After adding Max Fried to their rotation on Tuesday, the New York Yankees strengthened their pitching staff further by making another move in free agency. Their latest acquisition brings a familiar face back to the bullpen.
The Yankees have re-signed Jonathan Loaisiga to a one-year deal with a team option for 2026, as reported by ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
Loaisiga has struggled with injuries in recent years, including missing two months in 2022 due to shoulder inflammation, making just 17 appearances in 2023 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, and appearing in only three games in 2024 before requiring season-ending elbow surgery.
Nevertheless, when healthy, Loaisiga has been highly effective. In his last full season, 2021, he posted a 2.17 ERA in 57 appearances. With Clay Holmes moving to the New York Mets as a starter, there will be plenty of opportunities in the Yankees’ bullpen. If Loaisiga can stay healthy, he could become one of the team’s key high-leverage relievers.
Looking ahead, despite Loaisiga’s re-signing, the Yankees are still expected to seek additional bullpen help, both through free agency and the trade market. Potential options include signing free agents Tanner Scott and Jeff Hoffman, or acquiring Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams.
