When the New York Yankees claimed Luke Weaver off waivers in September 2023, it was uncertain what impact he would have. However, following a strong performance as the team’s closer late in the season, the Yankees are now preparing to offer Weaver a multi-year contract extension to secure his future with the club.
Luke Weaver’s Journey to a Yankees Breakout
At 30 years old, Luke Weaver entered the Yankees organization as a veteran pitcher who had moved through five different MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners. Prior to joining New York, Weaver had posted a career earned run average (ERA) of 5.14 and a fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 4.31 across 144 appearances and over 574 innings. Despite several starting chances, he had never recorded a save and was considered more of a journeyman than a reliable bullpen mainstay.
After arriving in the Bronx, though, something shifted. Weaver quickly developed into the Yankees’ closer, delivering a 2.48 ERA and a 3.18 FIP while recording 11 saves in the final months of the 2023 season. Initially expected to play a supporting role behind newly acquired Devin Williams heading into 2025, Weaver’s consistent performance has kept him in the closer position, as Williams struggled early in the year.
Possible Terms for Weaver’s Contract Extension
Experts have speculated on what a contract extension for Weaver might look like, given his recent breakout and approaching free agency. Analyst Adam Weinrib of FanSided suggests that Weaver, who will turn 32 this August, is worthy of a commitment of at least three seasons, with a team option for a fourth year as a possible bonus.
Weinrib remarks,
“If he feels like he owes the Yankees something after they managed to uncover his true first-round talent, maybe he’ll accept $9 million annually on a three-year, $27 million deal with escalators. At worst, this seems like a prime opportunity for the Yankees and Weaver to agree on something akin to Jeff Hoffman’s contract in Toronto, a three-year, $33 million contract with incentives that could take it to $39 million.”
—Adam Weinrib, FanSided
Given that Devin Williams earns $8.6 million and neither player is under team control beyond this season, New York is likely to prioritize locking in Weaver’s services first. The Yankees are expected to pursue this agreement before the All-Star break to avoid uncertainty heading into the offseason.
Factors Behind Weaver’s Improvement With New York
Weaver’s turnaround has been credited in part to pitching coach Matt Blake’s guidance. His pitching style relies heavily on accuracy rather than overpowering velocity, with a heavy use of a four-seam fastball (58%) and a changeup (29%). This approach has suited him well as he approaches the latter stages of his career, making him a reliable option for high-leverage situations.
“Perhaps it was pitching coach Matt Blake’s guru-like mentorship that turned the ship around for Weaver. Perhaps he needs to thrive in a high-stakes environment like the Bronx. Whatever the exact reason for his Yankees surge, he has blossomed into a trustworthy, high-leverage reliever.”
—Source analysis
The Yankees have a track record of developing under-the-radar arms into impact relievers, as seen with players like Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. While losing Weaver would not be the worst outcome, his combination of skill, temperament, and flexibility across bullpen roles makes him a valuable asset heading into next season.
Looking Ahead: Weaver’s Role in the Yankees’ Future
As Weaver approaches free agency, the Yankees face a critical decision to ensure bullpen stability by solidifying his place on the roster. A multi-year deal would provide the team with a dependable closer and reward Weaver for his late-career resurgence. If the Yankees successfully finalize this extension, they will secure one of the most important bullpen pieces going forward while maintaining a competitive edge in a high-pressure division.
The focus now shifts to contract negotiations and the timeline for a deal, with anticipation growing among fans and analysts about how this commitment will shape New York’s 2025 season and beyond.