Yankees Predicted to Move on From Valuable Arm in Coming Months

The New York Yankees added three controllable relievers at the trade deadline, which could be bad news for Luke Weaver.

Camilo Doval, Jake Bird and David Bednar all figure to factor into the Yankees’ plans next season. Weaver will be a free agent, and FanSided’s Chris Landers predicted he would not be back with the Yankees next year.

“The problem is that he’s been so good he might have priced himself out of what the Yankees are willing to pay to keep him,” wrote Landers. “With Aroldis Chapman already locked up and Edwin Diaz and Andres Munoz likely staying put, Weaver will be at or near the top of a volatile relief market this winter. Maybe New York values him enough to beat back all comers, or maybe Weaver values staying with the team that helped oversee his transition from failed starter to star reliever. This is his chance to get paid, though, and that might lead him elsewhere.”

Weaver wears multiple hats for the Yankees. He has served as a set-up man, closer, leverage arm and multiple-inning option. His versatility adds to his value, but the projected limited availability of closers makes him a high-value free agent.

Weaver has a 2.81 ERA this season in 55 games. Since joining the Yankees, he has a 2.90 ERA in 120 games. Last postseason, he held a 1.76 ERA in 12 games. He finished eight games for the Yankees on the way to the Fall Classic and had four saves.

While losing Weaver would be a big blow, the Yankees do have arms to lean on. Doval and Bednar both have experience as closers. Doval has not been great with the Yankees, but he is a former All-Star closer and the Yankees will hope he can get on track soon.

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