Cardinals Eye Potential Reunion with Luke Weaver
The St. Louis Cardinals are contemplating a reunion with a familiar face as they seek to bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season. With a notable performance from former Yankee Luke Weaver, the Cardinals could benefit from adding his experience and skill to their roster.
Bullpen Challenges and Opportunities
This past summer, the Cardinals made significant changes to their bullpen, opting to trade away key arms such as Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton. The team struggled through a tumultuous season, leading to these tough decisions as they looked to reshape their roster. Despite the departures, the Cardinals finished with an impressive bullpen ERA of 3.74, ranking 10th across the league.
Credit for this success goes to emerging talents like Kyle Leahy, JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien, and Matt Svanson, who stepped up to fill the void left by the traded pitchers. While the current bullpen has shown promise, adding a veteran presence could enhance its effectiveness, particularly as the team aims for a stronger performance in the 2026 season.
Weaver’s Resurgence with the Yankees
In a recent column, a prominent analyst highlighted Weaver as a compelling option for teams looking to strengthen their pitching staff. Weaver had a standout first half of the season with the Yankees, boasting a 2.91 ERA and establishing himself as one of the league’s top high-leverage relievers. However, his performance took a downturn in the second half, where he struggled with a 4.40 ERA amid speculation that he may have been tipping his pitches.
As teams prepare for the offseason, the question remains: can Weaver return to his earlier form? His potential for resurgence makes him an intriguing target for several franchises, including the Yankees, Braves, Giants, Athletics, Angels, and Orioles.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals should not overlook the opportunity to reach out to Weaver this winter. His past contributions to the team, combined with his recent performance, could provide the additional firepower the Cardinals need as they continue to build a competitive bullpen for the future. As the offseason unfolds, the possibility of Weaver returning to St. Louis remains a storyline to watch closely.
