The Pittsburgh Pirates have added one of the best relievers in baseball to one of the game's worst bullpens. The Pirates are set to acquire right-hander Luke Weaver from the New York Mets, reports the New York Post. The Mets will receive infield prospect Sammy Stafura in the deal. Weaver is under contract with an $11 million salary for next season, so he's not a rental.
Weaver, 33 later this month, has recovered from a rough April and been simply dominant the last three months. He owns a 1.84 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 44 innings, plus he's big-market and postseason battle-tested. Two years ago, Weaver was the postseason closer for the New York Yankees en route to their American League pennant win.
Going into Monday, Pittsburgh's bullpen ranked 22nd in ERA and 17th in WAR. They've now added Weaver and Camilo Doval to the relief crew, giving manager Don Kelly right-handed complements to lefty stalwarts Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto.
CBS Sports will have more on this story shortly.
