Mets contract proves Yankees wanted to have their cake and eat it with Luke Weaver

When the dust settled and Luke Weaver signed with the Mets, Yankees fans couldn't believe the price it took to secure the former fan favorite. Steve Cohen paid $22 million over two years for the right-hander, which certainly wasn't anything the Yankees were interested in.

Weaver, a former fan-favorite and a talented pitcher with notable upside, was of appeal to the Yankees at a certain price. The organization didn't outright say that, but they made it very clear with their actions (Brian Cashman accidentally saying Weaver wasn't come back to the Yankees when he was still a free agent) and the reports they leaked ("geniune interest").

Whatever the case, let's pretend for this exercise that Cashman had an unfortunate slip of the tongue and the Yankees were hopeful about reuniting with Weaver. Then why didn't they even offer him a contract? Were they hoping to get him at a major discount with the way his 2025 season concluded?

It certainly feels that way, especially since Weaver was originally acquired and then signed under those same circumstances. The Yankees viewed him as a high-upside candidate, but it was clear they were taking a chance, so Weaver had no negotiating leverage. Turns out, one really good year was enough to quickly price him out of Cashman's imaginary market.

Wanting Weaver back, but only under conditional financial circumstances, is the work of mid-tier and small franchises. But the Yankees? With a dire need for bullpen help? Sorry, but you're not in that position, guys. Not after what the world had just watched transpire the past two postseasons.

Did Yankees try to strong-arm Luke Weaver in free agency before Mets deal?

There's an argument to be had about Weaver's return to the Bronx, yes. He did regress, and $11 million per year is a considerable risk for a pitcher who has only started coming into his own upon the arrival of his age-30 season. The "genuine interest" report could've also been a rumor leak by the Mets to make it appear as if they were kicking the Yankees while they were down with the signing of another former player. We're not going to discount any of the potential explanations or theories out there. Maybe the Yankees had no interest at all and are acknowledging the need to move on.

But re-signing Paul Blackburn kind of negates that, doesn't it? Some would argue Weaver at two years and $22 million, serving as a temporary depth starter at the beginning of the year and then a possible high-leverage relief arm later in the campaign, is the better investment. Blackburn at $2 million to serve as a spot starter and mop-up reliever doesn't really do much, especially when he doesn't have options remaining. That has us wondering what the Yankees' end game is.

Because this aligns with their past negotiating, even with legendary players like Aaron Judge and Derek Jeter. Both franchise icons were lowballed in contract talks while Cashman's been in charge. If those guys aren't immune to it, then do you really think Weaver is?

As the Dodgers blow past luxury tax highs and the Mets do everything in their power to re-tool as one of the league's financial mammoths, the Yankees continue to be careful and passive while they stare at a Wild Card roster (at best). Some might say the Mets aren't a playoff team either, but at least they're trying to shake things up.

The Yankees? One Rule 5 Draft pick. Four returning free agents. Little hope. No clear path to an alternative philosophy.