Yankees Turn to All Star Player as New Closer Amid Clay Holmes’ Struggles
When the New York Yankees determined they could no longer count on veteran closer Clay Holmes due to his league-leading number of blown saves, they made the decision to hand the role to journeyman Luke Weaver. Holmes’ inconsistency became too much of a liability in high-stakes playoff situations, prompting the team to seek a more reliable option.
Luke Weaver’s Unconventional Path to the Yankees
Weaver, 31, has had a career marked by frequent moves between teams. After spending his first three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and another three with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Weaver went on to play for Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Seattle. His journey eventually led him to the Yankees, who acquired him in 2023. Despite only pitching 13.1 innings in his first season with New York, the team saw potential in Weaver and decided to give him a larger role moving forward.
A Career-Year in New York
Weaver’s breakout came in 2024. Over 84 innings, he posted a remarkable 2.89 ERA and recorded a career-best 11.04 strikeouts per nine innings, while also maintaining a solid 79.4% left-on-base rate and a 36.4% ground-ball rate. His consistent performance throughout the regular season earned him a more prominent role in the bullpen.
When the postseason arrived, Weaver proved his mettle. He delivered a 1.76 ERA in 15.1 innings, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Although he made occasional mistakes, they were few and far between, especially considering the caliber of competition he was facing.
Weaver’s Pitching Mastery
Weaver’s success can largely be attributed to his ability to generate swings and misses. Ranking in the 94th percentile for whiff rate and the 93rd percentile for strikeout rate, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. His primary weapons—a four-seam fastball, change-up, and cutter—were particularly effective. His fastball, which averaged 95.7 mph, saw a noticeable increase in velocity this season due to adjustments in his delivery, leading to better weight distribution and overall efficiency.
This fastball was a key asset, holding opposing batters to a .177 batting average and a .331 slugging percentage. It became an especially valuable weapon in the postseason, helping Weaver emerge as one of the Yankees’ most reliable arms.
Weaver Locked In as Yankees’ Closer
The Yankees’ decision to invest in Weaver has paid off. Instead of offering him a one-year deal, they secured a club option for 2025 at a reasonable $2.5 million, locking him in as their closer for another season. Weaver has expressed his enjoyment of playing in New York, fueling speculation that a long-term extension could be on the horizon.
While the Yankees still need to address the gaps left by free agents Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle, they can take comfort knowing their closer role is secure with Weaver at a fraction of the cost. With Holmes earning $6 million in his final arbitration year, Weaver’s $2.5 million salary for 2025 offers significant value, showcasing the Yankees’ ability to find quality pitching at a budget-friendly price.
