MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Interested in Yankees Free Agent
As reported by Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, the former New York Yankees reliever is one of several arms on Toronto’s radar as they look for high leverage help without paying elite closer prices after missing out on Edwin Diaz, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Weaver posted a 3.62 ERA in 2025 with a strong 27.5 percent strikeout rate and above average chase and whiff metrics, and while he briefly handled closing duties in New York, the Jays seem to view him as a setup option rather than a threat to Jeff Hoffman’s grip on the ninth inning or a splash alternative to top target Robert Suarez.
Luke Weaver’s risk reward profile for the Blue Jays
Weaver’s 2025 season was split into two very different chapters. Before a June hamstring strain he dominated with a 1.05 ERA over 25 and two thirds innings, but after returning from the injured list he was tagged for a 5.31 ERA in his final 39 frames and then imploded in October, allowing five earned runs in one third of an inning across three playoff outings, including three runs against the Blue Jays in their Game 1 blowout win.
The long ball became a serious issue as eight of his ten home runs allowed came after the injury, and his 27.5 percent ground ball rate was one of the lowest in the league and well below his previous career mark.
What would you grade Luke Weaver’s tenure as a Yankee?
— Jacob P.M.🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) December 8, 2025
3 Years -
12 Saves
42 Holds
4 Blown Saves
3.22 ERA
127 ERA+
0.994 WHIP
10.6 K/9
2.7 BB/9pic.twitter.com/rSg5ugB47v
The question for Toronto is whether that spike in damage is a permanent red flag tied to diminished stuff, a lingering hamstring effect, or something more fixable such as pitch tipping or attack plan. At a projected two year, 18 million dollar range, Weaver represents a mid tier bet on strikeout stuff and swing and miss traits rather than a fully trusted lockdown answer.
How Luke Weaver fits into Toronto’s pitching plans
Weaver is not the only name in play as the Blue Jays juggle multiple pitching priorities. They remain in the mix for Robert Suarez, whose power fastball and recent 40 save season with the San Diego Padres checks every box Ross Atkins outlined for an aggressive, fearless late inning arm, but Suarez’s expected three year deal over 50 million dollars would limit spending elsewhere.
Toronto is also still exploring the starter market even after adding Dylan Cease and welcoming back Shane Bieber, with concerns over Bieber’s forearm, Jose Berrios’ trade availability, Trey Yesavage’s workload and Cody Ponce’s transition back from overseas all nudging them toward extra depth.
What a pitch here by Luke Weaver to strikeout George Springer.
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) July 1, 2025
It’s all Yankees over the Blue Jays on Canada day pic.twitter.com/nnjBZwb4tg
Reports from The Athletic suggest the front office is even considering flipping an outfielder for bullpen help if free agent prices do not cooperate.
In that context, Weaver is exactly the kind of flexible play the Jays like to chase, an experienced arm who can handle leverage, potentially spot start if needed and slot in beneath the true late inning stars while giving the club another path to stabilizing a staff built to contend.
Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
.jpg)
.jpg)