NEW YORK — The New York Mets have agreed to terms with veteran right-hander Luke Weaver, marking a significant bullpen addition amid ongoing offseason moves and free-agent shakeups in Major League Baseball. The deal underscores the Mets’ efforts to reshape their pitching staff following several key departures.
Weaver’s Contract with the Mets
According to ESPN and multiple MLB sources, the Mets and Luke Weaver have finalized a two-year contract worth $22 million, pending a physical. This deal brings Weaver to Queens after a productive relief stint with the New York Yankees over the past two seasons.
Contract Details:
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Length: 2 years
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Value: $22 million
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Role: High-leverage reliever / setup option
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Pending: Physical examination
The agreement does not include opt-outs or club options, offering stability for both Weaver and the Mets’ bullpen strategy.
Career Trajectory & Free Agent Background
Weaver, 32, began his MLB career as a first–round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 and spent much of his early career as a starter with multiple clubs. After bouncing through several rotation roles, he reinvented himself as a relief pitcher — particularly with the Yankees — where he posted impressive strikeout numbers and a strong ERA.
During the 2024 season, he stood out with a 2.89 ERA across 84 innings and showed postseason reliability before an overall mixed 2025 campaign, in part due to a hamstring injury that affected his rhythm.
As a free agent, Weaver’s market attracted attention for teams needing late-inning firepower. The Mets ultimately moved quickly to secure him, adding another experienced arm to a bullpen that already lost closer Edwin Díaz and traded key hitters this offseason.
ESPN Coverage & Mets Strategy
ESPN analysts highlighted the deal not just for Weaver himself but as part of the Mets’ broader offseason overhaul. The transaction reflects New York’s willingness to invest in proven bullpen depth, particularly with veterans familiar with high-pressure environments.
The signing also continues a pattern of the Mets acquiring players from rival club systems; Weaver joins teammates like Devin Williams and Clay Holmes, who also transitioned from the Yankees in recent moves.
MLB Trade & Offseason Buzz
Although Weaver’s move was a free-agent signing rather than a trade, it adds to an active MLB offseason backdrop. Trade discussions continue league-wide as teams seek to balance rosters ahead of Opening Day. The Mets, in particular, remain linked to potential moves involving pitching and outfield depth as they try to rebound after a challenging 2025 season.
With other top free agents still in flux and clubs retooling at the Winter Meetings and beyond, Weaver’s signing exemplifies how mid-tier but impactful arms are increasingly prized in today’s bullpen-driven market.
What This Means for the Mets’ Future
Luke Weaver’s addition offers:
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Bullpen stability and experience
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Setup versatility behind the closer
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MLB veteran leadership
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Potential to thrive in high-leverage innings
As the Mets continue recalibrating their roster through free agency and trades, Weaver figures to be a key piece in their late-inning plans for the 2026 season and beyond.
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