Luke Weaver Joins Mets After Yankees Stint

After three seasons with the Yankees, reliever Luke Weaver is beginning a new chapter with the New York Mets. The 32-year-old agreed to a two-year contract worth $22 million in December, moving just across the city to join a Mets bullpen that finished 15th in the majors in 2025 with a 3.93 ERA.

Weaver’s arrival reunites him with former Yankees teammate Devin Williams, who signed with the Mets last year on a three-year, $51 million deal. Previously, Weaver served as a setup man for Williams in New York, and their renewed pairing is expected to bolster the Mets’ late-inning options.

During a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Weaver addressed questions about his former club, emphasizing respect and gratitude. “I really loved and valued every single person in that clubhouse,” he said, highlighting the professional relationships that helped him grow as a reliever.

For Weaver, the move represents both a fresh opportunity and a chance to continue building on the success he achieved with the Yankees, while contributing to a Mets team aiming to improve its bullpen performance.

1. Weaver’s Yankees Legacy

Weaver developed into a reliable major league reliever during his time with the Yankees. Over 129 appearances spanning three seasons, he recorded a 3.22 ERA and a 127 ERA+ across 162 innings pitched, establishing himself as a consistent bullpen presence. The Yankees claimed Weaver off waivers in 2023, providing the stability he needed after bouncing between several organizations, including the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Mariners, Royals, and Reds. His time in New York allowed him to refine his repertoire and gain valuable experience in high-leverage situations. Weaver’s tenure with the Yankees showcased his ability to handle both setup and middle-relief duties, often pitching in critical innings and bridging the gap to closers like Williams. His consistent performance and professional demeanor made him a valued clubhouse member, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike—a foundation he hopes to carry into his Mets tenure.

2. New Role with the Mets

Joining the Mets presents both opportunities and challenges for Weaver. Queens’ bullpen struggled in 2025, ranking in the bottom half of MLB with a 3.93 ERA, signaling a clear need for experienced arms. Weaver’s proven consistency offers a potential upgrade in late-inning reliability. Reuniting with Devin Williams adds an interesting dynamic. Previously a setup man for Williams, Weaver now joins a staff where roles may need redefining. The Mets could deploy the duo in tandem or leverage their combined experience in different high-leverage situations to maximize effectiveness. Weaver’s presence also provides mentorship for younger arms in the bullpen. The Mets have several emerging relievers who could benefit from his guidance, particularly in handling the mental and strategic challenges of late-inning work. As the team heads into 2026, Weaver’s contributions will likely be measured not only by ERA and strikeouts but also by the stability and experience he brings to a unit seeking to reclaim its competitive edge.

3. Gratitude and Career Perspective

Though moving from one New York team to another, Weaver remains appreciative of the Yankees’ role in his career development. The organization provided the platform for him to establish himself as a reliable major league reliever after years of moving between franchises. His comments on the podcast reflect a sense of professionalism and gratitude, underscoring the importance of relationships and mentorship in his development. Weaver’s respect for his former team suggests a smooth transition into his new role with the Mets, without lingering animosity or distraction. Looking ahead, Weaver aims to translate his past success into tangible results for the Mets while contributing to the team’s broader goals. His combination of experience, consistency, and familiarity with high-pressure New York baseball environments positions him to be an impactful addition to the Queens bullpen.