Pirates acquire reliever Weaver in trade with Mets
The New York Mets are looking toward the future following a disappointing season, leaving baseball operations leader David Stearns with a difficult winter to correct the roster's trajectory. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates previously added reliever Luke Weaver via trade from the Mets, a stretch where Weaver battled a severe lower-body poison ivy infection that hindered his sleep and performance for a month. The Mets also adjusted their rotation by promoting right-hander Jonah Tong to start games through the end of the season, while reliever Mason Montgomery recently notched his 10th and 11th saves.
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- ✓ The New York Mets are labeled as the most disappointing team needing a turnaround for 2027.
- ✓ David Stearns faces an offseason to fix the New York Mets roster.
What changed
Analysis confirms the New York Mets are shifting focus toward a 2027 turnaround under David Stearns after a disappointing year.
Live updates
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Mets face offseason questions after a disappointing campaign
The New York Mets are looking toward the future following a disappointing season, leaving baseball operations leader David Stearns with a difficult winter to correct the roster's trajectory. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates previously added reliever Luke Weaver via trade from the Mets, a stretch where Weaver battled a severe lower-body poison ivy infection that hindered his sleep and performance for a month. The Mets also adjusted their rotation by promoting right-hander Jonah Tong to start games through the end of the season, while reliever Mason Montgomery recently notched his 10th and 11th saves.
Why it matters
The New York Mets fell short of expectations despite late signs of life, forcing management into a major offseason evaluation. Roster management remains a central focus as teams look beyond the regular season toward future competitiveness. Previous bullpen adjustments and minor league promotions highlighted how the Mets and Pirates managed their pitching staffs down the stretch.
What is confirmed
- The New York Mets are labeled as the most disappointing team needing a turnaround for 2027.
- David Stearns faces an offseason to fix the New York Mets roster.
Still unconfirmed
- The New York Mets will successfully fix their roster issues during the winter.
What to watch next
- Offseason roster moves and personnel decisions by David Stearns for the New York Mets
- Performance of promoted pitchers like Jonah Tong in the final stretch of the season
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.nbcsports.com — Fantasy Sports
- www.nytimes.com — MLB Trade Grades
- www.cbssports.com — What's next for the Mets? How MLB's most disappointing team can turn things around for 2027
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Mets Call Up Jonah Tong as Pirates Reliever Weaver Battles Poison Ivy
The New York Mets will promote right-hander Jonah Tong to start Monday and remain in the rotation through the end of the season. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Luke Weaver states that a severe poison ivy infection covering his lower body ruined his sleep and impacted his performance over a monthlong span. The bullpen adjustments follow Weaver's acquisition from the Mets prior to the MLB trade deadline. Elsewhere, reliever Mason Montgomery secured his 10th and 11th saves of the season in recent outings against the Angels and the White Sox.
Why it matters
Roster moves and health issues heavily dictate late-season bullpen management across Major League Baseball. The Mets are restructuring their starting rotation by inserting Jonah Tong for the final weeks of the schedule. At the same time, the Pirates must navigate performance hurdles with newly acquired reliever Luke Weaver as he recovers from a debilitating physical ailment.
What is confirmed
- Jonah Tong will return to the big leagues on Monday and remain in the New York Mets rotation for the final weeks of the season.
- Luke Weaver states that severe poison ivy has covered his lower body, ruined his sleep and likely affected his pitching for weeks.
- Mason Montgomery earned his 10th save Sunday against the Angels and his 11th save Wednesday against the White Sox.
What to watch next
- Jonah Tong's performance in his Monday start for the New York Mets.
