Yankees’ Luke Weaver ready to seize chance following ‘enemy’ Soto’s Mets switch

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As the New York Yankees commence their 2025 Spring Training preparations, Luke Weaver has emerged as one of the organization’s most engaging voices. The right-handed reliever, who successfully reinvented himself from journeyman starter to crucial bullpen asset, brings refreshing candor to discussions about the team’s eventful offseason and his own remarkable career trajectory.

During the official reporting day for pitchers and catchers, Weaver offered thoughtful commentary on various topics, including Juan Soto’s departure from the Mets, the Yankees’ aggressive roster reconstruction, and his personal development within the organization.

Weaver expressed his respect for Soto, praising him as both a player and teammate. He explained that their relationship would remain amicable outside the game, describing Soto as a “friendly enemy” during competition. He noted that facing Soto in the batter’s box would make them opponents.

He went on to share his enthusiasm about competing against Soto, acknowledging him as one of baseball’s elite players. Weaver viewed these matchups as opportunities to test himself against top-tier talent.

“I’m happy to compete against him because I know he’s one of the best in the game and it just gives me another opportunity to try to prove myself against the best,” he said.

Weaver addresses Soto situation with a perspective

The baseball world still reverberates from Juan Soto’s momentous decision to join the New York Mets. After playing an instrumental role in the Yankees’ 2024 World Series campaign, the superstar outfielder opted for a 15-year, $765 million arrangement with the crosstown rivals, declining the Yankees’ 16-year, $760 million proposal.

Weaver approached the sensitive topic with characteristic humor and understanding.

“We’ll keep it friendly off the field, but for now he’s an enemy—a friendly enemy,” Weaver observed with a smile. “In the box, he’s going to be the enemy.”

Drawing an unexpected but relatable parallel, Weaver compared Yankees fans’ disappointment to a common consumer frustration.

“I get upset when I don’t get enough guac in the Chipotle line,” he remarked. “They give you a half scoop instead of a full scoop, you get upset.”

While acknowledging the impact of Soto’s departure, Weaver emphasized the organization’s swift and effective response in reinforcing the roster.

The loss of Soto could have derailed a team still processing their World Series defeat to the Dodgers. Instead, the Yankees executed an aggressive series of moves to maintain their competitive position.

“I wish Soto was still on our team, but we were able to piece together some really good deals to make this team better,” Weaver noted.

Personal renaissance: From struggles to excellence

Weaver’s path to prominence in New York defied conventional expectations. After experiencing mixed results with five different organizations over eight seasons, his late 2023 arrival in New York garnered minimal attention. However, his transition to relief work catalyzed a remarkable career resurgence.

The 2024 season saw Weaver compile an impressive 2.89 ERA across 62 appearances, evolving from a versatile multi-inning option to the team’s primary closer during September and the postseason following Clay Holmes’ struggles.

Despite this breakthrough performance, Weaver’s compensation remains notably modest. He enters the final year of his contract earning $2 million, with the team holding a $2.5 million option for 2025.

“I’m not going to comment on that, but I think I learned where I was at and where I’m at now,” Weaver reflected. “Moving to the bullpen changed my career and allowed me to get back on track.”

While many players might harbor frustration about being under-compensated relative to their performance, Weaver maintains an admirably balanced outlook.

“I play this game to provide for my family, but this game gives and it takes,” he shared. “It gives more than it takes. We should be thankful for anything we’re getting. We’re playing a sport. We’re playing a game.”

Embracing evolution: Response to Williams’ arrival

The acquisition of All-Star closer Devin Williams might have disappointed some relievers in Weaver’s position, given his success in the role. Instead, he demonstrated a characteristic team-first attitude.

“The first thing I thought was he’s going to make us better, and that’s all I care about,” the Yankees closer explained. “Whatever that looks like for me or anybody else, we’ll figure it out.”

His satisfaction stems from personal validation rather than role designation.

“I always thought I could close games, and I was able to prove I could do that—to myself more than anybody else,” he noted. “If that never happens again, I have peace knowing that thought is now accomplished in my own mind.”

Weaver’s 2025 ambitions

As spring training activities intensify, Weaver focuses on preparation for whatever role maximizes team success, whether as setup reliever, multi-inning specialist, or occasional closer.

“I’m just trying to not give you the vanilla answers,” Weaver said. “I’m just trying to keep it real.”

Weaver’s combination of on-field excellence and authentic personality continues to enhance his value to the Yankees organization as they pursue championship aspirations in 2025.

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