Mets criticized after signing former Yankees reliever Luke Weaver

WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 21: A view of a New York Mets baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

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By Shaun McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Mets have been active this offseason in free agency, but an odd pattern has formed around some of their recent acquisitions.

The Mets have surprisingly signed multiple relievers from the New York Yankees. As they were losing Edwin Díaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency, it made sense that the Mets would target closer Devin Williams. Now, New York has also reportedly poached Luke Weaver, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

It's not unheard of for the Mets or Yankees to poach free agents from each other, but it is unusual that, including Clay Holmes, the Mets have now signed three former Yankees relievers over the last two years. Yankees commentator Michael Kay criticized the Mets' recent moves, finding their choice to acquire multiple New York relievers interesting.

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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 21: A view of a New York Mets baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

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“Even Mets fans would have to admit it’s an odd look, man,” Kay said in a video posted to YouTube by ESPN New York. “You’re putting teams together with guys that the Yankees didn’t want anymore, except for Soto. The Yankees didn’t want Clay Holmes back, they didn’t want Devin Williams back.

“Luke Weaver lost a closer role last year and didn’t pitch well. He did not pitch nearly as well as he did the year before. So maybe the Yankees in their internal discussions said to themselves, ‘We got everything that we could get out of Luke Weaver.’”

The Yankees bullpen was not one of their strong areas this season. Williams' ERA dropped from 1.25 in 2024 to 4.79 this season, while Weaver heavily struggled, especially in the postseason. The Yankees have not made any big splashes in free agency yet this offseason, but remain in the mix for players like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.