Championship Push: Yankees Secure Key Reliever for…
Little was expected of Luke Weaver when the Yankees claimed him off the waiver wire in 2023.
Weaver had struggled since the start of the 2020 season. He led the majors with nine losses during the pandemic-shortened year. A conversion to the bullpen did not help, as Weaver bounced through four different organizations from the start of the 2022 season. He had posted a 6.77 ERA and a 1.613 WHiP in 110.1 innings with the Reds and Mariners in 2023 before heading to New York.
Weaver had a solid showing as he helped shore up an injury-depleted Yankees’ rotation. He posted a 3.38 ERA and a 1.275 WHiP in 13.1 innings, striking out 16 batters with three walks. That performance led to a return to the Yankees as Weaver signed a one-year deal worth $2M with a $2.5M team option for 2025.
Although he was originally signed as a starter, Weaver quickly found a home in the bullpen. He emerged as a weapon in the latter innings, taking over as the Yankees closer when Clay Holmes imploded. Weaver posted a 2.89 ERA and a 0.929 WHiP in his 84 innings, striking out 103 batters with 26 walks. It was not a surprise that the Yankees exercised their option for 2025.
Retaining Weaver may be the start of a potential bullpen overhaul. Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill are all free agents, with the trio accounting for nearly half of the Yankees’ postseason relief innings. While his minimal salary made picking up his option an obvious decision, Weaver could be all the more important in 2025. His stint as the Yankees closer to finish the season may be a permanent role going forward.
