Luke Weaver Reflects on Yankees Experience

Luke Weaver’s last encounter with the Yankees’ star hitter offered him some valuable lessons in sportsmanship.

Weaver, pitching for the Mets this season, faced criticism from Aaron Judge for not showing acknowledgment with a nod as Judge stepped up to bat.

Interestingly, the two were once teammates in the Cape Cod League while playing in college.

“We haven’t crossed paths in a while,” Weaver said before the Mets lost 5-2 to the Yankees at Citi Field on Friday. “Having Judge at the plate was tough; we really had to dig deep this season. We shared a laugh about it, and he approached things in a very positive way.”

After spending the last two seasons alongside Judge, Weaver now finds himself on the opposite team. He began Friday’s game with a 4.15 ERA over 17 appearances this season.

The Mets signed Weaver to a two-year, $20 million contract last winter, particularly after receiving minimal interest from the Yankees following a challenging last training session with them.

“There was some light communication, which I think was respectful. We tried to keep in touch, but they seemed to be going in another direction,” Weaver noted. “The discussions about rejoining weren’t very extensive.”

Weaver had a tough September last year with a 9.64 ERA and faced two defeats in three postseason games. However, he claims to harbor no resentment towards the Yankees, who ultimately sought to move him on.

“I cherish the memories from my time there,” Weaver reflected, recalling his role in the Yankees’ 2024 World Series team. “For me personally, it wasn’t as tense this time around. Situations change, roles evolve, and of course, outcomes differ.”

Mets coach Carlos Mendoza is set to use Huascar Brazoban and David Peterson as relievers in Saturday’s opener. Brazoban previously opened a game against Arizona State, giving up two earned runs in one inning.

The Mets also held a moment of silence to honor former Yankees radio voice John Sterling, who passed away last week.