The New York Mets have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff, finalising a two-year contract worth $22 million with right-handed reliever Luke Weaver. The 32-year-old pitcher, who spent the last two seasons with the Mets' crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, now joins a growing list of former Bronx Bombers finding a new home in Queens.
Mets' Bullpen Strategy Takes Shape
This acquisition is a direct response to the Mets' need to reinforce their bullpen following the departure of star closer Edwin Díaz. The team is strategically blending experienced arms from the Yankees' successful late-game roster with fresh talent. Weaver's signing reunites him with Devin Williams, another former Yankee who secured a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets earlier this month.
This trend of recruiting from the Yankees' 2024 American League pennant-winning bullpen began last December with Clay Holmes' three-year, $38 million agreement. The Mets are clearly building a relief corps with proven, high-pressure experience.
Luke Weaver's Rollercoaster Yankees Tenure
Weaver's time with the Yankees marked a notable career resurgence, though it was filled with role changes and fluctuating performance. In 2024, he stepped up as the closer in September, replacing a struggling Clay Holmes. His regular-season stats were impressive: a 2.89 ERA over 62 relief appearances, 84 innings pitched, 103 strikeouts, and four saves. He finished with a 7-3 record and carried strong form into the initial postseason games.
The 2025 season started brilliantly for Weaver. Taking over the closer role in late April, he posted a stellar 1.05 ERA and converted eight saves in nine chances across 24 games. However, a left hamstring strain on June 1 disrupted his momentum. His return in late June was less dominant, resulting in a 5.31 ERA over his next 40 outings.
His final 2025 line was a 4-4 record with a 3.62 ERA in 64 games, alongside 72 strikeouts and eight saves in 64.2 innings. While his WHIP was a solid 1.02 and opponents batted just .195 against him, his season ended on a sour note. He struggled with a 9.64 ERA in his final 12 regular-season games, and his postseason was disastrous, culminating in a 135.00 ERA across 0.1 innings in the ALDS.
Analysts Project a Rebound with the Mets
Baseball analysts are optimistic about Weaver's fit in New York. They project he will thrive in a setup role for the Mets, potentially rediscovering his 2024 form with Devin Williams handling the ninth inning. Discussions on platforms like MLB Tonight have highlighted the mechanical adjustments Weaver made post-injury as a key factor for a potential 2026 rebound.
The envisioned bullpen strategy is clear: Williams closes games, while Weaver manages the eighth inning or takes on critical multi-inning assignments. This structure aims to provide the Mets with reliable, late-game stability. As the team prepares to compete in a challenging NL East division, the signing of Luke Weaver reflects a calculated approach focused on consistency and seasoned experience over flashy names. If he maintains his health, the Mets have secured a valuable arm for their long-term campaign.
