LUKE WEAVER’S JOURNEY TO THE BRONX BULLPEN
by: Victor Suarez
Luke Weaver, a right-handed pitcher with a career marked by transitions and a recent resurgence, has found a significant role in the New York Yankees’ bullpen. His path to becoming a key late-inning option for the Bombers is a story of perseverance and adaptation.
Originally a first-round draft pick (27th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 out of Florida State University, Weaver showed promise as a starter in the early part of his career, making his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2016.3 He was part of a significant trade that sent Paul Goldschmidt to St. Louis, landing Weaver with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2018.
Weaver’s time in Arizona saw flashes of effectiveness, but also challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performance as a starter. He later had stints with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners.
His journey took a notable turn in September 2023 when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees. Initially making a few starts for the Yankees in late 2023, Weaver entered the 2024 season in a bullpen role. This transition proved to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Throughout the 2024 season, Weaver emerged as a reliable high-leverage reliever for the Yankees. His performance steadily improved, showcasing increased velocity and effectiveness. As the season progressed, he began to take on more prominent roles in the later innings.
By September 2024, Weaver had solidified himself as the Yankees’ primary closer, stepping into the role following performance issues with the previous closer. He excelled in this capacity, converting save opportunities and demonstrating poise in high-pressure situations. His strong finish to the 2024 regular season carried into the postseason, where he was a crucial part of the Yankees’ run, securing saves in the ALDS and earning a key win in the ALCS.
The Yankees recognized his value, exercising his club option for the 2025 season. Weaver’s time with the Yankees, particularly his successful transition to a late-inning relief pitcher, highlights his resilience and ability to adapt to different roles on the mound. He has become a fan favorite in the Bronx for his on-field performance and his engaging personality.
