Yankees’ Luke Weaver signals no second fiddle but rival to Williams for No. 1 pen rank

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In the shadow of Yankee Stadium, a pitching transformation is taking place that could reshape the Bronx Bombers’ bullpen strategy for 2025. Luke Weaver, once a journeyman starter with disappointing ERAs, has emerged as a formidable force in the Yankees’ relief corps, armed with a deceptive fastball that’s drawing comparisons to the legendary Mariano Rivera.

The arrival of National League star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers has shifted Weaver into a setup role, creating what could be baseball’s most dominant late-inning tandem. However, his recent performance signals he is not ready to play the second fiddle but ready to give stiff competition to Williams to retain his No. 1 relief rank. Behind this motivated show lies a compelling story of adaptation, innovation, and the mental fortitude required to thrive in baseball’s most pressure-packed moments.

Weaver’s transformation fueled by change

Weaver’s transformation from struggling starter to elite reliever wasn’t accidental. After bouncing between St. Louis, Arizona, Kansas City, and Cincinnati with ERAs often hovering in the highs 4’s, 5’s, and occasionally 6’s, he recognized that fundamental change was necessary.

The solution proved remarkably simple yet effective. Weaver eliminated what Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake describes as the “noise” from his windup, abandoning the traditional leg kick that had been a staple of his mechanics. In its place, he adopted a streamlined slide step that many compare to a quick pitch.

Blake has observed that while many great pitchers like Doc Gooden and Sandy Koufax relied on elaborate windups, Weaver found that a more streamlined approach unlocked his potential. His ability to generate power entirely from his back leg, without assistance from a pronounced front-side motion, is something not every pitcher could accomplish.

This mechanical adjustment robbed hitters of crucial timing cues, allowing Weaver’s 95 mph fastball to play up significantly. The pitch now features a late movement that has baffled even the game’s premier hitters and helped him accumulate more swings and misses than any other Yankees pitcher last season.

The rocket launcher effect

Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ former NL MVP acquisition from the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently experienced Weaver’s effectiveness firsthand during spring training sessions. Bellinger has noted that his fastball emerges with unexpected velocity, creating a deceptive effect that makes timing extraordinarily difficult for batters.

Bellinger’s assessment carries weight. As a hitter determined to recapture the form that earned him MVP honors in 2019 with 47 home runs, he recognizes the challenges Weaver presents to opponents. Now 29 and feeling stronger and healthier than during his MVP campaign, Bellinger views the RHP’s efficiency as something to admire.

For Yankees fans, this combination of a rejuvenated Bellinger and a dominant Weaver represents hope for a return to championship contention after recent postseason disappointments.

Anatomy of a pitching phenomenon

One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Weaver’s success is his physical stature. At 6-foot-2 and just 183 pounds, his lean frame stands in stark contrast to muscular teammates like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Traditional baseball wisdom suggests that size and mass are critical for generating high velocity, but Weaver defies convention.

Weaver himself has wondered about what makes his fastball effective beyond the velocity readings. The answer appears to lie in the intangible qualities that statistics alone can’t capture.

Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who works closely with Weaver during games, has observed that the closer’s approach centers on filling up the strike zone with his diverse pitch mix. This aggressive mindset creates constant pressure on opposing batters, who struggle to find patterns or comfort against Weaver’s arsenal.

The bullpen hierarchy shift

The acquisition of Devin Williams, widely regarded as the National League’s premier closer, has created a new dynamic in the Yankees’ bullpen. Weaver, who excelled as the team’s closer during the 2024 campaign, now finds himself in the setup role.

When discussing his positional change, Weaver has displayed the veteran maturity that has endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. He’s emphasized his willingness to pitch wherever needed for the team’s benefit, acknowledging that role changes are simply part of baseball’s business reality.

This pragmatic acceptance reflects Weaver’s professional outlook and understanding of baseball’s evolving nature. Manager Aaron Boone has indicated that flexibility remains built into the team’s approach, suggesting that roles could adjust as the season progresses.

The mental challenge

Beyond physical mechanics and statistical measures, the mental aspects of relief pitching present unique challenges. Weaver has acknowledged the distinct thrill that comes with closing games and the adrenaline rush that accompanies high-leverage situations.

This mindset presents both advantages and challenges. While Weaver thrives under pressure, maintaining the same intensity in seventh or eighth-inning appearances requires mental recalibration. His ability to adapt psychologically will be as crucial as his physical skills in determining his success in the setup role.

The Yankees’ state-of-the-art facilities provide Weaver with detailed analysis of every pitch, measuring velocity, spin rate, release point, and other critical metrics. These advanced analytics complement traditional coaching, allowing for precise adjustments that maximize his effectiveness.

The season ahead

As the Yankees prepare for the 2025 campaign, expectations remain high in the Bronx. The combination of Williams and Weaver at the back end of the bullpen gives the team a formidable late-inning advantage that could prove decisive in close games.

For Weaver personally, the season represents another opportunity to defy expectations. His journey from struggling starter to elite reliever already stands as one of baseball’s more remarkable reinvention stories. How the next chapter unfolds—whether maintaining excellence in his setup role, potentially reclaiming closing duties, or even returning to the rotation—will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the Yankees’ season.

What remains clear is that Luke Weaver has established himself as an essential piece of the Yankees’ pitching staff through a combination of mechanical innovation, mental toughness, and unwavering adaptability. In a sport where adjustments often determine success, his willingness to evolve has transformed his career and potentially altered the Yankees’ championship trajectory.

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