The Mets continue to unload their roster and have sent the best available relief pitcher ahead of the trade deadline packing.
According to multiple reports, the Mets traded RHP Luke Weaver to the Pirates for top infield prospect SS Sammy Stafura.
Stafura, 21, was the Pirates’ ninth-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com. He was the Reds’ second-round selection in the 2023 first-year player draft out of Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, New York. He excelled at Low-A Greensboro this year to the tune of a .301/.365/.656 line over 47 games, but struggled at High-A Bradenton, hitting .143/.375/.257 in 13 games. Overall, Stafura is hitting .276/.367/.593 with eight doubles, 20 home runs, and 54 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 60 games between both levels of A ball in 2026. He was dealt to the Pirates for K’Bryan Hayes a year ago at the trade deadline.
Stafura, however, is not a top 100 prospect, something which the Mets really needed to consider after dealing two top 100 prospects to land the now-departed Freddy Peralta earlier this year. It is extra noteworthy considering Weaver was the best reliever available at the trade deadline with control beyond 2026.
Still, the Mets pulled a top prospect in Stafura from one of the best farm systems in the game, which cannot be dismissed, either.
As for Weaver, he was stellar in his brief tenure for the Mets. He will join the Pirates bullpen with a 1.84 ERA and a 226 ERA+ with 45 strikeouts against 11 walks in 44 innings. The Mets signed Weaver to a two-year, $22 million contract before the 2026 season. The Mets paid him an $3 million signing bonus in March, meaning the Pirates are on the hook for a fraction of his remaining $8 million salary for 2026, plus the $11 million owed to him in 2027.
Stafura will become the Mets 10th ranked prospect, according to MLB.com.
Terrible job by Stearns all day long. Would not include money to pay down bad contracts like Robert, Manea, Senga, yet sends money to Pittsburgh with the one guy who they should have held on to in Weaver. I like the prospect well enough, still should have been able to get more from the Pirates than they did. Sending Walker and Taylor for another shortstop type prospect.... I just dont buy into the Latin free agent signees anymore. That seems to boost their value more than their actual talent a lot of times.
Why would I sign a free agent contract with the Mets next year as a relief pitcher if I thought that I would be traded away to some city out of my control at the trade deadline? Weaver was excellence. They got a nothing. A single A shortstop who didn’t hit at high A at age 21.