THE DEAL: $22 MILLION TO CROSS THE WHITESTONE BRIDGE
NEW YORK, NY—In a power move that signals a total restructuring of their relief corps, the New York Mets officially agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with right-handed reliever Luke Weaver on December 17, 2025.
The deal, which is still pending a physical, marks a significant homecoming for the 32-year-old veteran. After a transformative two-season stint in the Bronx, Weaver is now the third high-leverage arm from the 2024-2025 Yankees to join David Stearns’ roster this offseason.
THE NEW “QUEENS CLOSER” DYNAMIC
The signing comes at a critical time for the Mets, who suffered a major blow earlier this winter when star closer Edwin Díaz opted out of his contract and signed a record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Weaver joins a rebuilt back-end that now features:
Devin Williams: Signed to a 3-year, $51M deal earlier this month to serve as the primary closer.
Luke Weaver: Expected to serve as the primary set-up man or “fireman,” a role he perfected in pinstripes.
Clay Holmes: The former Yankees closer who is reportedly being considered for a hybrid rotation/bulk-relief role in Queens for 2026.
A LOOK AT THE WEAVER RESUME
Weaver’s stock skyrocketed over the last 24 months. After a rocky career as a starter, his move to the Yankees’ bullpen in late 2023 unlocked an elite, high-strikeout version of his game.
Phase
Performance Metric
Impact
2024 Breakout
2.89 ERA / 103 K
Became the Yankees’ closer during the World Series run.
2025 Stability
3.62 ERA / 72 K
Served as the bridge to Devin Williams in the Bronx.
Statcast Profile
90th Percentile (xERA)
His .195 expected batting average was among MLB’s best.
The Contract
$11M AAV
No deferrals or opt-outs; straight two-year commitment.
WHY THE YANKEES LET HIM WALK
In a move that stunned many Bronx fans, reports indicate that the Yankees did not make a single bid to retain Weaver this winter. With Brian Cashman reportedly focusing resources on a massive $400M+ pursuit of Kyle Tucker, Weaver was allowed to test the market uncontested.
“It’s a bizarre decision for the Yankees but a masterstroke for Stearns,” one rival executive noted. “The Mets effectively bought the Yankees’ entire 8th and 9th inning from the last two years. They’re banking on familiarity and late-inning poise.”
THE 2026 METS BULLPEN (PROJECTED)
Devin Williams (Closer)
Luke Weaver (Setup)
A.J. Minter (LHP – Returning from injury)
Brooks Raley (LHP)
Sean Newcomb (Reported target to round out the staff)
