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 remaining in pinstripes.
While the two-run home run Weaver allowed to Jhonkesy Noel on Thursday night is going to sting for a while, the 31-year-old has been a revelation in the Yankees bullpen.
He took over the closer role from the struggling Clay Holmes during the final month of the regular season and converted all four save opportunities before Game 3 of the ALCS.
That's why Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes it's a no-brainer that the Yankees will exercise Weaver's $2.5 million contract option during the offseason.
"This is a slam dunk for general manager Brian Cashman, as Weaver has become one of the most reliable relievers in baseball in his age-30 season," Kelly wrote. "Whether the Yankees envision him as their Opening Day closer or a setup man, $2.5 million is a bargain. It won't take more than 10 seconds for the Yankees to pick up his option."
Weaver's newfound fastball and changeup combination led to him being one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball during the 2024 season.
The self-proclaimed "ferocious jungle cat" was 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 103 strikeouts, 26 walks and a 0.93 WHIP across 84.0 innings this season.
With Clay Holmes also set to hit the market this winter, it would behoove the Yankees to retain arguably their best late-innings reliever going into the offseason.
