"Luke Weaver compares himself to a big jungle cat" - Mike Harkey hails Yankees star's lion-like competitive spirit

Veteran reliever Luke Weaver has quickly cemented himself as a favorite among New York Yankees fans. The 31-year-old journeyman pitcher has enjoyed a star turn for the Bronx Bombers since becoming the team's full-time closer. If he can continue his hot stretch, he could become a postseason legend for the team.

Through six games this postseason, Luke Weaver has been dominant coming out of the bullpen. Over his appearances during this playoff run, Weaver has put together a solid 1.29 ERA with four saves and nine strikeouts over 7.0 innings of work.

"He compares himself to a big jungle cat. Maybe not such a jungle cat, maybe closer to a lynx.' But he does have the heart of a lion," Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey said of Weaver.

"I love his attitude. I love his ability to slow the game down and allow himself to make pitches when he has to make pitches," Harkey added.

Weaver will look to keep his momentum going on Thursday night as the New York Yankees take on the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of the ALCS.

Luke Wade has been one of the most valuable relievers in baseball this season

Despite being claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees last year and re-signed to an affordable extension in the offseason, Weaver has proven himself to be one of the most valuable relief pitchers in baseball in terms of salary.

Weaver is only making $2,000,000 this season, but more importantly, has a team-friendly $2,500,000 club option for 2025 that the Yankees can exercise.

After the Houston Astros were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers, many were quick to point out Josh Hader's $19,000,000 salary for 2024 in comparison to Weaver. While this may be an outlier stretch for the journeyman Luke Weaver, it could not have come at a more opportune time for both the pitcher and the Yankees.