The New York Yankees went out in the offseason and traded for former Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams with the thought that Luke Weaver had just caught lightning in a bottle.
With the struggles from Williams in the closer role one month through the season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone pulled the plug on his new closer, moving him to a setup role. Weaver took over and ran away with the job.
Outside of Andres Munoz of the Seattle Mariners, Weaver has been the best closer in baseball. The 31-year-old starter turned reliever was claimed off waivers on Sept. 12, 2023, in an attempt by the Yankees to save his career.
New York’s coaching staff, especially Matt Blake, has a track record of signing struggling or declining pitchers and turning them into reliable bullpen arms. They struck gold with Weaver.
In 2025, the fan favorite has a 0.44 ERA, allowing just one run on May 5 against the San Diego Padres. Weaver has also recorded 22 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.59 in 20.1 innings of work. He has a 3.67 K/BB and has recorded five saves.
Among Major League relievers, Dream Weaver ranks first in opponents batting average (.091), second in opponents’ OPS (.286, first in AL), third in ERA and opponents’ OBP (.164, second in AL), fourth in opponents’ slugging (.121, third in AL) and fourth in WHIP (third in AL).
His save numbers aren’t high, but he’s only been a closer for a few weeks.
He was relied on heavily down the stretch of the 2025 postseason, pitching in high-leverage spots whenever he was available, sometimes multiple innings.
“Terrific,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone when asked what it’s like to have a dependable reliever like Weaver. “What he did for us last year, carrying that into this year, and he’s been pretty much shutting down everyone from the jump this year. I feel like over the last three, four, or five outings, it’s starting to get really good and look more in line with who he was in the back end of last season.”
In Boone’s eyes, this isn’t even the best version of Weaver.
“We’ve seen the velocity tick up,” Boone said. “Command is really good – he’s getting into spots he wants – he’s efficient. Change up is in a good place. So I feel like Luke’s throwing it really well right now.”
