NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Luke Weaver #30 of the New York Mets walks back to the dugout after winning the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

The New York Mets have plenty of work ahead of them this offseason as president of baseball operations David Stearns attempts to reshape a roster that was disappointed with a postseason absence for the second straight year.

After finishing with a 74-88 record, the organization faces important decisions about its pitching staff, particularly after trading away several established relievers ahead of the trade deadline.

The Mets have already begun exploring ways to address those needs. Stearns recently indicated that improving the starting rotation would be a priority, with the organization preparing to pursue top free-agent pitching options. The bullpen will also require attention after a series of significant departures, including one veteran who had been expected to provide stability in Queens.

Luke Weaver, who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets, was shipped off to the Pittsburgh Pirates. And while he’s no stranger to changing teams, Weaver noted that the trade was a surprise, given his multi-year contract, in recent comments about the move.

“It was just a lot because I had signed with the Mets for two years, you kind of feel like you’re going to get a little rooted for the first time in a while I guess,” Weaver said during an appearance on MLB Network. “Seasons just happen and baseball’s crazy, but yeah, you’re trying to get your bearings in.”

New York Mets’ Surprising Luke Weaver Trade Accelerates Reset In Disappointing Season

Weaver’s departure was particularly notable because he had been performing well in New York and still had another season remaining on his contract.

But ultimately, realizing they were already well out of playoff contention by the deadline, the Mets viewed him as one of their more valuable trade candidates because of that contractual control.

“Of the Mets’ many obvious trade candidates, Weaver ranked among the most valuable because unlike their impending free agents, he had one year and $12.5 million remaining on his contract after this season,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo and Aiden Stepansky reported at the time of the trade. “That’s a steal for a reliever who has ranked among the best in baseball, going unscored upon for all of May and June.”

New York ultimately sent Weaver and cash considerations to Pittsburgh in exchange for shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, who had ranked ninth on the Pirates’ organizational prospect list. And now, while the Mets might be happy to have secured Stafura, fans might be missing Weaver’s presence in the bullpen as the team looks to return to contention next season.

Luke Weaver’s New York Mets Performance Made Trade A Surprise

Weaver’s emergence as a full-time reliever helped transform his career after spending much of his earlier MLB tenure as a starting pitcher.

After joining the Yankees’ bullpen in 2024, he established himself as a dependable late-inning option, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and recording 13 career saves before joining the Mets.

He continued that success in Queens, recording a 1.84 ERA across 42 appearances before the trade. Pittsburgh also received cash considerations as part of the agreement, with the Mets retaining responsibility for a portion of his remaining salary.

For New York, the transaction represented another surprising step in a difficult season and an opportunity to add a promising young infielder to its farm system. For Weaver, it meant another unexpected change of scenery despite having recently committed to the organization.