The New York Yankees have reached a one-year agreement with right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga, including a team option for the 2026 season, as reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. Loáisiga, 30, is currently recovering from internal brace surgery he underwent in April 2024 to repair a torn UCL but is expected to return to the mound by late April 2025. Levi Luna initially reported the two sides were close to finalizing the deal.
Loáisiga began his professional career with the San Francisco Giants as an international free agent in 2012 but faced numerous injury setbacks. Released by the Giants in 2015, he was signed by the Yankees in 2016. However, injuries persisted, and he underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him until mid-2017. Upon his return, he impressed with a stellar 1.38 ERA and 2.17 FIP across 32.2 innings in the minor leagues. His performances earned him top prospect rankings in the Yankees’ farm system entering 2018, eventually reaching the no. 2 spot across several lists after another strong season.
Despite his promise, Loáisiga struggled in the majors from 2018-2020, partly due to recurring injuries, including a significant shoulder strain in 2019. However, his fortunes changed in 2021 when he transitioned to a full-time relief role. That season, he posted an outstanding 2.17 ERA across 70.2 innings, with his revamped arsenal, including a triple-digit sinker and an improved curveball, making him one of the league’s top relievers. His changeup also became a key weapon, allowing him to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate.
Unfortunately, Loáisiga’s injury woes returned, limiting him to just 69.2 innings over the past three seasons. Despite these setbacks, his powerful arm remains enticing. He demonstrated flashes of his former self during a brief stint in April 2024, averaging 98 mph on his sinker and showing impressive movement on his curveball.
The Yankees’ decision to re-sign Loáisiga speaks to their confidence in his potential. This offseason, the team has already lost key relievers like Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill to free agency. While Loáisiga bolsters the bullpen, general manager Brian Cashman is likely to pursue additional reinforcements, with Carlos Estévez and potential reunions with Kahnle or Hill among the rumored targets.
