The Mets have pulled the trigger on a notable deadline move, sending Luke Weaver to the Pirates with less than three hours left before Major League Baseball’s trade deadline, according to multiple reports.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post was first to report that talks were underway, and the return is said to be shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, Pittsburgh’s No. 8 prospect.
Weaver had become one of the most attractive relievers available, which is no surprise after the Mets signed him to a two-year, $22 million deal in the offseason. The 32-year-old right-hander has gone 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP and 45 strikeouts over 44 innings.
Even more eye-catching, Weaver has allowed just one earned run in 30 innings over 32 appearances since the calendar flipped to May.
Stafura gives the Mets a young infielder with real production behind him in the minors. The 21-year-old Westchester County native was taken by the Reds in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of high school, then later landed with the Pirates in the deal that sent Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Reds last trade deadline.
This season at High-A Greensboro, Stafura has hit .301/.365/.656 with 19 home runs, 51 RBI, 42 runs and 16 stolen bases in 47 games.
Before turning pro, Stafura was the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in New York after his career at Walter Panas High School. He had committed to Clemson before choosing to sign with the Reds.
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