Luke Weaver Joins the Mets with Familiarity

When Luke Weaver decided to sign with the Mets this offseason, he found himself in an environment that felt, well, somewhat familiar.

Having spent part of the last three years with the Yankees, Weaver already had connections with several current Mets players. It didn’t take long for him to feel at home.

“Juan Soto is a dear friend of mine. He sent me a really nice text when I signed. We’ve definitely kept in touch over the past year or so,” Weaver mentioned on Monday.

“And then there’s Clay Holmes. We’ve communicated a lot since we were both in New York with the Yankees.”

Ahead of signing Weaver, the Mets also brought in another former Yankees closer, Devin Williams, on a three-year deal.

There are whispers that the Mets might be interested in free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, who played a key role in the Yankees’ lineup last season.

“Bellinger is a great player, an even better person,” Weaver said. “He’s always consistent—definitely someone you want in your clubhouse.”

While the Yankees are eyeing a reunion with Bellinger, Weaver confirmed that a return to the Bronx wasn’t on the table for him.

“Yeah, there were no formal offers or anything like that,” Weaver stated.

The 32-year-old signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets in mid-December, thus concluding his time with the Yankees. It’s almost as if he’s finally tapping into the potential that led to him being picked in the first round of 2014.

Weaver joined the Yankees on waivers at the end of the 2023 season. That year was quite eventful for him; he was drafted twice and pitched for three different teams.

After impressing in his last three games, the Yankees re-signed Weaver for one year at $2.5 million for 2024—a noteworthy outcome for him.

He quickly became a reliable fixture in the Yankees’ bullpen, boasting a 2.68 ERA over 62 games and striking out 103 batters in 84 innings.

Weaver took over the closer role and helped guide the Yankees to the World Series.

Reflecting on the 2024 season, Weaver was candid about his doubts at that time.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional on this show,” he said. “During that season, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d play again. It was a real mental struggle with injuries and questions about what I wanted to do.”

“But then, I thought, ‘I’m not a quitter.’ Until someone tells me to give up, I’m going to keep going. There were tough moments that year, but I ended up with some successes and high-stakes opportunities. Reflecting on where I’ve been and where I am now—it’s overwhelming.”

In 2025, Weaver appeared in 64 games, achieving a respectable ERA of 3.62. However, after coming back from a hamstring injury in June, his performance fluctuated, and he struggled during the postseason, landing an ERA of 135.00.

Despite how things ended with the Yankees, Weaver continues to hold appreciation for the organization.

“I’m forever tied to that team,” he reflected. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve regained my confidence in playing at a high level. I’ve really come to love the game again and the people in that clubhouse.”

“I wish I could have stayed longer. But every story has to start somewhere new. I truly wish those guys well in all their endeavors.”

Weaver also expressed enthusiasm about remaining in New York, describing the atmosphere as “unbeatable” and commending the Mets for their ambitious plans.

As he prepares to contribute to the Mets’ bullpen, he emphasizes that he holds no grudges against the Yankees.

“I’ve got no bad blood,” he chuckled. “I received plenty of supportive messages from them. But of course, come Subway Series time, I expect them not to cheer for me. Regardless, my time there was special, and the people I met had a huge impact on my life.”