NEW YORK, NY—In a move that has left the Bronx in a state of disbelief, the New York Mets and reliever Luke Weaver officially agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.1
The “bombshell” of the deal isn’t just the destination—it’s the lack of competition. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the New York Yankees did not make a single bid to retain Weaver, despite his role as their primary setup man and high-leverage “fireman” over the last two seasons. This “no-bid” strategy has ignited a firestorm among Yankees fans, especially as the Mets continue to transform their bullpen into a mirror image of the 2024-25 Bronx relief corps.
THE “YANKEE MODEL” IN QUEENS
With the addition of Weaver, David Stearns has effectively “outsourced” the Yankees’ late-inning magic. Weaver joins a list of former pinstriped stars who have defected to Queens this winter:
Devin Williams: Signed a 3-year, $51M deal to be the Mets’ closer after Edwin Díaz signed with the Dodgers.2
Clay Holmes: Signed last winter; currently serving as a hybrid starter/bulk reliever.
Juan Soto: The superstar centerpiece of the Mets’ new-look lineup.
BY THE NUMBERS: WEAVER’S 2025 ROLLERCOASTER
The Yankees’ hesitation may have been fueled by Weaver’s volatile 2025 season, which saw elite dominance followed by a significant injury-related regression.
2025 Phase
ERA
The “Stuff” Reality
Pre-Hamstring Injury (thru June 1)
1.05
Looked like the best reliever in the American League.
Post-Injury (June 20 – Oct)
5.31
Struggled with command and pitch-tipping.
Season Totals
3.62 ERA / 72 K
Still finished in the 90th percentile for xERA.
Career Milestone
3.22 ERA (Relief)
Over 162 total innings of relief as a Yankee.
THE STRATEGIC DIVIDE: PANIC OR PATIENCE?
While the Mets are being lauded for “capitalizing on an opportunity,” the Yankees’ lack of a bid suggests a broader financial pivot.
“The Yankees are clearing every cent for the Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger sweepstakes,” one league source suggested. “But by letting Weaver walk for $11M a year without a counter-offer, they’re leaving their bullpen extremely thin. It’s a gamble that assumes internal arms can replace a veteran’s poise.”
For the Mets, the $22 million is a “calculated bargain.” Rather than spending $70M+ on a single elite arm, they have built a “versatile web” of veteran high-leverage options (Weaver, Williams, Minter, Raley) to bridge the gap to the ninth.
