The New York Yankees may be on the verge of losing a key piece of their bullpen to an unexpected suitor in the National League. Luke Weaver, who revitalized his career as a reliever in the Bronx, is entering free agency with a market that could see him return to a starting role. According to a new prediction from an MLB insider, Weaver is poised to sign with the San Diego Padres, leaving New York behind for a chance to join the Padres’ rotation.
New York Yankees Weaver Offers A Creative Solution for San Diego’s Rotation
MLB insider Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has linked Weaver to the Padres, predicting that the right-hander will not only switch teams but also switch roles. The Padres are facing significant questions in their rotation, with key arms like Dylan Cease and Michael King departing and Yu Darvish sidelined. Reuter suggests that San Diego will need to get creative to fill these innings, making Weaver an intriguing target.
While Weaver found a home in the Yankees’ bullpen in 2025, posting a 4-4 record with a 3.62 ERA across 62 games, he has a history as a starter. Reuter believes the Padres could sign Weaver to slot in as their fourth starter, offering him the opportunity to stretch back out and take the ball every fifth day. This move would mirror the successful transitions of other relievers-turned-starters, such as Seth Lugo and Michael King, who thrived after being given rotation spots.
Weaver Open to Starting Opportunity
The transition back to the rotation isn’t just speculation; Weaver has expressed genuine interest in the idea. In September, he noted that “the door is open” for a return to starting pitching. While he hasn’t demanded a rotation spot, he made it clear that he wants to explore options that position him for the most success.
“I am never going to just say ‘absolutely not,'” Weaver said regarding a starting role. “Let’s sit at the table, let’s have a conversation and see what that looks like.” He cited the recent success of pitchers who have made similar jumps, noting that teams are becoming more strategic with how they deploy arms. Weaver has started 106 games in his MLB career, giving him the experience necessary to handle the workload if a team like San Diego offers him the chance.
Potential Contract and Market Value
If Weaver does market himself as a starter, his price tag could rise significantly. As a high-leverage reliever, projections from MLB Trade Rumors suggest a two-year deal in the $18 million range. However, starting pitching always commands a premium. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects a slightly more lucrative deal, predicting a three-year contract worth around $30 million.
For the Yankees, losing Weaver would create a hole in a bullpen that came to rely on him in big moments. However, if New York views him strictly as a reliever and another club offers him a rotation spot and starter money, the Yankees may find themselves outbid for his services. For San Diego, securing a versatile arm with upside could be the exact low-risk, high-reward move needed to stabilize a rotation in flux.
