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.
