The New York Yankees are expected to see some major changes this offseason, and several impact players could leave this free agency.
New York will likely look to add some new relievers this offseason, which could mean some changes to the bullpen. One reliever who is predicted to leave is Luke Weaver. Insider Darragh McDonald of MLBTradeRumors predicts Weaver will sign a two-year, $18 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
“Weaver didn’t say he’d only entertain signing with a team that’d let him start. But he could provide a similar flexibility as Jeff Hoffman did a year ago,” the article read. “He’d hardly be the first pitcher to return as a better starting pitcher after an intervening bullpen stint.
“Weaver has solid command and a fastball-changeup mix that mitigates the platoon concerns he might face navigating a lineup multiple times. The bigger issue may be developing a better breaking pitch than the cutter he used less than 10% of the time this year. Though we’ve landed on a two-year deal for Weaver, we wouldn’t be shocked by a three-year pact of the Hoffman/Holmes variety.”
Weaver was solid for the Yankees last season, as he went 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 64 games. Although he didn’t start any games this season for New York, he could be stretched out in spring training.
But Weaver is likely better off in a multi-inning reliever role. He can help cement the backend of the Orioles bullpen.
Luke Weaver Open to Starting
Weaver began his career as a starter but was moved to the bullpen once the Yankees acquired him off waivers.
Since going to the bullpen, Weaver has been an effective reliever and should be able to cash in on a multi-year deal this offseason. However, he has said he’s open to the idea of trying out again in the big leagues.
“The door is open,” Weaver said to Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on their podcast on Sept. 17. “I am never just going to say, ’Absolutely not.’ When the time comes, let’s talk about it. Clay has done a great job this year in that transition. I don’t know what people are saying, but I’ve watched from afar, and I’m proud of him. That’s a really cool thing that he’s done. The transition, I don’t think people truly understand — that’s crazy. To do it as consistent as he has, I commend him. It’s cool to see that it’s possible, too.
“We see it happening from time to time now. Teams are being a little more strategic. So, yes, I’m very much open to it, but I also am not just like, ’Yeah I want to go do that,’ or, ’Yeah I want to go do this.’ Let’s sit at the table. Let’s have a conversation and see what that looks like and what best [puts me in position] to be the most successful. I would like to have those options if they are there.”
Weaver has started 106 career games in the majors and could be an effective fourth or fifth starter.
Yankees Plan to be Aggressive in Offseason
New York was eliminated in the ALDS by the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Yankees will look to upgrade their roster this offseason.
The Yankees have money to spend, and general manager Brian Cashman said they won’t be rebuilding as they want to win.
“There’s no indication [a rebuild] is something that should be considered,” Cashman told The Athletic. “We have a farm system that is producing. We have quality major leaguers winning MVPs and potentially getting Cy Young Award votes. And we have the best record in the American League (tied with Toronto at 94-68), and we have Gerrit Cole coming back, along with other guys. I don’t understand how a rebuild could even be considered.”
Cashman also said the Yankees may look at changing how their roster is built in 2026.
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