- Luke Weaver's recovery progress from his poison ivy condition and subsequent on-field performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Mets to call up RHP Jonah Tong to start Monday and keep him in rotation for remainder of season
- www.nbcsports.com — Mason Montgomery locks down 10th save Sunday
- brobible.com — Pirates Reliever Luke Weaver Has Been Waging A Month-Long Battle With Poison Ivy That’s Derailed His ERA
- www.nbcsports.com — Mason Montgomery perfect in earning 11th save
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Pirates reliever Luke Weaver cites poison ivy for struggles
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Luke Weaver attributes his recent pitching struggles to a severe, monthlong case of poison ivy. Acquired from the New York Mets before the MLB trade deadline, Weaver's physical ailment has impacted his performance. The Pirates continue to adjust their relief corps, with left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert optioned back to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Why it matters
The Pirates bolstered their bullpen with Weaver to protect their National League Wild Card spot. The team's relief pitching has been a focus area amid a competitive playoff chase. Weaver's disclosure provides insight into his recent form.
What is confirmed
- Luke Weaver has been dealing with a severe case of poison ivy for the last month.
- The New York Mets traded away part of their bullpen before the trade deadline.
- The Mets' bullpen has performed better since the trade deadline.
What to watch next
- Weaver's upcoming pitching performances
- Pirates' bullpen adjustments
- MLB trade deadline impact on teams
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- larrybrownsports.com — Pirates pitcher blames poison ivy for his recent struggles
- rumbunter.com — Luke Weaver just revealed unbelievable reason for struggles since Pirates trade
- www.nytimes.com — The Mets traded away half their bullpen. It’s gotten better anyway
- pinstripesnation.com — Ex-Yankees fan favorite suffers month-long nightmare after bizarre Miami encounter
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Pirates Reliever Weaver Attributes Struggles to Severe Poison Ivy
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Luke Weaver has disclosed that his recent pitching struggles stem from a severe, monthlong case of poison ivy. Acquired in a trade from the New York Mets before the Major League Baseball deadline to bolster the bullpen and protect a National League Wild Card spot, Weaver shared the physical ailment with DK Pittsburgh Sports. Meanwhile, the Pirates continue to adjust their relief corps as left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert was optioned back to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Why it matters
The Pittsburgh bullpen relies heavily on stability during the final month of the regular season to secure its Wild Card position. While Weaver attempts to overcome his health issue, closer Mason Montgomery has anchored the late innings by extending his streak of unscored-on appearances and securing multiple saves against the Giants and Angels.
What is confirmed
- Luke Weaver revealed he has been dealing with a severe, monthlong case of poison ivy.
- Mason Montgomery earned his eighth save of the season against the Giants.
- Mason Montgomery tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his ninth save against the Angels.
- The Pirates optioned left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert to Triple-A Indianapolis.
What to watch next
- Whether Luke Weaver overcomes his poison ivy issue to improve his bullpen performance for the Pirates
- The continued performance of closer Mason Montgomery in late-inning save situations
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.nbcsports.com — Montgomery unscored on in last 15 outings
- www.rotoballer.com — Weekend Waiver Wire Rankings: Fantasy Baseball Pickups for Week 23
- nypost.com — Luke Weaver has been dealing with ‘severe’ case of poison ivy for almost a month
- www.nbcsports.com — Pirates option Brandon Eisert to Indianapolis
- www.nbcsports.com — Mason Montgomery picks up ninth save vs. Angels
- sports.yahoo.com — Pirates' Luke Weaver Dealing With Surprising Health Issue
- sports.yahoo.com — Pirates’ Luke Weaver Reveals Incredibly Painful Physical Problem
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Pirates integrate Luke Weaver into bullpen as playoff push continues
The Pittsburgh Pirates are leveraging right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver to stabilize their bullpen and protect their National League Wild Card position. Weaver joined the team via a trade with the New York Mets in exchange for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura. This acquisition complements the emergence of Mason Montgomery as the team's closer. The Pirates continue to shuffle their roster for the final month of the season, recently recalling left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Indianapolis and promoting a veteran catcher acquired from the Yankees.
Why it matters
The Pirates are attempting to secure a postseason berth with one month remaining in the regular season. This strategy involves blending trade deadline acquisitions like Weaver with young talent like Montgomery. Recent roster moves address specific needs following an injury to Endy Rodriguez.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Luke Weaver from the New York Mets for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura.
- Mason Montgomery has emerged as the closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Still unconfirmed
- Luke Weaver is making an impact for the Pirates that extends beyond his pitching performance.
