Yankees exercise club option on reliever Luke Weaver

It didn’t take long for the Yankees to lock down one of their high-leverage relievers that performed well in the postseason.

The Yankees exercised Luke Weaver’s $2.5 million 2025 club option, the team announced Friday.

The move was a no-brainer. Weaver, in his first full season in pinstripes, recorded a 2.89 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP in 62 regular season games. The righty elevated his role in September when he entered the closer role, replacing incumbent closer Clay Holmes after repeated blown saves. Weaver converted all four of his save attempts during the 2024 regular season and added four more during the Bombers’ run to the World Series.

In the postseason, Weaver went 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in 15.1 innings pitched. He contributed to the battle of the bullpens during Game 4 of the World Series, striking out three total batters in 1.1 innings pitched during the seventh and eighth innings of the 11-4 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The cheap price tag for a reliable player on a championship contending Yankees team was a welcome sign for general manager Brian Cashman. Cashman will now make decisions on other key free agents this winter, including superstar Juan Soto, who figures to command money.

Gleyber Torres, who turned his season around after being placed in the leadoff spot, is another key piece due for a contract. Alex Verdugo, Anthony Rizzo ($17 million team option), Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle and Holmes are also set to hit the market.