The Pittsburgh Pirates strengthened their late‑inning arsenal Monday, acquiring veteran right‑hander Luke Weaver and cash considerations from the New York Mets in exchange for infield prospect Sammy Stafura. The move delivers one of baseball’s most effective relievers to a Pittsburgh bullpen that has sought stability and swing‑and‑miss production throughout the season.
Weaver, 32, has been among the most dominant relief arms in the majors in 2026. Across 42 appearances, he posted a 2–1 record, one save, and a 1.84 ERA over 44 innings, allowing just nine earned runs while striking out 45. Opponents hit a mere .162 against him, and his 0.82 WHIP ranks among the best in the sport.
His ERA sits tied for the sixth‑lowest among all qualified MLB relievers, trailing only San Diego’s Mason Miller (0.76), Toronto’s Louis Varland (1.11), New York’s Brent Headrick (1.42), Toronto’s Tyler Rogers (1.65), and Toronto’s Spencer Miles (1.71). Weaver’s .099 average against right‑handed hitters (7-for-71) is the lowest in the majors among relievers with at least 70 right‑handed at‑bats faced.
Weaver has been particularly dominant away from Citi Field, producing a 0.40 road ERA (22.2 IP, 1 ER), the second‑best mark among MLB relievers with at least 20 road innings. Since May 1, he has allowed just one earned run across 30 appearances, good for a microscopic 0.28 ERA over that stretch.
Originally drafted by St. Louis with the 27th overall pick in 2014, Weaver has pitched for eight organizations across his 10‑year career. He owns a lifetime 4.58 ERA with 791 strikeouts in 312 games (106 starts) spanning stints with the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Royals, Reds, Mariners, Yankees, and both New York clubs.
Over the last three seasons (2024–26), Weaver has quietly become one of the sport’s most reliable bullpen arms. His 2.90 ERA across 168 appearances ranks fifth‑best among all MLB relievers with at least 190 innings during that period. His 220 strikeouts in that span place him tied for ninth among relievers.
Weaver also brings postseason pedigree. During the Yankees’ 2024 American League championship run, he delivered a 1.76 ERA in 12 playoff outings, striking out 16 with a .163 opponent average and a 0.65 WHIP. He added three more postseason appearances for New York in 2025.
The Pirates will announce a corresponding 40‑man roster move at a later date.
