Full Breakdown
Luke Weaver Traded to Pirates in Deadline Deal
8/4/2026, 4:16:32 AM
Trade Details – August 3, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the New York Mets for shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, with cash considerations offsetting $2 million of Weaver’s 2026 salary and $6 million of his 2027 salary.
Context – Mets’ Fire Sale and Pirates’ Bullpen Needs
At the deadline the Mets were 47-66, deep in the NL East cellar, and had moved Freddy Peralta, Huascar Brazobán, Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter. The Pirates, 56-57 and 3½ games back in the wild-card race, owned the league’s 22nd-ranked bullpen (4.34 ERA) and had blown 20 of 42 save chances. Weaver joins a staff that also added Camilo Doval earlier in the week.
Key Numbers
- Weaver: 1.84 ERA, 0.82 WHIP in 44 innings; 45 K, 11 BB; opponents hit .162 overall, .099 vs. right-handers, .217 vs. left-handers.
- Stafura (MLB Pipeline No. 9 prospect): .276/.367/.593 line with 20 HR, 54 RBI, 20 SB in 60 games (Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro); .301/.365/.656 with 19 HR and 1.021 OPS in High-A Greensboro.
Official Statements & Responses
Pirates officials said Weaver is a “controllable arm” that fits a strategy of building around a young core while preserving flexibility. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns noted the trade converts a veteran into future value, citing Weaver’s contract through 2027 as a premium asset.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Salary Figures: The New York Post listed Weaver’s 2026 salary at $11 million with $2 million covered by the Mets; Reuters reported a $3 million 2026 salary and a $12.5 million 2027 obligation.
- Cash Considerations: Some outlets say the Mets sent $8 million total (covering $2 million now and $6 million next year); others mention only “cash considerations” without detail.
- Future Role: Pirates manager Don Kelly said Weaver could serve as a closer or high-leverage setup man, but the exact role remains unannounced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m ready to get after it, I’m one of the biggest Mets fans and will give the Mets everything I have,” — Sammy Stafura
- “The demeanor and just the way he goes about things is something that has stood out to me from the other side, and how he stays poised and continues to attack the strike zone,” — Don Kelly, manager
- “He’s been one of the best relievers in baseball for the last three years, really kind of since he became a full-time reliever,” — Ben Cherington, general manager
