The Yankees predicted they would exercise a $2.5 million option to get closer

New York Yankees relief pitcher Luke Weaver found himself on the wrong end of a blown save in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, but it shouldn’t hurt his chances of staying in pinstripes.

While the two-run homer Weaver allowed to Jhonkesy Noel on Thursday night is going to sting for a while, the 31-year-old is a revelation in the Yankees bullpen.

He took over for the struggling Clay Holmes during the final month of the regular season, converting all four save chances for Game 3 of the ALCS.

That’s why Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly believes it’s a no-brainer that the Yankees will exercise Weaver’s $2.5 million contract option this offseason.

“This is a blow to general manager Brian Cashman, as Weaver has become one of the most reliable relievers in baseball in his 30-year season,” Kelly wrote. “Whether the Yankees view him as their Opening Day closer or as a reliever, $2.5 million is a bargain. It won’t take more than 10 seconds for the Yankees to pick up his option.”

Weaver’s new fastball and changeup combination led to him being one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball during the 2024 season.

The self-described “fierce jungle cat” was 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 103 strikeouts, 26 walks and a 0.93 WHIP over 84.0 innings pitched this season.

With Clay Holmes also set to hit the market this winter, it would behoove the Yankees to keep perhaps their best late-inning reliever as they enter the offseason.

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