Yankees quietly release Luke Weaver's close friend from minor-league opportunity

The New York Yankees took a crack at turning a crafty lefty with a big-league bloodline into something special this offseason, probably on a tip from their newly minted closer Luke Weaver. He lasted until early June, but never snagged an MLB rep.

According to Mike Ashmore's trip through the minor-league transaction wire this week, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders released Brandon Leibrandt from his minor-league pact.

There's a possibility that his release was timed in order for him to pursue a new opportunity directly, much like Dom Smith's move from the Yankees' system to the Giants' lineup. However, as a heartwarming pre-Opening Day column noted, Leibrandt — a new father — has acknowledged this season might've been his last shot at the majors.

If he goes out now instead of seeking a new opportunity, he'll go out on top; Leibrandt was just released after posting a 2.85 ERA in 10 outings (nine starts). The Yankees don't appear to view him as a rotation depth piece they'd like to turn to, but Weaver's old Florida State teammate could definitely find a willing party to try him out, given his success so far.

The New York Yankees have released Luke Weaver's Florida State teammate Brandon Leibrandt from a minor-league contract

If you didn't remember Leibrandt from his work on the field (you probably didn't), perhaps you were more familiar with him off of it — his appearance on Weav's World was a delight, and made it clear how deep his bond with Weaver goes. The reliever called the mild-mannered Liebrandt his "teammate" and "borderline best friend," citing their time together at FSU from 2012-14.

Weaver teamed up with Leibrandt in February and March down in Tampa, where the left-hander put up a 2.19 ERA in four games (one start) encompassing 12 1/3 innings at big-league camp. At the time, it seemed like Leibrandt genuinely might have a chance to snag the role that eventually went to Brent Headrick. The Yankees preferred velocity over finesse, though, and now Leibrandt — after a good deal more strong work in the minors — will ply his trade elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Weaver never got to share a big-league bullpen with his pal this year, and this news probably made the chatterbox's already-very-annoying time on the shelf a little more frustrating.

Leibrandt's career MLB ERA is 5.28, split between seven games across two years (2020 with the Marlins, 2024 with the Reds).