Yankees’ Kahnle on Weaver’s persona: ‘Nothing I would have ever expected’

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Luke Weaver’s resurgence since joining the Yankees in September has been extraordinary. His unexpected rise as a dependable closer in high-stakes games has surprised many, including his own teammates.

When the Yankees claimed Weaver off waivers, they had no idea that the pitcher would bring such a unique personality to their bullpen. Tommy Kahnle, known for his own animated presence, expressed his surprise at Weaver’s quirky demeanor, “Nothing I would have ever expected.”

Last season, Weaver made three starts for the Yankees during a lackluster 82-80 campaign. At that time, he kept a low profile, with few hints of the vibrant personality his teammates would later come to know. Clarke Schmidt remembered sensing something unusual about Weaver but couldn’t quite pinpoint it at first. “Early on, it was like, ‘This guy’s a little out there,’ that type [of] vibe,” the Yankees pitcher said.

The Yankees re-signed Weaver in January for $2 million, intending to add depth to their starting rotation. Little did they know, it would be their most valuable offseason move. As spring training unfolded, he began to reveal his dry humor and eccentricity, leaving his teammates both amused and puzzled.

Clay Holmes, who’s grown close to Weaver, recounted a conversation with former reliever Nick Ramirez, who admitted that if he had known his true personality earlier, they might have bonded sooner. Holmes agreed, noting that Luke has gradually become more open and expressive with the team.

“A lot of guys remember, I think it was [former reliever] Nick Ramirez, he said, ‘Man, if I would have known you were like this, I would’ve liked you a little earlier,’” Holmes explained with a smile. “But he’s definitely come out of his shell a little more.”

Weaver a welcome addition to Yankees team

Weaver’s transformation has been as much about his performance as it has been about his unique character, making him an integral part of the Yankees’ bullpen.

Since joining the Yankees, Luke Weaver has undergone a surprising transformation, becoming a key player in the bullpen following the team’s decision to open up the closer role. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, Weaver has shown he can be trusted with critical outs, whether it’s shutting down a ninth-inning rally or stepping in during tense mid-game situations.

On the mound, Weaver’s intensity is evident—he’s known for vocal outbursts and fist pumps after sealing a victory. Yet this fiery presence is a stark contrast to his easygoing demeanor off the field, which only shifts when he gets the call from the bullpen.

Bullpen coach Mike Harkey has noticed that Weaver stays relaxed and interactive with his teammates right up until he steps on the mound. Harkey sees this as a strength, helping him maintain composure during high-pressure moments when the game is on the line.

Weaver’s unpredictable, quick-witted nature keeps the team on their toes. At 31, he’s become known for throwing out movie quotes, even if his references often go unnoticed. Some of these lines, in fact, come from movies his 4-year-old daughter, Lyla, enjoys—something that fellow dad Tommy Kahnle can relate to.

Harkey has observed Weaver looking around to see if anyone catches his movie quotes or jokes, a quirky habit that has caught his teammates off guard. The shift in Luke’s personality from his quiet demeanor during his brief time with the Yankees last season has been striking.

Kahnle expressed his surprise at how Weaver has come out of his shell, noting how much more outgoing and entertaining he’s become since spring training. For Kahnle, Luke’s newfound antics have provided unexpected but welcome humor in the clubhouse.

“I was surprised by him because last year, he didn’t really talk much,” he said. “Come the spring, it was a whole different — I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, where has this been? You’ve been locked away?’ He’s hilarious. I get a good kick out of him.”

In recent weeks, fans have gotten a closer look at Luke Weaver’s quirky personality, beyond just recognizing his entrance music, Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver.” After notching his first career save at Wrigley Field earlier this month, Luke offered an unexpected response when asked about his mindset entering the ninth inning. He gave reporters two options: a “professional” answer or his real experience. Opting for the latter, he humorously described his state as a “blackout,” explaining how his vision sharpened but blurred, his heart raced uncontrollably, and he felt a strange mix of numbness while still fully functional.

That deadpan delivery has become a source of amusement for his teammates, who have repeatedly watched the post-game interview for laughs. They note, however, that this behavior is typical for Weaver, whose dry humor and unconventional remarks have been a constant presence throughout the season.

Fellow reliever Jake Cousins described Weaver’s attitude as a quiet confidence, pointing out his love for dad jokes and his ability to keep a positive outlook while connecting with everyone. Cousins also noted how Weaver transforms during high-pressure moments, becoming laser-focused and intensely competitive.

“It’s kind of like this quiet confidence in a way,” he said. “He’s definitely got dad jokes — big-time dad humor, for sure. He thrives on it. Super-positive, he can get along with anybody. But then like you [have seen recently] … he gets in those [high-pressure] moments and becomes a dog.”

Others have their own takes on Weaver’s personality. Clarke Schmidt called him an “interesting character,” while Austin Wells, during the team’s playoff-clinching celebration, dubbed him “unique” and “animalistic” in his approach.

Weaver’s off-field personality also shines in unexpected ways. Cousins shared a humorous story about his attending a rap concert, laughing at his description of Luke’s dancing— likening him to a suburban dad with an overbite trying to fit in with the crowd.

This blend of deadpan humor, fierce competitiveness, and social awkwardness has endeared Weaver to both teammates and fans, making him a distinctive and valuable presence in the Yankees‘ bullpen.

Weaver has seamlessly integrated into the Yankees bullpen, becoming a key figure in high-pressure situations and expected to play a vital role through October. As the intensity ramps up with postseason play, Luke’s personality may help him thrive under pressure. Teammate Clay Holmes observed that the new closer brings a fun-loving energy to the team, always staying engaged, whether he’s joking around or discussing serious baseball matters. Holmes noted that Weaver’s enthusiasm is infectious, positively impacting those around him.

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