The Cleveland Guardians have had one of the best bullpens in baseball this season, sporting a 3.58 ERA. But, with the loss of Emmanuel Clase, it took a major hit. Although Clase could be eligible to return next season, it looks like his time in Cleveland is over, and a New York Yankees’ reliever might be the Guardians’ best option to replace him.

Yankees’ fan favorite Luke Weaver has experience in the closer role and could slide right in for the Guardians behind their set-up man Cade Smith. Weaver will be a free agent at the end of the season and will likely be looking for a place where he can fit back into that closer role.

In 2024, Weaver had the best year of his career, pitching to a 2.89 ERA and earning himself four saves for the Yankees. However, when New York added closer Devin Williams this offseason, Weaver no longer held that closer role.

With Williams struggles this season, the fan favorite has had some opportunities to close games and has eight saves on the year, but it’s far from a consistent role. Despite the inconsistent role in the bullpen, Weaver has continued to excel.

The reliever has a 2.64 ERA on the season, and has posted a 1.69 ERA over his last 16 innings. Weaver doesn’t have electric stuff that will blow hitters away, but that could fit perfectly at the back end of the Guardians’ bullpen.

Cleveland is used to Clase and Smith closing out games with high-speed fastballs and nasty breaking pitches, but Weaver’s more pedestrian 95 mph fastball could combat Smith’s pitch selection well.

The Yankees’ reliever is in his 10th year in the MLB, but has put together back-to-back career-seasons. The MLB veteran could be a cheaper option with his age that could still provide elite closing potential to the Guardians bullpen next season.