Yankees pick up Luke Weaver’s 2025 option to lock down key bullpen piece

The Yankees’ first offseason decision was an easy one. 

Luke Weaver will be back, with the club picking up a 2025 option worth $2.5 million that will keep a valuable arm who grew into the closer in The Bronx for another season. 

Weaver was a journeyman starter when the Yankees claimed him in September 2023.

He pitched well in a small sample and re-signed an incentive-laden major league deal that included a 2025 team option that would prove valuable for the team if Weaver developed well. 

Weaver developed well.

He began the season as a flexible, multi-inning arm and excelled, moving his way to the back of the bullpen.

The righty pitched to a 2.89 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 84 innings and locked down four September saves after taking over for Clay Holmes. 

The 31-year-old performed in October, too, allowing three earned runs in 15 ¹/₃ innings (1.76 ERA). 

With Holmes a pending free agent, Weaver becomes the favorite to open next season as the club’s closer.