NEW YORK — The reliever who helped pitch the Yankees to the World Series in 2024 is gone. He will now wear blue and orange. And he wants everyone in the Bronx to know this was never personal.
Luke Weaver posted an emotional goodbye to Yankees fans on Instagram after finalizing his two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets. The message touched on faith, failure, and the unexpected path his career has taken.
“From my career coming to what felt like an end and overwhelmed with injuries and failure… it seemed destined that the next chapter of my life was within reach,” Weaver wrote. “The Lord had other plans for me and they were bigger than I could have asked for.”
The 32-year-old right-hander becomes the latest former Yankee to cross town. He joins a list that now includes Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, and Devin Williams. Manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees bench coach, runs the dugout in Queens.
From failed starter to October hero
Weaver’s Yankees journey started when nobody was watching. The club claimed him off waivers from the Seattle Mariners in September 2023. He was a journeyman starter who had worn six different uniforms. His career ERA sat at 5.14.
Then everything changed. Pitching coach Matt Blake tweaked his four-seam grip. The fastball started rising. Weaver converted to relief and never looked back.
In 2024, he posted a 2.89 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 84 innings. He took over as closer in September when Clay Holmes faltered. He converted all four of his regular season save chances. He became the first Yankee since Aroldis Chapman in 2017 with multiple five-out saves in a postseason.
“I love what he’s doing,” Aaron Boone said during that magical October run. “He’s a great person, and definitely a fun personality, too.”
The hamstring that changed everything
The 2025 season started hot. Weaver carried a 1.05 ERA through his first 24 appearances. He had eight saves in nine chances. Then his left hamstring gave out on June 1.
He returned three weeks later. He was never the same. Weaver finished with a 5.31 ERA over his final 40 games. The struggles followed him into October. He allowed five runs without recording an out in his first two playoff appearances against Toronto.
The Yankees bullpen finished 21st in fWAR. The group posted a 4.37 ERA. David Bednar and Camilo Doval now handle late innings. The front office let Weaver walk without making an offer.
Brian Cashman still has other priorities. Re-signing Cody Bellinger remains at the top of his list. The switch-hitting outfielder opted out after slugging 29 home runs with an .813 OPS in 2025. The Yankees need Bellinger’s bat more than they needed another middle reliever at $11 million per year.
Holmes helped recruit his old teammate
Clay Holmes did not stay quiet during the recruiting process. He converted from Yankees closer to Mets starter in 2025. He went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA. He told Weaver about the positive environment in Queens.
“He’s a special pitcher,” Holmes said of Weaver. “He’s got some spunk, got some character, and just really good energy to him. Luke has had a lot of success, so I’m happy to see him rewarded for it, and happy to play with him again.”
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns praised the signing in a statement.
“Over the past few seasons Luke has emerged as one of the most reliable leverage relievers in baseball and we’re excited to add him to our pen,” Stearns said. “Luke’s stuff, combined with his experience in high pressure situations in New York, sets him up well for success going forward.”
What the Yankees have left behind
The bullpen needs work. Bednar will close. Doval and Fernando Cruz will handle setup duties. Both struggle with command. They finished in the top 20 among all relievers for worst walk percentage last season.
The re-signing of Paul Blackburn adds depth but not impact. FanGraphs projects him for just 0.1 fWAR. Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest remains the only external addition to the major league roster.
Bellinger’s return would address the lineup. The outfielder provides balance against right-handed pitching. He plays elite defense in center field. His leadership matters in October. But he cannot throw a pitch.
The Yankees need arms. Weaver was one. Now he belongs to the Mets. And all the Bronx has left is a heartfelt Instagram post and memories of what could have been.
The goodbye that touched former teammates
Weaver’s message did not go unnoticed. Former teammate and Yankees backup catcher J.C. Escarra responded with heart emojis. A Yankees commentator named Chris Kalaith, who wore a “WEAVER IS MY RELIEVER” t-shirt to the Taj Mahal, also left words of support.
“Watching this journey up close has been inspiring, brother,” Kalaith wrote. “The resilience, the faith, the humor through it all. This chapter meant more than stats. Grateful for you always.”
Weaver closed his post with gratitude.
“Yankees fans and those that really showed me your love/support… thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he wrote. “What a ride it was and a rejuvenation I longed for. Another new chapter begins for me but the memories are forever. Grateful and humbled. To God be the Glory.”
The first Subway Series of 2026 just got a lot more interesting. Weaver will pitch against his former team. Bellinger might still be wearing pinstripes if Cashman gets his way. And the rivalry between these two franchises continues to intensify with every defection.
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