On September 10th, 2023, the Seattle Mariners designated RHP Luke Weaver for assignment, marking the second time that season he had been DFA’d. Earlier, the Cincinnati Reds had done the same on August 16th, and no team claimed him off waivers. Once a key piece in the Paul Goldschmidt trade with a 2.94 ERA in 2019, Weaver struggled from 2020 to 2022, posting a 5.58 ERA and 1.29 HR/9 before the Diamondbacks parted ways with him at the trade deadline.
By 2023, Weaver hit rock bottom, leading all 102 pitchers with at least 120 innings pitched in the worst ERA (6.40) and third-worst HR/9 (2.11). However, after three solid starts with the Yankees, they signed him to a one-year, $2 million deal with a club option for 2025. Fast-forward to today, and the once struggling starter has transformed into a key closer in the Yankees’ bullpen.
Weaver, once known for giving life to slumping offenses, has now stepped into the prestigious role of closer for the New York Yankees.
Last season, Luke Weaver experimented with six different pitches, trying to find something to reduce hard contact and increase whiffs. Opponents whiffed less than 22% of the time against him, and he allowed a 9.8% barrel rate. However, a change in his four-seam grip and increased velocity, inspired by a conversation with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, seems to have made a big difference. Weaver also adjusted his mechanics, eliminating his leg kick in his delivery.
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The impact on his fastball was significant, transforming it from a below-average pitch into a weapon that now blows hitters away. This improved fastball also created better synergy with the rest of his pitches. With a fastball that rides through the zone in the mid-90s, his changeup has become even more effective, boasting a 45.7% whiff rate and a .227 wOBA. His changeup now drops more dramatically, moving from 8.2 inches of Induced Vertical Break (IVB) to 4.6, making it even more deceptive.
Paired with a fastball that generates consistent whiffs and chases, Weaver’s arsenal has become much more dangerous in high-leverage situations. His cutter, which he’s been refining to have slider-like qualities, has been particularly effective. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently noted Weaver’s adjustments to the cutter, which he has started throwing down and away to right-handers. Since August, righties have yet to record a hit against it, and it’s helped him dominate the outer half of the plate, making his changeup even more lethal.
Weaver’s cutter has become a key tertiary pitch, sitting between his two primary pitches in terms of movement, and it’s played a crucial role in limiting damage. It’s remarkable how far he’s come with the Yankees, especially considering that in 2023, he briefly questioned if his career was nearing its end.
