 57 innings.
“I didn’t make any mechanical changes,” Dreyer told the Athletic. “It was purely just a mentality shift.” That shift — throwing each pitch with confidence and conviction — helped him find consistency and trust in his arsenal, which features a rising fastball and a sharper slider.
That growth didn’t go unnoticed. In November, the Dodgers added Dreyer to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, a sign that the organization sees real potential in the Iowa native.
Getting his Chance in the Big Leagues
This spring, Dreyer reported to his first Major League camp and wasted no time making an impression. And that impression continues through the first eight games of the season. With injuries sidelining some of the best reliever, names like Dreyer and Ben Casparius have stepped up. So far in 2025, Dreyer has posted a nifty 1.69 ERA, pitching 5.1 innings spread over four appearances. Equally impressive is the miniscule WHIP of 0.56 and and average against of just .111.
Manager Dave Roberts has praised both Dreyer’s presence and performance. “He’s really impressive,” Roberts said. “The fastball plays, the slider has come on, and he’s got a very calm demeanor out there.”
While Dreyer may not have approached Roberts with a cube just yet — “I don’t have the bandwidth to approach that,” the skipper joked in an article in Dodger Insider — his impact on the clubhouse is undeniable. Whether it’s in the bullpen or over a puzzle, Dreyer has emerged as one to watch in 2025.
Staying Focused, Staying Grounded
Despite his growing role and the excitement around him, Dreyer remains humble and focused on what he can control. “Getting added to the 40-man, or any of the decisions that are made by the front office — those things are out of my control,” he said in the Spring. “I just come to the field every day preparing myself to work and to get better.”
That mindset, paired with his strong performance, has him closer than ever to making his MLB debut.
And whether or not he builds another Ohtani mosaic anytime soon, Dreyer’s journey proves that in baseball — just like in cubing — patience, practice, and passion can all lead to something extraordinary.
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