Luke Weaver closed a key chapter of his career with the New York Yankees and decided to stay in New York, but now wearing the uniform of the rival team, the Mets. The pitcher spoke candidly about his departure from the Bronx and the reasons that led him to sign with the Queens organization.
Luke Weaver reveals why he left the Yankees to sign with the Mets
After several seasons of ups and downs, Luke Weaver found stability with the New York Yankees, a team with which he managed to relaunch his career. However, his continuity was never on the table. The pitcher himself confirmed that there was no formal offer to return to the Bronx.
These statements, during his participation in the Foul Territory program, made it clear that his departure was forced, a consequence of the team’s internal decisions.
Despite this, the 32-year-old pitcher did not hide his gratitude towards the organization that restored his confidence in himself and his game.
Luke Weaver grateful to Yankees, the club where he was reborn
Weaver joined the Yankees in late 2023 as a low-profile move, having been designated for assignment twice that same year. What seemed like a last chance turned into one of the great stories of the New York bullpen.
In the 2024 season, the right-hander became the team’s most reliable reliever, with a 2.68 ERA, 103 strikeouts in 84 innings and a leading role in high-pressure situations. He even surpassed Clay Holmes as closer and was instrumental in the Yankees‘ run to the World Series.
During the interview, Weaver could not hide the emotional burden that this stage of his career represented. He admitted that he began to question his continuity in professional baseball.
During the 2024 season, I had nothing to lose. I didn’t know if I was going to play again. Then that spark appears of ‘I’m not a guy who gives up
That mental shift was key to his growth within the bullpen and to regaining confidence and love for the game.
A new role for the Mets and an ambitious bullpen
The agreement between the New York Mets and Luke Weaver for two years and $22 million confirms the club’s commitment to strengthening a bullpen that suffered a major blow with the departure of Edwin Diaz. The arrival of the 32-year-old reliever, along with Devin Williams, confirms that the Mets are turning to proven arms with experience in high-pressure situations to build a solid foundation for the final innings.
Although Williams is projected as the main closer in Queens, Weaver will bring versatility and depth to a bullpen that is looking for consistency. His ability to pitch multiple innings, take on setup roles and even close games, as he did with the Yankees, makes him a valuable piece for the Mets.
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