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. Prior to joining the Yankees, Weaver played for several other MLB teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners. He is known for his pitching ability in professional baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by Blue Jays (Did Not Sign)

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 not to sign and instead went to college.

2012: Collegiate Summer Baseball with 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 at Florida State

As a sophomore in 2013, Luke Weaver had a 7-2 record with a 2.29 ERA in 17 games (15 starts) for Florida State University.

2014: Signed and Debut with GCL Cardinals

In 2014, Luke Weaver signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on June 16 after being drafted, and he made his professional debut for the GCL Cardinals. He was later promoted to the Palm Beach Cardinals on August 1.

2014: Drafted by the Cardinals

In 2014, Luke Weaver was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the MLB draft after playing college baseball at Florida State University.

2014: Junior Season at Florida State

In 2014, during his junior year, Luke Weaver had an 8-4 record with a 2.62 ERA in 16 starts for Florida State University.

2015: Cardinals Pitcher of the Month and All-Star Selection

In 2015, Luke Weaver spent the season with Palm Beach and earned the Cardinals July Pitcher of the Month Award. He was also selected for the Baseball America high Class-A minor leagues All-Star team, finishing the year with an 8-5 record and a 1.62 ERA.

August 13, 2016: Major League Debut

On August 13, 2016, Luke Weaver was called up by the Cardinals to make his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. He finished the season with St. Louis and was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

2016: Fractured Wrist and Promotion to Memphis

In 2016, Luke Weaver fractured his left wrist during spring training and didn't debut for the Springfield Cardinals until June 4. He was later promoted to the Memphis Redbirds on August 3 after posting a 1.40 ERA with 88 strikeouts.

2016: MLB Debut

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

2017: Success in Memphis and St. Louis

In 2017, Luke Weaver started the season in Memphis, earning Pacific Coast League Player of the Month. He was recalled to St. Louis multiple times, finishing with a 10-2 record and 2.55 ERA in Memphis and a 7-2 record and 3.88 ERA with the Cardinals.

December 5, 2018: Trade to Diamondbacks

On December 5, 2018, Luke Weaver was traded by the Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Carson Kelly, Andy Young, and a draft pick 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: Rotation to Bullpen

Luke Weaver began the 2018 season with St. Louis in the starting rotation but was moved to the bullpen in mid-August. He finished the 2018 season with a 7-11 record.

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: Led NL in Losses

In 2020, Luke Weaver went 1-9 with a 6.58 ERA for the Diamondbacks, leading the NL in losses.

August 1, 2022: Traded to the Royals

On August 1, 2022, Luke Weaver was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Kansas City Royals for infielder Emmanuel Rivera. In 2022 with the Royals, he was 0-0 with a 5.59 ERA in 14 games.

October 26, 2022: Claimed by Seattle Mariners

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

2022: Relief Pitcher and Injury

In 2022, Luke Weaver began the season as a relief pitcher but went on the injured list with elbow inflammation on April 10. In 2022 with Arizona, he was 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA in 12 games.

2022: Moved to Bullpen

In 2022, Luke Weaver moved to the bullpen while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and struggled, leading to releases from multiple teams.

January 13, 2023: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

On January 13, 2023, Luke Weaver signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He was later designated for assignment on August 16 and released on August 18.

August 22, 2023: Signed with Seattle Mariners

On August 22, 2023, Luke Weaver signed a one-year major league contract with the Seattle Mariners. He was designated for assignment by the Mariners on September 10.

September 12, 2023: Claimed by New York Yankees

On September 12, 2023, Luke Weaver was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees. He became a free agent following the season.

January 19, 2024: Signed One-Year Contract with Yankees

On January 19, 2024, Luke Weaver signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees, which includes a club option for 2025.

September 2024: Named Yankees' Closer

In September 2024, Luke Weaver found success with the New York Yankees and was named their closer.

November 2024: Yankees Exercised Club Option

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

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2024: Yankees' Closer

During the 2024 season, Luke Weaver pitched as a reliever and became the Yankees' closer in September. On September 6, he earned his first career save. He ended the season with a 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts.

2024: Postseason Performance

In 2024, Luke Weaver continued as the Yankees' closer, saving all three wins against the Royals in the ALDS. He blew his first career save in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians but rebounded in Game 5.