The New York Mets have taken a decisive step in reshaping their bullpen, agreeing to terms with right-hander Luke Weaver on a two-year, $22 million deal. The move signals a clear shift in strategy following the departure of long-time closer Edwin Diaz, as the Mets continue to add relievers with recent experience in the Bronx.

Weaver becomes the latest former New York Yankees bullpen arm to make the move across town, joining Devin Williams and Clay Holmes as part of a revamped relief unit designed to stabilize late innings.

A familiar Bronx-to-Queens pipeline

Luke Weaver, 32, will follow a path already taken by Holmes, who signed with the Mets after his Yankees tenure and was converted into a starter. Holmes went on to post a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts, marking a successful transition in Queens.

Williams also joined the Mets earlier this offseason, signing a three-year, $51 million deal on December 1 after an uneven spell as Yankees closer. Despite the inconsistency, Williams showed flashes of the dominant form that once made him the National League’s two-time Reliever of the Year with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Expected role

With the New York Mets’ bullpen hierarchy taking shape, Luke Weaver is expected to handle high-leverage innings ahead of Williams, who is widely projected to take over ninth-inning duties. The arrangement reflects Weaver’s recent experience pitching under pressure, particularly during his time with the Yankees.

Weaver assumed the closer’s role in the second half of the 2024 season after Holmes was removed from the ninth inning. He delivered repeatedly in crucial moments as the Yankees surged to win the American League pennant before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.