Michael Kay Rips Mets Star for Disrespectful Yankees Display

New York radio broadcaster criticizes Luke Weaver for carrying Yankees equipment bag to Mets camp

Feb. 11, 2026 at 6:23pm

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New York Mets pitcher Luke Weaver was seen carrying a Yankees equipment bag into the team's spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, which drew criticism from New York radio broadcaster Michael Kay. Kay argued that Weaver should have requested a Mets bag from the organization instead of using his old Yankees gear, as a sign of respect for the team that just signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, as well as the expectations for players to show loyalty and respect to their new teams, especially after signing lucrative free agent deals. Kay's comments suggest that Weaver's actions were seen as disrespectful by some in the New York media and fan base.

The details

Weaver, who previously played for the Yankees, was spotted carrying his Yankees equipment bag into the Mets' spring training facility on February 9th. This rubbed Michael Kay, a prominent New York radio broadcaster, the wrong way, as he felt Weaver should have requested a Mets bag from the organization instead of using his old Yankees gear. Kay argued that Weaver owed it to the Mets organization to show more respect, given that they had just signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract.

  • On February 9, 2026, Luke Weaver was seen carrying a Yankees equipment bag into the Mets' spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
  • On February 9, 2026, Michael Kay criticized Weaver's actions during an episode of "The Michael Kay Show".

The players

Luke Weaver

A pitcher who recently signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Mets after previously playing for the New York Yankees.

Michael Kay

A prominent New York radio broadcaster who hosts "The Michael Kay Show" and was critical of Weaver's actions.

Juan Soto

A Mets player who previously played for the Yankees and was the subject of a bidding war between the two New York teams.

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What they’re saying

“The Mets gave him a two-year and $22 million contract, and he's carrying his equipment in a Yankee bag. You've got the Yankees NY logo... I mean, show a little respect to your new organization.”

— Michael Kay, Radio Broadcaster

“I mean, the Mets deserve better than that. They paid you a lot of money. All you had to do was call up the Mets at some point during the offseason and say, 'Listen, can you send me an equipment bag, so that when I come to Port St. Lucie, I'm carrying a Met equipment bag with blue and orange rather than the Yankees midnight blue and white?' But he didn't do that! It's like, players don't think the right thing to do. It's not right! You owe it to the Met organization, you're a Met now, you shouldn't be carrying a Yankee bag.”

— Michael Kay, Radio Broadcaster

What’s next

The Mets organization may address Weaver's actions and remind him of the importance of showing loyalty and respect to his new team.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, and the expectations for players to fully embrace their new teams, especially after signing lucrative free agent deals. It suggests that some in the New York media and fan base will closely scrutinize any perceived disrespect or lack of loyalty from players switching between the two teams.