The New York Yankees exercised their 2025 contract option worth $2.5 million on right-hander Luke Weaver on Friday. Bryan Hoch From MLB.com.

Weaver capped an impressive second season with the Yankees in 2024, emerging as a bullpen option in the first half of the year and then stepping into New York’s closer position before the start of the postseason. struggles by Clay Holmes.

He has also become a consistent option for the Yankees throughout their run in the World Series, making 12 postseason appearances in 2024.

Weaver finished the regular season with a 2.89 ERA in 62 appearances, recording 103 strikeouts compared to 26 walks in 84 innings pitched. He also recorded four saves in four opportunities.

The 31-year-old hasn’t been perfect in the postseason, blowing a save in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series when New York faced the Cleveland Guardians.

Still, he was frequently exposed to situations with runners in scoring position and remained effective overall. In 15.1 innings pitched during the postseason, he compiled a 1.76 ERA with 16 strikeouts and two walks.

Weaver was originally claimed off waivers by the Yankees in September 2023. He became a free agent the following offseason and re-signed He signed a $2 million deal with New York ahead of his 2024 debut campaign.

His $2.5 million salary for the 2025 season is a huge steal for the Yankees if he can repeat his performance in 2024, as that ranks 12th among the majors (via) spotrac).

Following a strong finish to the regular season and dominant postseason run to help New York capture its first AL pennant since 2009, Weaver is expected to open the 2025 season as the Yankees’ full-time closer.