Luke Weaver Addresses “Baggate” and Sends a Clear Message to Mets Fans
Spring training hasn’t even hit full stride yet, and the New York baseball rivalry is already making headlines - this time over a duffel bag. Yes, really.
When Luke Weaver showed up to the Mets’ facility in Port St. Lucie carrying a Yankees-branded bag, it didn’t take long for the moment to go viral.
The right-hander, who pitched for the Yankees during part of the 2023 season, is now on the other side of town after signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets this offseason. And while the bag might’ve seemed like a non-story to most, it sparked enough chatter to catch the attention of Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who had strong words for the reliever.
Kay didn’t hold back, saying the Mets “deserve better than that” after giving Weaver a significant contract. His argument? If you’re getting paid like a key piece of the bullpen, showing up with your old team’s gear - especially that team - isn’t the best look.
Weaver, for his part, isn’t losing sleep over the reaction. In a recent appearance on The Show podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, he addressed the so-called “Baggate” saga with a mix of humor and perspective.
“I thought it was a bit silly personally,” Weaver said. “I understand why people are, you know, I wouldn’t say in an uproar, but why they’re talking about it.
Like, I get it. But to your point, it’s very common to bring your old bag to your new team.”
And he’s not wrong. Around the league, it’s not unusual to see players toting gear from previous stops. These bags are built to last, and players often stick with what works - especially when they’ve only just made the switch.
Still, Weaver knows how passionate New York fans can be, and he’s not brushing off their reaction entirely.
“I’m glad people care,” he added. “I’m glad they care, you know? Like they wouldn’t be saying nothing if they didn’t care.”
That’s the kind of response you want to hear from a player stepping into the New York spotlight. Weaver isn’t dodging the noise - he’s acknowledging it, owning it, and moving forward.
More importantly, he’s making it clear where his loyalties lie now.
“I just need people to take a deep breath, know that I love the Mets now,” Weaver said. “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 in doing so. So the bag meant nothing.”
That’s the message Mets fans needed to hear. Weaver isn’t just saying the right things - he’s leaning into the opportunity. He’s aware of the expectations that come with a multi-year deal, especially for a bullpen that’s looking to rebound after losing star closer Edwin Díaz.
If Weaver delivers on the mound, this whole bag incident will fade into the background faster than a 98-mph fastball. New York fans love intensity, commitment, and results.
Weaver’s already showing two of the three. Now it’s about bringing it when the lights come on.
And if he does? No one will remember what logo was on his luggage.