Mets Cover Weaver’s Contract in Pirates Trade; Cubs Pay Cash for Taillon

The New York Mets will pay more than $8.1 million to Pittsburgh as part of this week’s trade that sent pitcher Luke Weaver to the Pirates for minor league infielder Sammy Stafura, covering most of the nearly $13.4 million remaining on the right-hander’s contract. Pittsburgh will in effect pay Weaver just $229,412 this year, a prorated share of the $780,000 minimum salary. Weaver had $2,352,941 remaining of his $8 million salary for 2026 at the time of Monday’s trade and the Mets will pay the Pirates four installments of $530,882 on Aug. 24 and 28, and Sept. 11 and 25,…