NEW YORK — The New York Yankees made the simplest decision of their offseason on Friday night.
They exercised their $2.5 million club option for 2025 on relief pitcher Luke Weaver, who emerged as one of MLB’s most effective bullpen arms this season. Weaver finished the 2024 campaign with a 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts over 84 innings pitched. Originally re-signed as a potential starting pitcher last offseason, Weaver transitioned to a multi-inning reliever at the end of spring training. The Yankees intended to utilize Jonathan Loáisiga in the multi-inning role previously held by Michael King, but Loáisiga suffered a torn UCL in early April.
Weaver stepped up as the team’s closer in September after Clay Holmes was demoted from the position. In the postseason, he posted a 1.76 ERA and saved four games for the Yankees. With Holmes now a free agent, the Yankees could have one of the best value closers in Weaver, should they decide to retain him in that role. Having a cheap closer potentially in Weaver could also provide needed payroll flexibility for the Yankees to fill other spots on their roster.
Weav Dawg. pic.twitter.com/XNLHizkzpY
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 30, 2024
With Weaver’s option now officially exercised, the Yankees have until Monday to determine the futures of first baseman Anthony Rizzo and relief pitcher Lou Trivino. Rizzo has a $17 million club option that the Yankees are likely to decline. While he remains an important clubhouse presence, Rizzo’s on-field performance has diminished over the past two seasons; he struggles to drive the ball consistently and his defense has slipped. Rizzo turns 36 next year; it would be a misstep for the Yankees to rely on a player who has not shown signs of regaining his previous form. Earlier this week, Rizzo acknowledged the possibility of nearing the end of his tenure with the Yankees.
“I love playing here,” Rizzo said. “I love being a Yankee. I cherish the legacy set by the great players of the past. Yes, this could very well be my last year. I’m a realist; I’m not naive to that.”
If the Yankees do not exercise his $17 million option, they owe Rizzo a $6 million buyout. After the Yankees were eliminated in Game 5 of the World Series, Rizzo told reporters he has no plans to retire.
The Yankees also face a decision regarding Lou Trivino’s $5 million club option. Trivino missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He threw just 11 innings in the minor leagues during his rehab assignment. He was not expected to return for the Yankees’ stretch run due to his command and stuff not yet being major-league caliber. It’s anticipated that the Yankees will decline his option.
Trivino could be re-signed by the Yankees at a reduced rate this offseason if he proves to be fully healthy and back to how he looked in 2022. The Yankees have several spots to fill in their bullpen, and he was effective with the club after they traded for him and Frankie Montas at the 2022 deadline.
(Photo of Luke Weaver: Harry How / Getty Images)
