Yankees Sign Free Agent Pitcher to Bolster Bullpen: Report
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Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026 on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
The reliever missed most of the 2024 season after undergoing elbow surgery, but Castillo reports he is expected be ready to pitch in late April.
Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, a source tells ESPN. Loáisiga, 30, missed most of the 2024 season after undergoing elbow surgery. He is expected be ready to pitch in late April.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) December 12, 2024
The Mets were also reported to have interest in the pitcher on a multiyear contract.
More news: After Juan Soto Signs With Mets, What’s Next for Yankees?
Loáisiga, 30, has spent the last four seasons pitching out of the Yankees’ bullpen when healthy. The native of Managua, Nicaragua was known for his versatility out of the Yankees’ pen, even making 11 starts from 2018-20.
Loáisiga is also known for a long injury history. He made three scoreless appearances for the Yankees in April before succumbing to a right flexor strain that ended his season. He also ended the 2023 season on the injured list with inflammation in his right elbow.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Jonathan Loaisiga #43 of the New York Yankees pitches in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on March 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Loaisiga and… HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Jonathan Loaisiga #43 of the New York Yankees pitches in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on March 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Loaisiga and the New York Mets are reportedly in agreement on a new contract.
Tim Warner/Getty Images
In 163 career games (11 starts), Loáisiga is 19-11 with a 3.44 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 219.2 innings.
On June 15, 2018, Loáisiga became the first Nicaraguan-born player to appear in a game for the Yankees, and the 15th ever in MLB, when he made his big league debut. His father and his grandfather were both accomplished players in Nicaragua.
More news: Why Juan Soto Chose the Mets: Former GM Sets Record Straight
On June 25, 2021, Loáisiga became the first relief pitcher in Yankees history to strike out four batters in one inning.
Loáisiga would likely slot into a bullpen without an established closer after Clay Holmes left for the Mets in free agency.
Yankees Make Trade With Red Sox
The Yankees also made a trade Wednesday, sending catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox for minor league pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool space.
Narvaez, 26, made his major league debut in 2024 and appeared in six games with the Yankees, going 3 for 13. He slashed .254/.370/.412 in 96 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Boston and New York rarely engage in trades, but the deal is a logical one for both sides. The Red Sox lost their backup catcher to Tampa Bay when Danny Jansen signed with the Rays, while the Yankees needed a major league roster spot for Loáisiga.
The pace of the Roki Sasaki talks could have an effect on the trade market as well. While teams wait to hear whether they’re still in the hunt, they’re less likely to include money from their int’l bonus pool. Once they know they’re out, that money becomes a valuable trade chip.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) December 10, 2024
The international bonus pool space could be essential to the Yankees’ pursuit of international amateur free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki, who was officially posted Tuesday.
More news: Yankees, Dodgers, Mets Begin Pursuit of Roki Sasaki
The Yankees have been mentioned as a viable candidate to sign the 23-year-old right-hander, even as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are widely viewed as the favorites.
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