Luke Weaver: From College Standout to MLB Journeyman

Luke Allen Weaver, born on August 21, 1993, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently with the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). His journey to the major leagues began with a successful college career at Florida State University, followed by being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Collegiate Career at Florida State University

Weaver attended Florida State University, where he played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles from 2012 to 2014. After the 2012 season, he honed his skills in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Brewster Whitecaps. As a sophomore in 2013, Weaver posted a 7-2 win-loss record with a 2.29 earned run average (ERA) in 17 games, starting in 15 of them.

Professional Career

St. Louis Cardinals (2014-2018)

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Weaver in the first round with the 27th overall pick of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Cardinals on June 16 and made his professional debut for the GCL Cardinals. He was quickly promoted to the Palm Beach Cardinals on August 1.

Weaver spent 2015 with Palm Beach, earning the Cardinals' July Pitcher of the Month Award after compiling a 3-1 record and an 0.94 ERA in 28+1⁄3 innings pitched (IP) in five starts. Prior to the 2016 season, Baseball America ranked Weaver as the Cardinals' fourth-best prospect.

His 2016 debut for the Springfield Cardinals was delayed until June 4 due to a fractured left wrist sustained during spring training. On August 13, 2016, the Cardinals called Weaver up from Memphis to make his major league debut, starting in place of injured Michael Wacha against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out Dexter Fowler for his first major league strikeout. Weaver pitched four innings, giving up two runs, four hits, three walks, and three strikeouts in an eventual 8-4 win.

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Weaver spent the remainder of the season with St. Louis. After the season, MLB Pipeline named him the Cardinals' 2016 Minor League Pitcher of the Year due to his success with the Springfield Cardinals, where he posted a 6-3 record and 1.40 ERA with 88 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched. The Cardinals also named Weaver their 2016 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. In nine games (eight starts) for St. Louis, he went 1-1 with a 3.36 ERA.

Weaver began his 2017 season back in Memphis, where he earned the title of Pacific Coast League Player of the Month after posting a 2.19 ERA in 37 innings for the month of May. He was recalled and optioned multiple times during the season before being recalled for the remainder of the season on August 17. Weaver began 2018 with St. Louis.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2019-2022)

On December 5, 2018, the Cardinals traded Weaver to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Carson Kelly, Andy Young, and a Competitive Balance Round A pick in exchange for Paul Goldschmidt.

In 2019, Weaver struck out 12 in six innings against the San Francisco Giants. He ended the season with a 4.14 ERA and 11 strikeouts per nine innings. In 2020, Weaver's season was cut short.

In April 2021, Weaver was placed on the injured list with a strained right shoulder. On May 17, he was placed on the injured list again with elbow inflammation. On May 28, 2022, Weaver was shifted to the 60-day injured list. He was activated from the injured list on June 12, 2022. The Diamondbacks sought to rebuild from within, leading to changes in the roster. Weaver transitioned to the bullpen.

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Kansas City Royals (2022)

On October 26, 2022, Weaver was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners. He was then non-tendered by the Mariners.

Cincinnati Reds (2023)

On January 13, 2023, Weaver signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. In 21 starts for Cincinnati, he struggled to a 6.87 ERA with 24 home runs and 85 strikeouts in 97 innings pitched. On August 16, 2023, Weaver was designated for assignment by the Reds and released on August 18, 2023.

Seattle Mariners (2023)

On August 22, 2023, Weaver signed a one-year major league contract with the Seattle Mariners. In 5 appearances for Seattle, he logged a 6.08 ERA with eight strikeouts in 13+1⁄3 innings. On September 10, 2023, Weaver was designated for assignment by the Mariners.

New York Yankees (2023-2025)

On September 12, 2023, the New York Yankees claimed Weaver off waivers. He made three starts, pitching to a 3.38 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13+2⁄3 innings.In 2024, Weaver transitioned to a reliever role for the Yankees. Weaver became the Yankees' closer. Weaver embraces his role, bringing an "iron wall" mentality to the mound.

In 2024, Soto, Stanton power New York Yankees past Cleveland Guardians to clinch first World Series berth since 2009.

On June 3, 2025, Yankees closer Luke Weaver goes on injured list with strained left hamstring.

New York Mets (2025-Present)

On December 22, 2025, Mets make 2-year deal with Luke Weaver official.

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