Grading the NY Mets free agent signing of Luke Weaver

The New York Mets are continuing their high-octane overhaul of the relief corps, ensuring that the collapse of the 2025 bullpen remains a distant memory. Following the acquisition of Devin Williams, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has doubled down on established talent by poaching Luke Weaver from the cross-town Yankees. As reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Weaver is set to join the Mets on a two-year, $22 million deal, providing a battle-tested arm to a unit that prioritized stability this winter.

While some fans were holding out for a top-tier closer reunion after the departure of Edwin Díaz to Los Angeles, the Weaver signing represents a more calculated, surgical approach to roster construction. Instead of overextending for a single "save-dependent" arm, the NY Mets are building a versatile web of high-leverage options. Weaver’s arrival signifies a shift toward the "Yankee Model" of relief—relying on multi-inning flexibility and high-velocity stuff to bridge the gap from the rotation to the handshake line.

A calculated risk supporting the Luke Weaver signing grade

The decision to ink Weaver to an $11 million annual salary earns a respectable B- grade, balancing high-upside performance with the inherent volatility of relief pitching. When compared to the recent market—specifically Ryan Helsley’s deal with the Baltimore Orioles—the Mets have secured a bargain. While Helsley commanded a premium for the "closer" tag, Weaver provides similar high-leverage production at a fraction of the cost. At 32 years old, Weaver is in the sweet spot of his career; he is no longer a developing project, yet he hasn’t hit the age cliff where velocity typically craters. A two-year commitment is the ideal duration, providing the Mets with a competitive window without the long-term anchor of a five-year deal.

From a tactical standpoint, Weaver serves as the ultimate insurance policy for Devin Williams. Last season in the Bronx, Weaver proved he could thrive in the "fireman" role, often entering games in the seventh or eighth to extinguish rallies. His 1.02 WHIP and 3.62 ERA in 2025 suggest a pitcher who has finally mastered his command in short bursts. If Williams hits a slump or experiences a dip in his "Airbender" changeup’s effectiveness, Weaver’s experience as a de facto closer for the Yankees—where he notched eight saves last year—allows manager Carlos Mendoza to swap roles seamlessly without a drop-off in confidence.

However, the grade stops short of the "A" range due to some underlying metrics that warrant caution. While Weaver’s 27.5% strikeout rate is impressive but Statcast data also highlights that while his four-seam fastball averages a crisp 95.1 MPH, it can be prone to the long ball if his location falters, evidenced by his 8% barrel rate which sits slightly above the league average. These small red flags suggest that while he is a high-end setup man, expecting him to maintain elite-closer numbers over the full two-year term might be optimistic.

Ultimately, the NY Mets are paying for reliability and postseason experience. Weaver’s ability to record five or more outs in nearly 35% of his appearances last year is a trait that Statcast and FanGraphs values immensely in the modern game. He isn't just a three-out specialist; he is a bridge-builder who stabilizes the entire pitching staff. By bringing Weaver to Queens, the Mets have mitigated the risk of a bullpen implosion, securing a solid, dependable veteran who understands the pressures of New York baseball. It’s a savvy, "B-" move that rounds out a much-improved roster.