Mets Sign Luke Weaver: 2-Year, $22M Deal for Yankees Reliever
Mets Bolster Bullpen with Veteran Right-Hander Luke Weaver
NEW YORK – The New York Mets are making a significant investment in their bullpen, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million contract with right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver, according to a source. The deal, pending a physical, adds a proven late-inning arm to a Mets’ relief corps undergoing a transformation following the departure of Edwin Díaz. Weaver’s arrival also reunites him with former Yankees teammate Devin Williams, who recently signed with the Mets, creating a potentially formidable back-end of the bullpen.
From Rotation to Relief: Weaver’s Career Trajectory
Weaver, 32, has carved out a successful career across seven seasons as a starting pitcher and the last two as a full-time reliever. Originally a first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, Weaver spent the early part of his career bouncing between rotations with the Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners. While showing flashes of potential as a starter – boasting a strikeout rate of over a batter per inning (521 strikeouts in 520 innings) – he struggled with consistency, posting a 5.05 ERA in 106 career starts.
The turning point came in 2024 with the New York Yankees. Transitioning to the bullpen, Weaver experienced a breakout season, logging 62 relief appearances with a stellar 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 84 innings. He eventually assumed the closer role down the stretch and into the postseason, demonstrating an ability to thrive under pressure. While his 2025 season with the Yankees saw some regression – a 3.62 ERA in 64 2/3 innings, coupled with a brief stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain – he remained a valuable asset, making a career-high 64 relief appearances. Concerns about potential pitch-tipping surfaced during the postseason, but his overall performance solidified his status as a sought-after free agent.
Strategic Fit and Bullpen Dynamics
The Mets’ acquisition of Weaver addresses a critical need following Díaz’s departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Williams is expected to take on the closer role, Weaver provides a reliable setup option, alongside returning left-handers A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley. This creates a more balanced and versatile bullpen, capable of handling various late-game situations. The Mets’ bullpen ERA last season ranked 18th in Major League Baseball, highlighting the need for improvement. Weaver’s ability to generate strikeouts – he has a career 9.3 K/9 rate – will be particularly valuable in high-leverage situations.
Weaver’s success as a reliever stems from his ability to simplify his approach and focus on maximizing his strengths. His fastball velocity, averaging around 94 mph, combined with a sharp slider and changeup, allows him to keep hitters off balance. The key for the Mets will be maintaining his consistency and ensuring he remains healthy throughout the season. Hamstring injuries can significantly impact a pitcher’s mechanics and effectiveness, so careful monitoring and proactive injury prevention will be crucial.
Impact on the NL East and Mets’ Playoff Aspirations
The addition of Weaver and Williams significantly strengthens the Mets’ chances of competing in the National League East, a division consistently ranked among the most competitive in baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Miami Marlins all pose significant challenges. According to FanGraphs projections, the Mets are currently projected to win 83 games, but the addition of these two bullpen arms could push that number higher.
The Mets’ front office clearly prioritized bolstering the bullpen this offseason, recognizing its importance in a league increasingly reliant on late-game leverage. A strong bullpen can shorten games, protect leads, and provide a significant advantage in close contests. With Weaver and Williams now in the fold, the Mets have positioned themselves to be a more formidable opponent in the NL East and a legitimate contender for a playoff berth. The success of this strategy will depend on the overall performance of the team, but the Mets have undoubtedly taken a significant step in the right direction.
Editor’s note: Original story included a verified sports social media post.