Luke Weaver’s contract with Yankees loaded with bonuses as starter or reliever

The Yankees reached an agreement with Luke Weaver on Thursday with the idea at the moment that he would be the No. 5 starter. But that changed quickly when they also came to a deal with Marcus Stroman. Thus, Weaver will probably begin spring training viewed as a long reliever, but being built up as a starter with the idea he might be the first called upon when there is a rotation need.

Weaver still has to pass a physical, which is scheduled for Thursday, for the $2 million 2024 contract to become guaranteed. He has a chance to increase the value of his deal with regular use out of the rotation or the bullpen. He would receive $50,000 for reaching of each of 10 starts, 15 starts, 20 starts, 25 starts and 30 starts.

Weaver also would receive $50,000 each for 45 appearances, 50, 55 and 60. There is a $2.5 million club option for 2025 with no buyout. The option becomes worth $3 million if Weaver pitches 100 innings in 2024, $4 million if he reaches 120 innings, $5 million if reaches 140 innings and $6 million if he reaches 160 innings.

Weaver cannot be optioned to the minors without passing through waivers. Weaver, 30, has the kind of arm and age that has motivated five teams to try with him over just the past two seasons, including three starts with the Yankees late last season that went well (3.38 ERA) as he increased the use of his cutter at the expense of his curve and slider, in particular..