PITTSBURGH — Luke Weaver wanted to stay with the Mets, but the reality of the situation ultimately prevailed.
The veteran reliever was traded Monday to the Pirates for infield prospect Sammy Stafura. On Friday, Weaver was set for the possibility that his first appearance for his new team would occur against his former one.
Weaver said he “strongly” expressed to Mets officials he wanted to stay.
“I was very upfront. I told them, ‘I hope you know I want to stay,’” said Weaver, who received a two-year contract worth $22 million last winter. “I made my commitment … but I understand how this goes. It’s not my first rodeo.”
Weaver, who pitched to a 1.84 ERA in 42 appearances for the Mets, was asked for his assessment of the Mets’ struggles this season.
“There’s a lot of changes that were made, a lot of new people that were brought in, a lot of new faces,” he said. “I don’t think necessarily it was a bad thing, but I think people underestimate change and how much you have got to adapt in a short period of time.
Luke Weaver of the Pittsburgh Pirates warms up in the outfield prior to a game on August 4, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Luke Weaver was traded by the Mets at the deadline. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
“A lot of great teams we have seen in the past have a lot of chemistry, a lot of deep-rooted connection that has happened over time. It’s not always like that, but there’s a lot of those history book teams that have that, and I think it gets taken for granted how much that needed to happen, and it was happening. It has just got to link together on the field.”
Mark Vientos is set to begin hitting off a tee, according to interim manager Andy Green, as he eyes a September return to the active roster. Vientos has been on the injured list since July 10 after a pitch hit and fractured his right hand.
The Mets claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from Cleveland.
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Carson Benge had reached base in 11 straight games entering play. The rookie outfielder owned a .941 OPS over that stretch with two homers.
