Luke Weaver Dismisses Ex-Teams, Fully Embraces His Role with the Mets

Introduction

As spring training kicks off, New York Mets reliever Luke Weaver has stirred curiosity among fans and analysts alike. Arriving in Port St. Lucie with a New York Yankees bag, Weaver promptly addressed the chatter surrounding his choice of luggage, stating that his transition to the Mets is purely about practicality.

Why the Yankees Bag?

Weaver has emphasized that his decision to bring a Yankees bag isn’t as scandalous as it sounds. During a recent episode of The Show podcast with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, he shared:

“I thought it was a bit silly, personally… To your point, it’s very common to bring your old bag to your new team. They don’t first-class airmail a new bag, so I didn’t get a new bag from the Mets.”

Practical Reasons Behind the Bag Choice

• Logistics: Weaver mentioned he lacked alternative bags and used what he had from previous seasons.
• Normalcy: Acknowledging common practice in professional sports, he noted that he’s not the first player to use gear from his last team.

Although some fans raised eyebrows, it turns out that this isn’t an unusual occurrence in sports. Max Scherzer, for instance, arrived at Blue Jays camp with a Rangers bag last season.

Weaver’s Commitment to the Mets

Despite the initial concern over his Yankees bag, Weaver is determined to immerse himself in his new environment. He stated:

“I just need people to take a deep breath, know that I love the Mets now. I’m a Met. I love where I’m at.”

His Aspirations with the Mets

• Team Spirit: Weaver aims to create a strong bond with his teammates.
• Winning Culture: He expressed hope for collective success, seeking to secure as many trophies as possible during his tenure.

Career Transition and Future Expectations

Weaver, 32, made headlines after signing a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets following a tumultuous exit from the Yankees, where he played for over two seasons. His performance history has been a mix of ups and downs:

• 2024 Season: Impressive 2.89 ERA during a breakout year.
• 2025 Season: A disappointing follow-up, particularly in postseason play.

Looking Ahead

Weaver starts the 2026 season positioned as a crucial part of the bullpen, specifically serving as a bridge to closer Devin Williams, who has also transitioned from the Yankees. He was candid about the Yankees’ interest—or lack thereof:

“It was basically a perfect situation to come to the Mets… there’s a lot of high hopes and strong vibes going on early in camp.”

Conclusion

Luke Weaver might have donned a Yankees bag upon joining the Mets, but his commitment to his new team is clear. As spring training progresses, Weaver is fully focused on contributing to the Mets’ success and fostering connections with his new teammates.

For fans excited about his potential this season, it seems Weaver is ready to redefine what it means to wear the blue and orange of New York.

For more information on MLB spring training updates, visit ESPN and stay tuned for the latest on player performances and team dynamics.