The New York Yankees’ American League Division Series is officially underway. The team has faced a massive struggle in this series so far, with nothing seeming to work. Some players’ performances can affect their status next season; Luke Weaver is one of those players.
Struggles Continue for Luke Weaver Amidst Free Agency
So far, Yankees pitchers have been very disappointing in the ALDS. From starters to relievers, the pinstripes have not thrown the baseball well to the heavy-hitting Toronto Blue Jays lineup.
Aside from offensive dominance, the team with the better bullpen has the advantage. The Yankees are not that team right now. Weaver is a crucial part of the relief staff, and his reliability is currently in question.
Weaver’s Lack of Dominance or Reliability is Not Helping His Future Case
The right-hander was last year’s go-to out of the bullpen in the postseason. Weaver was the answer to the closer role when Clay Holmes was no longer trusted. The dominoes have somewhat fallen forward into 2025.
The Yankees had already signed Devin Williams, with hopes that he would fill the closer role and have Weaver as the setup man. Due to Williams’ struggles, Weaver was bounced back and forth until David Bednar got there.
Weaver’s short relief, set-up man, and fill-in closer are all capabilities that he holds. The Yankees’ right-hander has the pitchability and skill set to take on those tasks; however, his recent struggles are creating doubts.
Postseason Struggles
Weaver was summoned in game one of the American League wild card series against the Boston Red Sox. After a solid outing by Max Fried, Weaver took the wheel and did not impress. He walked one hitter, allowing two hits and two earned runs.
Weaver picked up the loss from that game and did not even record a complete inning of work.
He was also called on in Game 1 of the ALDS in Toronto.
Once again, he did not complete a full inning of work, but he allowed three earned runs on two hits, walking one. Weaver was then removed from the game.
The right-hander was trusted to be inserted into mop-up scenarios; the team wanted forced ground-outs or fly-outs. In this case, they received hits allowed and free bases.
Future Implications Pondering
Without a doubt, Weaver and the staff know that his contract is up at the end of this season. His change in role puts him in a trial-and-error spot, where he is constantly being assessed. Weaver is currently on a club option with the Yankees.
“There’s been adjustments that I’ve had made based off of things people are seeing and uh, It just hasn’t really lined up. It’s been pretty late in the adjustment period, and it’s just not lining up out there. I don’t really feel like myself, I don’t feel like my mind is completely clear to go out there and attack”, Weaver told the media (Sportsnet New York)
Weaver has his work cut out for him on the limited games they have left in 2025. His future could depend on this postseason performance.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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