Yankees’ Luke Weaver takes sweet retribution, Royals left to rue
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Follow UsLuke Weaver‘s immaculate performance against the Royals on Saturday is much more than just giving the Yankees a win. It was the perfect revenge for the pitcher who was once a budding arm in Kansas City before being unceremoniously dumped.
Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo reflected on the team’s acquisition of Weaver from the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2022 trade deadline. As the Royals faced their sixth consecutive losing season, they recognized Weaver’s potential, particularly his strong fastball, low walk rate, and athletic ability.
According to Picollo, the Royals’ goal was to develop Weaver into a top-tier reliever, using the remainder of the 2022 season as a springboard for the following year. However, he acknowledged with disappointment that their plans did not unfold as anticipated.
Before Game 1 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium, Picollo remarked on the irony of Weaver’s current success with the Yankees, his sixth major league team. Just hours later, he showcased his skills by retiring all four batters he faced, striking out three, and securing a 6-5 victory over the Royals.
Weaver contradicts Royals’ GM
Picollo elaborated on the Royals’ situation at the time of Weaver’s acquisition, explaining that the team was in a position to explore different strategies. However, he noted that Weaver’s development during his half-year tenure with the Royals fell short of expectations.
He clarified that while Weaver never outright declined to pitch in relief, his preferences were apparent in their discussions. Weaver aimed to train as a starter in the offseason, which conflicted with the Royals’ plan to utilize him in short relief roles. Picollo acknowledged the value of starting pitchers but emphasized that the team’s primary focus was on Weaver’s potential as a reliever.
“We were in a position where we could afford to try things,” he told. “But the half a year that he was with us, it didn’t seem like it was going the way we wanted it to go.”
Luke Weaver’s perspective on his time with the Kansas City Royals contrasts with the organization’s view, “I do not really know why I was there.”
He expressed that the team’s plans for him as a reliever were not clearly outlined, leaving him uncertain about his role. Weaver noted that he was never given a specific job description, and his appearances were primarily in mop-up situations, often after long stretches of inactivity—a fact supported by game logs.
In October 2022, the Royals lost Weaver to the Seattle Mariners on waivers, marking another chapter in his transient career that eventually led him to a pivotal role with the New York Yankees.
From journeyman to Yankees trusted closer
Weaver’s talent has been acknowledged throughout his career, as evidenced by being the 27th overall pick in the 2014 draft and serving as a key player in the trade that sent Paul Goldschmidt from the Cardinals to the Diamondbacks after the 2018 season. His career has included stints with multiple teams, including the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Mariners, Reds, and finally the Yankees, for whom he made three late-season starts in 2023.
The Yankees were drawn to the same high-potential traits that previous teams recognized in Weaver—his athleticism and powerful fastball. They believed in his ability to be coached and saw opportunities to enhance his fastball further, which they expected would positively impact his other pitches, particularly by adding depth to his changeup. These adjustments were intended to boost his effectiveness in generating swings and misses.
The Yankees’ faith in Weaver’s potential led them to sign him to what is considered one of the offseason’s best contracts—$2 million for the current year, with a $2 million option for 2025. This deal is especially important for the Yankees, contributing to the continuity and depth of their bullpen as key relievers like Tim Hill, Clay Holmes, and Tommy Kahnle approach free agency.
Luke Weaver has become a crucial player for the New York Yankees this season. Initially considered for a starting position following Gerrit Cole’s injury during spring training, Weaver ultimately transitioned to a full-time reliever for the first time in his career. He credits his breakout season to a healthy offseason and regular season, as well as the support and information provided by the Yankees organization.
At 31, Weaver has consistently delivered strong outings, offering the Yankees’ bullpen essential multi-inning versatility and strikeout capability. Since unofficially assuming the closer role from Clay Holmes on September 6, Weaver has excelled, boasting a perfect record of 3-0 with five saves in as many opportunities while not allowing a single run. Impressively, he has struck out 61.4 percent of opposing batters, fanning 27 of the 44 hitters he faced.
Weaver’s tenure with the Royals was just one stop on his journey to becoming a key contributor for the Yankees. He described his path as a survival process until he could fully realize his potential. Weaver emphasized that his current achievements result from his ongoing effort and the faith shown by the teams that believed in him. He expressed satisfaction with his situation, highlighting the combination of good health and the supportive Yankees environment as significant factors in his success.
“I had to survive as long as I could until I felt like I finally accomplished the endpoint, and this is what it looks like,” the closer said. “And that, to me, is why teams knew it and fought hard to get me and I kept fighting hard to get here. And now we have a marriage where, hey, I’m healthy and it’s the Yankees.”
But one thing is sure. He had his revenge on the Royals.
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