- Brandon Eisert was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to join the bullpen.
What to watch next
- Impact of Brandon Eisert on bullpen ERA
- Performance of Luke Weaver in high-leverage Wild Card games
- Recovery timeline for Endy Rodriguez
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — This Pirates Pitcher Emerging as Pittsburgh’s Closer of the Future
- www.newsday.com — David Lennon: MLB trade-deadline deals that have worked out, and those that have not
- sports.yahoo.com — Orioles add outfielder Luis Robert off waivers for stretch run, per reports
- ca.sports.yahoo.com — Pirates' Luke Weaver Making Impact Far Beyond Pitching in Pittsburgh
- www.nytimes.com — MLB Power Rankings: A top-5 shake-up; How do each team’s trade deadline moves look now?
- sports.yahoo.com — Orioles' Colton Cowser makes spectacular game-ending catch vs. Rockies
- www.sportingnews.com — Pirates call up veteran catcher who was acquired in trade with Yankees
- www.nbcsports.com — Pirates add Eisert to bullpen mix
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Pirates acquire reliever Luke Weaver in trade with Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in exchange for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura. This move aims to stabilize the Pirates' position in the NL Wild Card standings by bolstering their bullpen, where Mason Montgomery has emerged as the closer. The trade comes as the Mets continue their strong performance since the trade deadline.
Why it matters
The Pirates are trying to maintain their position in the NL Wild Card race. The team's bullpen has been a focus area for improvement, with recent acquisitions including former All-Star closers and a bulk reliever. The Mets, on the other hand, have had the best record in Major League Baseball since the trade deadline.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in exchange for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura.
- Sammy Stafura was the ninth-ranked prospect in the Pirates organization at the time of the deal.
- Mason Montgomery has emerged as the closer for the Pirates.
- The New York Mets have achieved the best record in Major League Baseball since the trade deadline.
What to watch next
- The Pirates' performance in the NL Wild Card standings
- The impact of Luke Weaver on the Pirates' bullpen
- The Mets' future trades or roster moves
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.mlbtraderumors.com — Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors - MLB Trade Rumors
- www.nydailynews.com — New York Daily News' Mets News
- www.newsday.com — MLB trade deadline updates for the Mets and Yankees
- www.nydailynews.com — New York Daily News' Baseball News
- TribLIVE.com — Full Count: New acquisitions have boosted Pirates’ bullpen, with an eye on the future
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Pirates add Luke Weaver from Mets to bolster bullpen
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in exchange for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura. Weaver joins a Pirates bullpen where Mason Montgomery has emerged as the closer. The trade occurred as Pittsburgh attempted to stabilize its position in the NL Wild Card standings. Since the trade deadline, the New York Mets have achieved the best record in Major League Baseball. Stafura was the ninth-ranked prospect in the Pirates organization at the time of the deal.
Why it matters
Pittsburgh targeted bullpen depth to maintain a postseason push. Weaver previously expressed a desire to remain with New York. The move shifted a top-ten organizational prospect to the Mets.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Luke Weaver from the New York Mets for cash and prospect Sammy Stafura.
- Mason Montgomery has taken over saves for the Pirates.
Still unconfirmed
- The New York Mets have the best record in Major League Baseball since selling at the trade deadline.
What to watch next
- Performance metrics for Sammy Stafura in the Mets system
- Luke Weaver's impact on the Pirates' NL Wild Card standing
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nbcsports.com — Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Kade Anderson is here, Griffin Conine is raking
- nypost.com — Fantasy baseball: Mason Montgomery leads widely available bullpen arms
- eu.northjersey.com — How Mets' newly-acquired prospects have performed since joining system
- www.cbssports.com — Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report: Mason Montgomery looking like ace closer; Brandyn Garcia has new competition
- sports.yahoo.com — How ex-Mets dealt before trade deadline have played with new teams
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Luke Weaver expressed desire to remain with Mets prior to Pirates trade
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in exchange for cash and infield prospect Sammy Stafura. Weaver recently stated he wanted to stay with the Mets beyond the trade deadline. The Pirates integrated Weaver to bolster a bullpen as the team struggled to maintain its position in the NL Wild Card standings. Stafura entered the trade as the ninth-ranked prospect in the Pittsburgh organization.
Why it matters
The trade occurred during the Mets' deadline transactions. Pittsburgh is attempting to reach the postseason for the first time since 2015.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Sammy Stafura and received Luke Weaver and cash from the New York Mets.
- Sammy Stafura was the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization.
Still unconfirmed
- Luke Weaver wanted to stay with the New York Mets after the trade deadline.
What to watch next
- Weaver's performance impact on the Pirates' NL Wild Card standing
- Further deadline moves by the New York Mets
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.rotoballer.com — 6 Upside Fantasy Baseball Closers Breaking Out? Steven Cruz, Andrew Kittredge, Clayton Beeter, Yennier Cano, Hogan Harris, Yoendrys Gomez
- www.newsweek.com — Luke Weaver Reveals He Wanted to Stay With Mets Before Pirates Trade
- sports.yahoo.com — It wasn't pretty, but the Dodgers' losing streak is finally over. What now?
- sports.yahoo.com — These 6 Pirates are most to blame for falling out of the NL Wild Card standings
- sports.yahoo.com — The best MLB free agents this offseason, and how lockout could change it all
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Pirates acquire reliever Luke Weaver in trade with Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets, strengthening their bullpen. In exchange, the Pirates traded infield prospect Sammy Stafura, ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization. The Mets also sent the Pirates a significant amount of cash as part of the trade. This move is part of the Mets' broader deadline transactions.
Why it matters
The trade is part of a series of deadline transactions for the Mets, who are reconfiguring their roster. The Pirates are bolstering their bullpen, which has been struggling. The Mets' trades included sending other players to different teams, such as Brooks Raley to the Phillies and Brazobán to the White Sox.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets.
- The Pirates traded infield prospect Sammy Stafura, ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization, to the Mets.
- The New York Mets sent the Pittsburgh Pirates a significant amount of cash as part of the Luke Weaver trade.
What to watch next
- The performance of Luke Weaver in the Pirates' bullpen
- The impact of the trade on the Pirates' and Mets' rosters and performance
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.cbssports.com — Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report: Trade deadline shakeup and new favorites for saves in Arizona, Kansas City
- heavy.com — Mets Sent Pirates Tons of Cash in Luke Weaver Trade
- pinstripesnation.com — Trade deadline lands seven ex-Yankees with potential playoff contenders
- www.nysportsday.com — Jefferson Rojas Leads Revamped Mets Farm After Deadline Haul
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Pirates acquire reliever Luke Weaver in trade with Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets, strengthening their struggling bullpen. In exchange, the Pirates traded infield prospect Sammy Stafura, ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization. The Mets also sent the Pirates a significant amount of cash as part of the trade. This move is part of the Mets' broader deadline transactions.
Why it matters
The trade is part of a series of deadline transactions for the Mets, who are reconfiguring their roster. The Pirates are looking to bolster their bullpen, which has been a weakness for the team. The acquisition of Weaver provides more depth and options for the Pirates' pitching staff.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets.
- The Pirates traded infield prospect Sammy Stafura to the Mets.
- Sammy Stafura is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization.
- The Mets sent a significant amount of cash to the Pirates as part of the trade.
Still unconfirmed
- Jefferson Rojas headlines the Mets' reshuffled Top 30 prospects after a deadline haul that landed 12 prospects.
What to watch next
- The performance of Luke Weaver with the Pirates
- The impact of the trade on the Pirates' bullpen
- The Mets' future transactions
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.cbssports.com — Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report: Trade deadline shakeup and new favorites for saves in Arizona, Kansas City
- heavy.com — Mets Sent Pirates Tons of Cash in Luke Weaver Trade
- pinstripesnation.com — Trade deadline lands seven ex-Yankees with potential playoff contenders
- www.nysportsday.com — Jefferson Rojas Leads Revamped Mets Farm After Deadline Haul
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Pirates Acquire Reliever Luke Weaver From Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets to strengthen a struggling bullpen. In exchange, the Pirates traded infield prospect Sammy Stafura, who is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization. This move is part of a broader series of deadline transactions for the Mets, who also traded Brooks Raley to the Phillies and sent Brazobán to the White Sox.
