According to a person familiar with the agreement, the New York Yankees have agreed to a one-year contract with the right-handed reliever that contains a 2026 team option. Given that Loaisiga has struggled with recurrent elbow and shoulder ailments in recent years, the contract is pending a physical examination.
Throughout his seven seasons with the Yankees, Loaisiga has made 163 appearances. However, a number of health concerns have restricted his availability. He missed about two months in 2022 due to discomfort in his shoulder. He could only make 17 appearances after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in 2023 to remove a bone spur in his right elbow. Before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery in April of this year, Loaisiga made just three appearances in 2024. The estimated time of his return to activity is late April 2025.
When healthy, Loaisiga continues to be an intriguing prospect despite his history of injuries. The New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams interested in signing him because of his high upside and 98 mph sinker. In 2021, he pitched 57 games with a 2.17 ERA over 70⅔ innings, which was his finest season to date.
Loaisiga rejoins a Yankees bullpen that has seen substantial transformation. Clay Holmes, an All-Star closer, left the organization for the Mets, while Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle could go in free agency. As the Yankees attempt to rebuild their bullpen, Loaisiga’s presence will be crucial.
This deal follows the Yankees’ recent high-profile moves. Earlier this week, the team signed two-time All-Star left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. Additionally, they traded catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league right-hander Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international signing bonus pool money.
Loaisiga’s return adds depth to the Yankees’ bullpen, and his health will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success in the upcoming season.
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