MUTUAL INTEREST, BUT THE PRICE OF SECURITY LOOMS OVER THE BRONX
NEW YORK, NY—He was the “Unicorn” who saved the Yankees’ bullpen in 2024, but as the 2025–26 offseason heats up, Luke Weaver is no longer looking for a one-year flyer. Reports surfaced late Tuesday that the 32-year-old right-hander is officially seeking multiyear security this winter, quietly sparking questions about how much the Yankees are willing to pay to keep their high-leverage bridge intact.
While there is “genuine” mutual interest in a reunion, the Bronx is no longer the only suitor. Approximately 10 teams have reportedly checked in on Weaver, creating a silent pressure point for Brian Cashman as the relief market begins to shrink.
THE NUMBERS: FROM WAIVER CLAIM TO $30M PROJECTION
Weaver’s journey from a September 2023 waiver claim to a high-demand free agent is one of the most remarkable developmental wins for the Yankees’ “Pitching Lab.” However, his 2025 campaign was a tale of two halves that has analysts calculating his long-term value:
| Metric | 2025 Full Season | The “Pressure Point” |
| ERA / WHIP | 3.62 / 1.02 | Weaver carried a 1.05 ERA through June before a hamstring injury and “pitch tipping” issues led to a 9.64 ERA in September. |
| Strikeout Rate | 27.5% | Despite the late-season slide, his 19.3% K-BB% remains elite, ranking him among the top available relief arms. |
| Contract Target | 3 Years / $30M | Insider projections suggest Weaver could command a deal similar to the $10M-per-year range, a significant jump from his $2.5M salary in 2025. |
THE CLUBHOUSE BELIEF: A BRIDGE TO BEDNAR
Inside the Yankees’ clubhouse, the belief in Weaver remains high. Following the departures of Devin Williams and Mark Leiter Jr., Weaver is viewed as the essential bridge to newly minted closer David Bednar.
- The Rotation Wildcard: While Weaver is drawing interest primarily as a reliever, rumors persist that he remains open to “rotation opportunities.” With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón expected to miss the start of 2026 due to surgeries, Weaver’s ability to provide bulk innings or spot starts adds a layer of value—and cost—the Yankees are currently weighing.
- The Boras Factor: Represented by the Boras Corporation, Weaver is expected to play the “long game,” waiting for the relief market to thin out further (especially after Pete Fairbanks and Brad Keller sign) to maximize his leverage.
THE VERDICT: FIT vs. FUTURE MONEY
The Yankees are operating in a world where timing is everything. Missing the window to sign Weaver could leave a massive hole in a bullpen that has already seen significant turnover.
“Luke proved he could handle New York,” one league source noted. “But for the Yankees, it’s about whether they believe the September ‘meltdown’ was a fatigue fluke or a warning sign. $30 million is a lot of money for a bridge that might be fraying.”
