The New York Yankees have made notable strides this offseason to strengthen their pitching staff, securing key acquisitions like Max Fried and Devin Williams. Fried, signed to a $218 million deal, enhances the starting rotation with his elite capabilities, while the trade for Williams, which involved sending Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee, provides the bullpen with a premier closer. Amid these major moves, the Yankees have also made calculated decisions to add depth, including re-signing Jonathan Loaisiga.
Loaisiga, a reliever with impressive potential, was retained on a one-year, $5 million deal that includes a $500,000 signing bonus and a 2026 club option for an additional $5 million. The agreement also features performance-based incentives, allowing Loaisiga to earn $100,000 for reaching various innings-pitched thresholds between 50 and 70 innings. This structured deal reflects the Yankees’ strategic approach to securing talent with high upside.
Although injuries have limited Loaisiga’s availability over the past two seasons—he pitched just four innings in 2024 and 21.2 innings combined since 2023—the Yankees remain optimistic about his recovery. His standout performance in 2021, where he pitched 70.2 innings with a stellar 2.17 ERA and showcased elite velocity and ground-ball rates, highlights the value he could bring if he returns to form.
The Yankees’ gamble on Loaisiga aligns with their history of revitalizing pitchers. A recent example is Luke Weaver, who transformed into a reliable reliever after joining the Yankees. Weaver’s performance exceeded expectations, making his $2 million club option for 2025 an incredible bargain. The team hopes to replicate this success with Loaisiga, leveraging their strong development system to unlock his full potential.
By taking calculated risks on players like Loaisiga, the Yankees continue to fortify their bullpen for both the regular season and postseason. These moves complement their star-studded rotation, reinforcing their status as a pitching powerhouse prepared for the challenges of October baseball.
