The Yankees reached an agreement with Luke Weaver on Thursday to become their current No. 5 starting pitcher. However, things quickly changed when they came to the deal with Marcus Stroman.
So Weaver will likely begin spring training as a long reliever, but is being developed as a starter with the idea that he could be called up first if a rotation is needed.
Weaver must pass a physical exam scheduled for Thursday to guarantee his $2 million contract in 2024.
He has a chance to increase the value of his contract by using him regularly out of the rotation or bullpen. For each time he reaches 10 starts, 15 starts, 20 starts, 25 starts, and 30 starts, he will receive $50,000. Weaver will also receive $50,000 for each of his 45th, 50th, 55th and 60th appearances.
He has a $2.5 million club option in 2025 with no buyout. This option is worth $3 million if Weaver pitches 100 innings in 2024, $4 million if he reaches 120 innings, $5 million if he pitches 140 innings, and $6 million if he pitches 160 innings.
Weaver cannot option the minors unless they pass a waiver.
Weaver, 30, has the arm and age to prompt five teams to take him on in the past two seasons alone, including a strong performance in three starts for the Yankees late last season. (3.38 ERA). He especially hit a cutter at the expense of a curveball and slider.
