Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luke Weaver

How Luke Weaver built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Luke Weaver is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. He has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners throughout his MLB career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by Blue Jays

In 2011, Luke Weaver graduated from DeLand High School and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 19th round of the MLB draft, but he chose to attend college instead of signing.

2012: Brewster Whitecaps

After the 2012 season, Luke Weaver played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2013: Sophomore Season

In 2013, as a sophomore at Florida State University, Luke Weaver had a 7-2 record with a 2.29 ERA in 17 games.

2014: Junior Season

In 2014, as a junior at Florida State University, Luke Weaver had an 8-4 record with a 2.62 ERA in 16 starts.

2014: Cardinals Drafted Weaver

In 2014, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Luke Weaver in the first round of the MLB draft.

2014: Signed with Cardinals

In 2014, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Luke Weaver in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft and he signed with them on June 16. He made his professional debut for the GCL Cardinals and was later promoted to the Palm Beach Cardinals on August 1.

2015: Palm Beach Cardinals Season

In 2015, Luke Weaver played for the Palm Beach Cardinals. He earned the Cardinals' July Pitcher of the Month Award after a strong performance. Baseball America selected him for the high Class-A minor leagues All-Star team. He finished the season with an 8-5 record and a 1.62 ERA in 19 starts.

August 13, 2016: Major League Debut

On August 13, 2016, Luke Weaver was called up by the Cardinals and made his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. He was later named the Cardinals' 2016 Minor League Pitcher of the Year by both MLB Pipeline and the Cardinals organization.

2016: MLB Debut

In 2016, Luke Weaver made his Major League Baseball debut for the St. Louis Cardinals.

2016: Springfield Cardinals Season

In 2016, Luke Weaver's debut with the Springfield Cardinals was delayed due to a fractured wrist. Baseball America ranked him as a top-100 prospect. After a strong showing with Springfield, he was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds on August 3.

2017: Memphis and St. Louis Season

In 2017, Luke Weaver started the season with Memphis, earning the Pacific Coast League Player of the Month title for May. He was recalled and optioned multiple times before being recalled for the remainder of the season on August 17. He played for both Memphis and the Cardinals, achieving success with both teams.

December 5, 2018: Traded to the Diamondbacks

On December 5, 2018, Luke Weaver was traded by the Cardinals, along with Carson Kelly, Andy Young, and a draft pick, to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Paul Goldschmidt.

2018: Trade to Diamondbacks

After the 2018 season, Luke Weaver was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks from the St. Louis Cardinals.

2018: Starting Rotation and Bullpen

Luke Weaver began the 2018 season as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals' starting rotation but was moved to the bullpen in mid-August. He finished the 2018 season with a 7-11 record, a 4.95 ERA, and a 1.50 WHIP.

2019: Diamondbacks Season

In 2019, Luke Weaver appeared in just 12 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, producing a 2.94 ERA with 69 strikeouts.

2020: 2020 Season with Diamondbacks

In 2020, Luke Weaver went 1-9 with a 6.58 ERA and led the NL in losses.

August 1, 2022: Traded to Royals

On August 1, 2022, the Diamondbacks traded Luke Weaver to the Kansas City Royals for infielder Emmanuel Rivera. With the Royals in 2022, Weaver had a 5.59 ERA in 14 games.

October 26, 2022: Claimed by Mariners

On October 26, 2022, the Seattle Mariners claimed Luke Weaver off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.

2022: Move to Bullpen

In 2022, Luke Weaver transitioned to the bullpen while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2022: 2022 Season

Luke Weaver began the 2022 season as a relief pitcher. He was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation on April 10. On May 28, the Diamondbacks shifted Weaver to the 60-day injured list retroactively. He was activated on June 12. He was 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 games for the Diamondbacks in 2022.

January 13, 2023: Signed with the Reds

On January 13, 2023, Luke Weaver signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

August 22, 2023: Signed with Mariners

On August 22, 2023, Luke Weaver signed a one-year major league contract with the Seattle Mariners.

September 12, 2023: Claimed by Yankees

On September 12, 2023, Luke Weaver was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees.

January 19, 2024: Signed One-Year Contract

On January 19, 2024, the Yankees signed Luke Weaver to a one-year contract with a $2.5M club option for 2025.

September 2024: Named Yankees Closer

In September 2024, Luke Weaver was named the closer for the New York Yankees after finding success with the team.

November 2024: Yankees Exercise Option

In November 2024, the Yankees exercised the club option on Luke Weaver's contract. Since 2024, his entrance song at home games has been "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright.

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2024: Yankees Closer

In 2024, Luke Weaver served as a reliever for the Yankees and became their closer in September. He earned his first career save on September 6, and finished the season with a 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts.