Ex-Reds' free agent bust remarkably finding success in unthinkable role with Yankees

There is no shortage of players who've donned the wishbone 'C' on their cap and also worn the pinstripes. A number of players have suited up for both the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees over the years.

Some players, like Sonny Gray, failed under the bright lights in the Big Apple, but found success in Queen City. Others, like Paul O'Neill, had their best years away from Cincinnati while starring for the Bronx Bombers.

But few, if any, Reds fans could've predicted the turnaround enjoyed by Luke Weaver during his 2024 campaign with the Yankees. Weaver's team will continue their march toward the World Series when the American League Championship Series begins tonight. But it's not just that Weaver is having success after utterly flaming out with the Reds a season ago; he's doing it as the Yankees closer.

Ex-Reds' RHP Luke Weaver remarkably finding success in unthinkable role with Yankees

Reds fans will remember that Weaver signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati prior to the 2023 season. The right-hander saw an opportunity to be the leader of a young, developing Reds rotation and after a brief stint on the IL to begin the year, rejoined the ball club in mid-April.

Weaver's stint with the Reds was disastrous. Though the veteran had a handful of quality outings, Weaver gave up far too many home runs and ended his tenure in Cincinnati with a 6.87 ERA in 21 starts. The Reds designated Weaver for assignment in mid-August and the right-hander wound up with the Seattle Mariners.

After a five-game stop over in the Emerald City, Weaver was cut loose once again and eventually landed with the Yankees. Weaver closed out his 2023 season with three starts for the Yankees and posted a 3.38 ERA with 16 strikeouts in just over 13 innings of work.

The Yankees inked Weaver to a one-year deal this past offseason and in 62 relief appearances out of the New York bullpen, the 31-year-old is 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 103 punch outs. Weaver also has four saves, and prior to the postseason, hadn't allowed a run in eight games while primarily operating as the Yankees closer. Weaver had five punch outs and three saves in 4.1 innings during the Yankees' ALDS win over the Kansas City Royals.

If the Yankees are going to advance in the ALCS, they'll need Weaver to bring his A-game. It's unthinkable that the former free agent flop could potentially be on the mound for a series-clinching win that would send the Yankees to the World Series.

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