Yankees Pursue Luke Weaver in Free Agency

The New York Yankees are reportedly exploring the possibility of re-signing relief pitcher Luke Weaver as free agency heats up. According to Chris Kirschner from The Athletic, there is a mutual interest between Weaver and the Yankees, with both sides expressing a desire to continue their relationship.

Weaver, who has spent parts of the past three seasons with the Yankees after being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, has emerged as a pivotal player in the bullpen. However, the Yankees will face stiff competition, as approximately ten other teams have already reached out to the 32-year-old right-hander.

Weaver's Performance and Role Evolution

Throughout his career, Weaver has transitioned from being a starting pitcher, with experience on teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds, to primarily serving in a relief capacity. With a 5.14 ERA over his first eight seasons, Weaver expressed a willingness to return to starting pitching, but teams are currently viewing him as a reliever.

In the 2024 season, Weaver played a significant role for the Yankees, appearing in 62 games and posting a record of 7-3 accompanied by four saves, a 2.89 ERA, and 103 strikeouts over 84 innings. He took on the closer responsibilities during the latter part of the season, contributing crucial performances during the team's World Series run.

After the Yankees acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, Weaver initially moved into a setup role. He excelled at the start of the season, maintaining a perfect record of no runs allowed over his first 13 appearances. Despite struggling with injuries, his remarkable early performance showcased his potential as an elite reliever.

Challenges and Future Outlook

After a hamstring injury sidelined him for three weeks, Weaver's performance dipped significantly upon his return, finishing the season with a 3.62 ERA and 72 strikeouts. Additionally, he faced challenges in the playoffs, where he allowed five earned runs in just one-third of an inning.

As the Yankees look to replenish their bullpen following the loss of Williams to the Mets, Weaver could potentially step into a critical role alongside David Bednar. Though discussions between Weaver and the Yankees are not yet advanced, his return is uncertain, yet still a possibility as the free agency period unfolds.