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Pirates acquire Luke Weaver from Mets in major MLB trade deadline move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have completed a major upgrade to their bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Pittsburgh is acquiring right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the New York Mets, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo. The return heading to New York is infield prospect Sammy Stafura, per reports.
The completed trade follows an earlier report from the New York Post's Joel Sherman that the Pirates were pushing hard to finalize a deal with the Mets.
Pittsburgh has now gotten it across the finish line.
Weaver joins the Pirates after recording a 1.84 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 45 strikeouts across 44 innings for New York this season. The 32-year-old allowed only 25 hits and 11 walks over 42 appearances.
Those numbers make Weaver an immediate candidate for high-leverage opportunities in Pittsburgh. The Pirates entered Monday with a 56-57 record, keeping them on the edge of the National League postseason race. Acquiring Weaver shows the organization is not ready to surrender its playoff hopes.
Luke Weaver gives Pirates another late-inning weapon
Weaver's overall performance has been impressive, but his remarkable road numbers make him an especially intriguing fit for the Pirates.
The Pirates are acquiring Luke Weaver from the Mets, a source tells ESPN.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 3, 2026
The veteran right-hander has allowed only one earned run across 22 2/3 road innings this season, producing a 0.40 ERA and 0.53 WHIP. Opponents have managed only seven hits against him in those 22 appearances.
Weaver also has recorded 25 strikeouts while issuing five walks away from Citi Field. That dominance should give Pirates manager Don Kelly another dependable option for the final innings of close games. Weaver has extensive experience in setup situations and has also worked as a closer, although he recorded only one save for the Mets this season.
He arrives in Pittsburgh in strong form. Weaver pitched two scoreless innings across his final two appearances for New York, allowing one hit and collecting two strikeouts. He retired all three batters he faced against the Miami Marlins on Sunday in what became his last appearance with the Mets.
The Pirates had been linked to Weaver for several days. Pittsburgh reportedly also showed interest in Mets reliever Huascar Brazobán before New York traded him to the Chicago White Sox. Missing out on Brazobán only increased the importance of completing the Weaver deal.
Weaver trade helps Pirates beyond 2026
Pittsburgh is not acquiring Weaver strictly as a short-term rental.
The right-hander signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. That gives the Pirates a proven late-inning option for two potential postseason pushes.
The additional year of control likely increased the Mets' asking price, but it also makes the deal easier for Pittsburgh to justify. Moving notable prospect capital for two months of bullpen help would have been a difficult decision for a team sitting one game below .500. Weaver's contract allows the Pirates to view him as part of their plans beyond the current season.
Weaver has followed an unusual path to becoming one of baseball's most effective relievers. He spent much of his career as a starting pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners. His career changed after joining the New York Yankees and transitioning into a full-time bullpen role.
Weaver emerged as a trusted late-inning option with the Yankees before crossing town to sign with the Mets. He elevated his performance again this season, limiting baserunners and demonstrating excellent command. Across 312 career appearances, including 106 starts, Weaver has recorded 791 strikeouts over 767 innings.
MORE: Dodgers acquire Royals left-hander Kris Bubic in intriguing deadline trade
Mets continue selling after disappointing season
The Mets entered Monday with a 47-66 record, sitting 20.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Their place in the standings made them a clear deadline seller despite entering the season with significantly higher expectations. Moving Weaver allows New York to turn an effective veteran reliever into future value.
The Mets were not under contractual pressure to trade him because of his deal through 2027. Pittsburgh therefore likely needed to make a compelling offer to complete the move. For the Pirates, the acquisition sends a clear message.
Pittsburgh may be sitting below .500, but the organization still believes it can make a serious run during the final two months. The Pirates needed another dependable late-inning arm and have secured one of the best relievers available. Weaver is officially headed to Pittsburgh, where he will be asked to help turn the Pirates' postseason hopes into something more.
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