The New York Yankees had a few hiccups with Luke Weaver and their bullpen. Yet, the team still looks well set for the postseason and set up for 2026. With Gerrit Cole healthy, $218 million Max Fried locked in, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt all in the mix, the rotation looks strong heading into next season. With the inclusion of young arms like Will Warren and Cam Schlittler, there is very little room for question marks.
That’s why Luke Weaver’s talk about wanting a return to the rotation has raised eyebrows. Weaver, who reinvented himself as a reliever in 2024 and became a valuable asset for the New York team in the bullpen, is heading into free agency this winter. According to Joel Sherman, the right-hander is “open” to starting again if the opportunity comes up.
Luke Weaver began his career with the Cardinals as a starter, but inconsistency forced him into a role change. With the Yankees, he has turned things around in the bullpen, posting a strong 3.28 ERA across 145 1/3 innings this season. But the question is – Do the Yankees need another starter? The fans don’t think so.
Yankees Fans Shut Down Luke Weaver’s Rotation Talk
Despite his success as a reliever, Luke Weaver’s desire to start again didn’t go over well with fans. Many Yankees fans slammed the idea, claiming there is absolutely no need to add him to the rotation given the current depth chart.
Check out some reactions:
“He was horrid as a starter, gonna be another Clay Holmes situation if we try that,” one fan reacted.
“There is absolutely no need and room to even think about it, next year the NYY will have Cole, Fried, Rodon, Gil, Schmidt, Schlittler, and Warren. If he is not coming back as a mid-reliever on an understanding price he could go somewhere else,” another fan wrote.
“I think we have a surplus of good starters next year. Cole and Clarke will be back,” one Yankees fan commented.
“What’s his record and ERA as a starter again? Yeah, just relax,” another fan pointed.
“No room in the rotation for him tbh. Would love to keep him as that 8/9 guy if he can find his stuff again, but if he wants to start, there’s no room tbh,” one X user posted.
“If that’s the case we can kiss Luke weaver goodbye. offer him the QO see if he leaves then,” another X user replied.
“I would, but not as a starter. I think he just announced he’s gone with that statement,” one fan noted.
“Dude already hitting FA before the season is over. Hahahahaha. He’s done,” another fan mocked.
While the Yankees don’t appear to have room in the rotation for Luke Weaver in 2026, that doesn’t mean his starting desire will go unnoticed. Weaver’s strong season could make him an exciting free agent option, especially for clubs looking for back-end rotation help. But in New York, the verdict seems clear that his value is in the bullpen. Weaver, who’s known for his antics is expected to get a contract extension.
The post “Absolutely No Need”: “He Was Horrid” – Yankees Fans Slam Door on Luke Weaver Joining Starting Rotation originally published on Total Pro Sports.