Yankees $2.5 million pitcher could depart from New York next season

The New York Yankees were no strangers to adding to the back end of their bullpen at the trade deadline. The Yankees added relief pitchers David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Doval.

New York didn't trade for the three arms for this season, but also for years to come. Bednar is controllable through 2026. Doval won't become a free agent until 2028, and Bird won't hit free agency until 2029.

With three new pitchers staying around the Yankees for years to come, that means veterans who have been with the team could be out the door. Adam Weinrib from Fansided thinks relief pitcher Luke Weaver will likely not be in the Bronx next season after the deadline moves.

"Everyone's favorite ferocious Jungle Cat is also hitting free agency, and while his struggles and hamstring problems have defined portions of his season, Luke Weaver is still a wonderful asset and an incredible find by the Yankees," Weinrib wrote. "We can't rule out that there's a world where he comes to Brian Cashman willing to take a hometown discount and wants to stick around. Unlike Williams, we can't say the fate Weaver sealed is that he will be departing. But the Yankees have made it abundantly clear they don't intend to allocate top dollar to the closer (or setup) position this offseason — and it's probably financially savvy that they're doing so. Weaver might be a Yankee beyond 2025, but it'll take some tinkering and back-channeling."

Weaver has a $2.5 million club option for 2026, and the Yankees might not exercise it to use the money elsewhere.

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It will be interesting to see how the Yankees handle the bullpen for the rest of the season and who will be back next year.

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