Why it matters
The Pirates are targeting bullpen improvements to support a playoff push. The Mets are currently executing a deadline sale of several players.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets.
- The Mets received infield prospect Sammy Stafura from the Pirates.
- Sammy Stafura is ranked as the No. 9 prospect for the Pirates.
- The Mets traded Brooks Raley to the Phillies.
- The Mets sent Brazobán to the White Sox.
Still unconfirmed
- The Pirates cut a 5-year MLB player after the Luke Weaver trade.
- The Pirates cut Ron Marinaccio following the trade.
What to watch next
- Performance of Luke Weaver in his first appearances for the Pirates
- Development of Sammy Stafura within the Mets organization
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- MLB Trade Rumors — Phillies To Acquire Brooks Raley
- ESPN — Source: Phillies add reliever Brooks Raley in rare trade with Mets
- MLB.com — Mets send Brazobán to White Sox as Deadline sale continues (source)
- Amazin' Avenue — Breaking down the return for Brooks Raley
- MLB.com — Bullpen star Weaver to Pirates; Mets get No. 9 prospect Stafura (source)
- MLB Trade Rumors — Pirates Working To Acquire Luke Weaver
- Amazin' Avenue — Mets trade Luke Weaver to Pirates for infield prospect Sammy Stafura
- Crossing Broad — Phillies Trading for Mets Reliever Brooks Raley
- ESPN — Pirates acquire reliever Weaver in trade with Mets
- The New York Times — Pirates get Luke Weaver from Mets to bolster bullpen, but it costs them: MLB trade grades
- NBC Sports — Mets get prospect Sammy Stafura from Pirates
- WTAE — Pirates acquire RHP Luke Weaver from the Mets before the trade deadline
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Pirates acquire reliever Luke Weaver from Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver from the New York Mets to strengthen a struggling bullpen. In exchange, the Pirates sent infield prospect Sammy Stafura to New York. Stafura is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Pirates organization. This move coincides with a broader deadline sale by the Mets, who also sent Brazobán to the White Sox and reliever Brooks Raley to the Phillies.
Why it matters
The Pirates are targeting a playoff push and seeking to stabilize their relief pitching. The Mets are currently offloading players as part of a deadline sale strategy. This transaction swaps a veteran bullpen arm for a high-ranking organizational prospect.
What is confirmed
- The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired RHP Luke Weaver from the New York Mets.
- The New York Mets acquired infield prospect Sammy Stafura from the Pirates.
- The Mets traded Brooks Raley to the Phillies.
- The Mets traded Brazobán to the White Sox.
Still unconfirmed
- Sammy Stafura is the No. 9 prospect for the Pirates.
What to watch next
- Performance metrics for Luke Weaver in the Pirates bullpen
- Integration of Sammy Stafura into the Mets farm system
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- MLB Trade Rumors — Phillies To Acquire Brooks Raley
- ESPN — Source: Phillies add reliever Brooks Raley in rare trade with Mets
- MLB.com — Mets send Brazobán to White Sox as Deadline sale continues (source)
- Amazin' Avenue — Breaking down the return for Brooks Raley
- MLB.com — Bullpen star Weaver to Pirates; Mets get No. 9 prospect Stafura (source)
- MLB Trade Rumors — Pirates Working To Acquire Luke Weaver
- Amazin' Avenue — Mets trade Luke Weaver to Pirates for infield prospect Sammy Stafura
- Crossing Broad — Phillies Trading for Mets Reliever Brooks Raley
- ESPN — Pirates acquire reliever Weaver in trade with Mets
- The New York Times — Pirates get Luke Weaver from Mets to bolster bullpen, but it costs them: MLB trade grades
- NBC Sports — Mets get prospect Sammy Stafura from Pirates
- WTAE — Pirates acquire RHP Luke Weaver from the Mets before the trade deadline
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