The Yankees Have Several Options to Consider for a Closer Next Season

In 2024, Weaver totaled 84 innings pitched with a 2.89 ERA, a 7-3 record in 62 games, and 12 games finished. He struck out 103 batters and only walked 26. These numbers along with a decent repertoire made him a shiny selection on the shelf to test out. 

Weaver got the baseball a lot in the 2024 postseason. In 15 1/3 innings, the right-hander went 1-0 with four saves in seven opportunities and a 1.76 ERA in 12 games. He struck out 16 and walked two, throwing 148 strikes on 214 pitches. 

Does Weaver have what it takes to hold the role? His repertoire is outstanding and very workable. This season he worked a four-pitch mix with a fastball averaging 95 mph.  He works an effective cutter at 91.3 mph with a 19.9-inch vertical drop. He also works an early-80s curveball with a 46.5-inch vertical drop. 

Weaver has good weapons and his pitching ability is apparent. Still, his status as a “closer” needs to be a developmental closer, working towards the bigger picture. Weaver does need to get stronger, and add some velocity to his fastball; this will build him for the reliability in the last inning. 

That being said, the Yankees are hoping for a better ending in 2025 namely a World Series parade. It may be time to go out and sign a closer.

Closers of Interest on the Market 

Closers are a hard talent to find and buy, let alone develop. Clay Holmes is now on the free agent market, and will possibly be an addition for another ball club. 

Who may interest the Yankees? Just days ago, the ex-closer of the Toronto Blue Jays, Jordan Romano, became a free agent as he was non-tendered. 

This was a questionable decision by Toronto. However, the Yankees would not be opposed to the idea of the Canadian native in the Bronx. Romano would be a good thought when approaching closers in the market.

Right-Hander Jordan Romano

The two-time All-Star has six seasons in MLB, all north of the border. His closer attributes were revealed in 2021 when he threw 63 innings, going 7-1 with 43 games finished, 23 saves, one blown save, and a 2.14 ERA. 

In 2022 he recorded 36 saves with a 2.11 ERA and in 2023 he repeated 36 saves with a 2.90 ERA. He was selected as an All-Star in these two seasons. In 2024, Romano underwent surgery to repair an impingement in his right elbow, sidelining him for the majority of the season.

He’s expected to be healthy and return to full operation by the spring. Romano has had his rough times, like any closer. His big frame and upper 90s/low 100s velocity fit him perfectly into the closer role. 

He mostly utilizes two pitches; a four-seam fastball and a slider. The slider is extremely effective while the heater blows by hitters at his velocity. Romano would be worth the dollars the Yankees could offer him, and he may be one of the cheapest closers on the market due to his recent injury and minimized season. 

Right-Hander Kenley Jansen 

The Yankees are looking to return to the World Series, with intentions of bringing the trophy back to the Bronx. Why not add talent that has the postseason experience?

Veteran closer Kenley Jansen is now a free agent after two seasons with the rival Boston Red Sox. Jansen put up an All-Star season in his age-35 season in 2023, saving 29 games with only four blown saves and a 3.63 ERA. 

In 2024, he saved 27 games with only four blown saves and a 3.29 ERA. His repertoire has been consistent, with steady velocity and command. His veteran nature would be great to platoon with Weaver on the back end of the bullpen. 

Jansen would be roughly a two-year signing based on age and quality. This will help the Yankees in save situations along with mentoring and developing Weaver, who seems to be where the Yankees have their long-term trust.