Luke Weaver Reportedly Signs Mets Contract, Who Are Top MLB Pitchers Still Available?
The New York Yankees are losing a key member of their bullpen this Winter.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, reliever Luke Weaver is finalizing a deal with the New York Mets for two years and $22 million. He spent the last two-plus seasons with the Yankees after being claimed off waivers near the end of the 2023 campaign.
Prior to the deal, the Mets projected total luxury tax payroll was $306.7 million for 2026, per Spotrac.
Weaver's stint in New York worked wonders for his career. He began as a starting pitcher, but his struggles resulted in midseason releases from three different teams. The Yankees moved him to the bullpen for the 2024 season, and he found his groove on the mound.
Across 62 appearances in 2024, Weaver posted a career-best 2.89 ERA. He was elevated to the closer role late in the year and played a key part in New York's first run to the World Series since 2009, where they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite his strong performance as a closer, the Yankees moved Weaver back to a setup role for 2025 after acquiring star reliever Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Williams failed to live up to expectations and was demoted from the closer position twice. With Weaver also missing time during the year due to a hamstring injury, New York acquired closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates to bolster its bullpen on its way to finishing with a 94-68 record.
Weaver finished the year with a 3.62 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. He said in September that he "absolutely" wanted to return to New York, but he will now be taking his talents to a Mets squad that went 83-79.
The Mets should be confident that Weaver will be a reliable member of their bullpen as they try to earn a playoff spot in 2026.
With Weaver off the table, the top relievers still available include Rafael Montero, Taylor Rogers, Jose Leclerc, Kirby Yates, Tommy Kahnle, Jonathan Loaisiga and Pete Fairbanks.
