...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga to a minor league deal.
Loaisiga is a long-time Yankee, spending eight years with the organization as a reliever who has made spot starts on occasion. He has nearly 200 appearances for New York, posting a 3.54 ERA in his career and racking up 4.2 bWAR, most of which came from his stellar 2021 season.
More news: Mets Get Kyle Tucker Free Agency Update Following Meeting
Read More on MLB
The deal Loaisiga signed will allow him to compete for a major league roster spot, starting with MLB Spring Training.
At 31, Loaisiga could be a key bullpen arm if he can stay healthy. He has dealt with shoulder problems and elbow issues that have limited the number of games that he has played in since 2021.
...
The New York Yankees rejected his $5 million club option, opting to move on from him rather than hope his health improves.
His fastball velocity was down to under 97 MPH during last season, well below his previous 98 MPH in 2021.
More news: Kyle Tucker Market Takes Shape After Meetings With Three Teams
Losisginia is not the only reliever to leave the Yankees. Luke Weaver, a long-time Yankees bullpen arm, signed with the crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, and the Yankees did not even make an offer for him, likely due to his own struggles recently.
The Yankees also lost Devin Williams to the Mets after trading for him ahead of the 2025 season.
General manager Brian Cashman — after a season where the team's staff ranked 23rd in baseball in ERA with 4.37 — is looking somewhat of a reset, but there has not been a highlight move made by the organization.
Multiple prominent relievers have signed elsewhere, leaving few options for the team to make a splash unless they tap into the trade market.
Among the free agents still left, former Yankee David Robertson stands out as an option for depth, while Paul Sewald, Evan Phillips, and Taylor Rodgers could be other options — giving them innings until the MLB Trade Deadline.
More news: Red Sox Pivot to Bo Bichette After Cubs Outbid for Alex Bregman: Report
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines