Weaver Dismisses Yankees Bag Drama After Mets Move

New Mets reliever clarifies his use of a Yankees bag was purely practical, not symbolic.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 7:15am

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Luke Weaver, the new Mets reliever and former Yankees closer, addressed the questions surrounding his arrival at Port St. Lucie carrying a Yankees bag. He clarified that his decision to bring the bag was purely logistical and not a sign of lingering allegiance as he begins his tenure with the New York Mets.

Why it matters

The reaction to Weaver's Yankees bag was amplified due to the intense Mets-Yankees rivalry, making the situation more noticeable than it might have been with other teams. Bringing old-team gear when joining a new club is not unusual in professional baseball, but the intersection of equipment and team loyalty often elicits fan and media interest, especially in markets where rivalry runs deep.

The details

Weaver remarked on the 'On The Show' podcast that he simply didn't have another bag to use, and that it's a common practice for players to bring their old bags to a new team. He assured that he loves the Mets now and hopes to win trophies with the team and their fans behind him.

  • Weaver joined the Mets in February 2026 after leaving the Yankees.

The players

Luke Weaver

A 32-year-old relief pitcher who recently signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Mets after spending over two seasons with the New York Yankees.

Devin Williams

The Mets' closer, who also joined the team after leaving the Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was a bit silly, personally. I understand why people are — I wouldn't say an uproar, but why they're talking about it. I get it. To your point, it's very common to bring your old bag to your new team. They don't first-class airmail a new bag, so I didn't get a new bag from the Mets, like a duffle bag.”

— Luke Weaver, New Mets Reliever

“I just need people to take a deep breath, know that I love the Mets now. I'm a Met. I love where I'm at. I love the teammates so far, I hope to win as many trophies as possible here, and I hope to do that with the fans behind us and rooting for me and doing so.”

— Luke Weaver, New Mets Reliever

What’s next

Weaver will look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and contribute effectively to the Mets' bullpen in 2026, supporting closer Devin Williams.

The takeaway

This scenario reflects broader trends of player transitions in Major League Baseball, where equipment and allegiance sometimes intersect in public perception but rarely affect professional intent. Weaver's candid clarifications about the bag controversy serve to quell any doubts about his commitment to his new team, the New York Mets.