Mets' bullpen overhaul continues after disastrous Edwin Diaz free agency saga

The New York Mets’ search for a closer appears to be over after the team agreed to a two-year deal with former New York Yankees reliever Luke Weaver.

Mets, RHP Luke Weaver reportedly agree to 2-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB's @AnthonyDiComo. pic.twitter.com/zAJ9r2mKlV

The move comes after a turbulent offseason for the Mets, whose fanbase grew increasingly frustrated following the loss of star closer Edwin Díaz in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Weaver does not carry Díaz’s résumé, New York brings in a more affordable option with postseason and World Series experience.

Weaver reinvented himself as a late-inning option in 2024, posting improved strikeout numbers while showing an ability to handle high-leverage situations. The Mets will look to see if that success can translate into a consistent ninth-inning role, stabilizing a bullpen that became a focal point of the club’s offseason overhaul.

Postseason Veteran Joins Mets After Turbulent Offseason

Luke Weaver solidified himself as a closer in the league after initially losing his role in the 2024 offseason when the Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. With Williams struggling on the mound and dealing with injuries, Weaver capitalized on the opportunity and established himself as New York’s primary late-inning option.

Coincidentally, the Mets began their own bullpen overhaul this offseason by signing Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, setting up the potential for another high-stakes closer competition between the two veteran right-handers.

The addition of Weaver also sent a clear message to fans: rather than using the money that would have gone to Edwin Díaz on one elite arm, the Mets opted to spread resources across multiple quality options, signaling a more balanced approach to rebuilding their bullpen.

With a big hole to fill after Díaz’s exit, Mets fans now have reason for cautious optimism. Weaver and Williams bring the experience and talent to make the ninth inning a focal point of the team’s resurgence, if both can deliver when it counts.