When the St. Louis Cardinals selected top star in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, they envisioned him as Adam Wainwright’s eventual successor atop the rotation.
That dream never came to fruition. top reliever never quite lived up to his Top-100 prospect billing in St. Louis, lasting just three seasons before being shipped to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt trade. After bouncing around several teams as a struggling starter, he finally found his footing in 2024 when the New York Yankees transitioned him to a full-time bullpen role — a move that revitalized his career and showcased the talent scouts once believed in.
Two strong seasons later, he has established himself as a reliable reliever, posting excellent numbers in the Bronx. Now 32 and heading into free agency, he’s expected to draw interest — though a rough second half in 2025 could limit him to a short-term deal.
If that happens, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggests a reunion with St. Louis might make sense, particularly if the Cardinals are shopping for veteran bullpen help. Weaver, along with free agents like Kyle Finnegan and Brad Keller, fits the mold of a potential “sign-and-flip” candidate — a short-term addition who could hold down the closer role vacated by Ryan Helsley while the team rebuilds.
Over the past two seasons, Weaver has logged a 3.21 ERA and 12 saves across 126 appearances, striking out nearly 30% of opposing hitters and amassing 2.7 WAR. His late-season dip — a 4.40 ERA with more walks and line drives allowed — raised some concerns, but his elite chase (32.8%) and whiff (31.0%) rates suggest his stuff remains sharp.
Bowden projects Weaver’s next contract in the two-year, $20 million range — a price tag the Cardinals could justify given their bullpen uncertainty. No clear closer emerged in 2025, and Weaver’s postseason experience (including four saves in 2024) would bring stability and leadership to a young roster.
A return to St. Louis could also serve as a fitting redemption arc for the veteran right-hander. Whether he becomes Oli Marmol’s trusted ninth-inning option or a midseason trade asset that brings back prospects, Weaver could finally deliver on the potential that first made him a Cardinal.
If the financials align, St. Louis would be wise to give its 2014 first-rounder another shot.