NEW YORK — The New York Yankees appear poised to retain one of their most dependable relievers. Right-hander Luke Weaver is reportedly set for a multi-year return to the Bronx, according to a leading insider.
Randy Miller of NJ.com predicted that the Yankees are expected to re-sign Weaver this offseason on a three-year deal, keeping the 32-year-old in pinstripes through the 2028 season. He will become a free agent once the 2025 campaign concludes, but Miller believes New York will move early to secure him.
“Prediction: Re-signs with Yankees for three years,” Miller wrote. “Weaver’s first two postseason outings this year were atrocious, five runs over no innings, but he’s been the biggest bargain reliever in baseball for two years.”
Financially, the move would represent a major jump for Weaver. According to Spotrac, his projected market value sits at an average of $9.9 million per year, meaning a three-year pact could total around $29.7 million. That’s a substantial raise from the $2.5 million salary he earned this season.
Weaver battles through injury setbacks
Weaver’s 2025 campaign was defined by both resilience and adversity. The Yankees reliever began the year in dominant form, closing games with efficiency and poise. However, a hamstring injury suffered on June 1 briefly derailed his momentum and forced him to the injured list.
Upon returning, Weaver’s rhythm took time to recover. He endured a rough July, surrendering seven earned runs in only 1.2 innings across three appearances. Each outing during that stretch included a home run.
Still, the veteran showed his trademark perseverance. By August, he had regained command of his pitches, throwing 7.2 scoreless innings over seven games while striking out 10 and walking only one. His ability to adjust midseason reinforced his value to the Yankees’ bullpen.
Miller noted Weaver’s determination despite his late-season struggles.
“Weaver wasn’t right in the second half, and he was tipping pitches in the playoffs, but he’s proved over a long enough sample size that he can pitch in New York,” Miller wrote.
Yankees bullpen shuffle adds urgency
The Yankees’ bullpen underwent major restructuring ahead of 2025. The club acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason, initially shifting Weaver to a setup role.
By late April, the plan changed. Manager Aaron Boone demoted Williams from the closer’s spot, reinstating Weaver as the Yankees’ ninth-inning specialist. The move restored stability to the bullpen and gave Boone a proven arm under pressure.
Williams is unlikely to return next season, which increases the importance of keeping Weaver in the fold. A proven reliever who understands the spotlight of Yankee Stadium, he offers experience and composure in high-leverage situations.
Through 64 appearances this year, Weaver has recorded eight saves with a 3.62 ERA. Although his 2025 numbers haven’t matched the brilliance of 2024, his role in steadying the bullpen remains crucial for the Yankees.
Breakout year changed Weaver’s career path
Weaver’s transformation from journeyman starter to trusted reliever began in 2024. That season, he logged an impressive 2.89 ERA over 84 innings, striking out 103 hitters while issuing just 26 walks.
The Yankees initially claimed Weaver off waivers from the Reds in September 2023. He started three games late that year, showing enough promise to earn a one-year, $2 million contract extension in January 2024. What followed was one of the most productive bullpen reinventions in recent franchise history.
Weaver thrived in relief. His fastball velocity jumped from 94.1 mph to 95.8 mph, and he began attacking hitters up in the zone. Opponents found it difficult to make solid contact, leading to one of the best strikeout-to-walk ratios on the Yankees’ staff.
When Clay Holmes faltered in the closer role late in 2024, Weaver seized the opportunity. He converted all four save chances that September and followed it with three saves against Kansas City in the Division Series, helping the Yankees advance.
Why Weaver remains a logical long-term fit
Weaver’s projected salary sits in the mid-range for MLB closers, providing reasonable value for a player with his track record. The Yankees have cycled through multiple relievers in recent seasons, losing Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, and Chad Green, while Clay Holmes later joined another team. Weaver’s stability offers a long-awaited solution.
His knowledge of the Yankees’ system and clubhouse adds further appeal. Having already handled playoff pressure and New York’s intense media environment, the reliever represents a low-risk investment for general manager Brian Cashman.
Durability also works in his favor. Weaver tossed 84 innings in 2024 and remains capable of pitching multiple frames when needed. His flexibility allows Boone to deploy him in various late-inning situations.
The Yankees, who continue to contend in a competitive American League, need reliable arms that can withstand postseason pressure. A three-year deal for Weaver would extend through his age-35 season — a realistic commitment that aligns with New York’s championship window.
From bargain pickup to bullpen cornerstone
Weaver’s rise with the Yankees has been one of the team’s most encouraging success stories. Once a midseason waiver claim, he’s now considered a central piece of the bullpen. His performance since arriving in the Bronx has consistently earned the trust of teammates and coaches alike.
As the Yankees weigh their offseason plans, re-signing Weaver remains one of the most pressing decisions. With free agent turnover expected and several bullpen roles in flux, retaining their most consistent reliever could be the key to maintaining pitching depth into 2026 and beyond.
Miller’s report has already fueled speculation among Yankees fans eager to see Weaver back in pinstripes. His journey from struggling starter to dominant closer captures the resilience and adaptability that define successful Yankees stories.
A three-year commitment would not only reward Weaver’s transformation but also secure a reliable arm for the seasons ahead — something the Bronx bullpen hasn’t enjoyed for years.
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