Just two days after the World Series defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees They have secured an integral part of their arena for 2025.

In September 2023, the Yankees claimed Luke Weaver off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The veteran journeyman struggled to maintain a consistent role as a starter and bounced around the league, joining five different teams in seven years. After finishing the year on good terms with the Yankees, New York re-signed him in the offseason to a $2 million contract with a 2025 club option for $2.5 million.

A year later, the Yankees exercise Weaver’s option after a breakout campaign.

This season, Weaver has become a key part of the Yankees bullpen, posting career-best numbers in 62 games. He recorded a 7-3 record with 103 strikeouts in 84 innings, a 2.89 ERA, and an eye-popping 0.93 WHIP; His performance led him to take the closer role from Clay Holmes in October and helped the Yankees reach the World Series.

Weaver got a big boost in the playoffs, appearing in 12 of the Yankees’ 14 postseason games. The closer recorded four playoff saves and posted a 1.76 ERA and 0.65 WHIP. His only blemish was giving up the game-tying home run to Jhonkensy Noel in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 of the ALCS.

Outside of Weaver, the Yankees’ 2025 is filled with uncertainty. Late-inning stalwarts Tommy Kahnle, Tim Hill and Clay Holmes are entering free agency, leaving a huge hole in the back end ahead of Weaver. Re-signing outfielder out of top priority Juan SotoThe Yankees are expected to get some help in the bullpen.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter He believes the Yankees have their eye on the former San Diego Padres Tanner Scott. If New York loses Hill, they will need a strong lefty presence in the bullpen, a role Scott has the skill set to fill.

With Weaver locked in for 2025, he will enter Spring Training as the clear best option to become the Yankees closer next season.