In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Loaisiga, the pitcher who has spent the longest time with the New York Yankees, is set to embark on a new chapter with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2026 season. Loaisiga, a right-handed pitcher who has been part of the Yankees organization since 2016, has officially signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks, as confirmed by Jon Heyman of The Post.
This deal, first reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN, includes an invitation for Loaisiga to participate in spring training, which is often crucial for players looking to solidify their spots on the roster.
Loaisiga made his Major League Baseball debut back in 2018 and was recognized as the Yankees' third-longest-serving player, trailing only behind stars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. However, after hitting free agency in November when the Yankees opted not to exercise his $5 million option for 2026, Loaisiga found himself navigating a challenging path, especially following another season plagued by injuries.
Last offseason, he re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year deal, despite interest from the Mets. Unfortunately, his 2024 season ended prematurely when he underwent UCL surgery on his right elbow in April. After a significant recovery period, he made a triumphant return in mid-May during the Subway Series, pitching a scoreless inning. "There was a lot of adrenaline. I was really missing it," Loaisiga shared through an interpreter, expressing his eagerness to contribute to his team and fans once again.
Throughout the 2024 season, Loaisiga appeared in 30 games and posted a 4.25 ERA while averaging close to 97 mph on his signature sinker, according to Baseball Savant. Unfortunately, further setbacks, including a back injury followed by a flexor strain that ended his season, limited him to just 50 appearances since 2023.
Despite these challenges, there was a time when Loaisiga was considered one of the Yankees' most reliable late-inning pitchers. His breakout year came in 2021 when he posted an impressive 9-4 record with a 2.17 ERA and recorded 69 strikeouts over 70 2/3 innings, successfully securing five saves as well.
Although his performance dipped slightly in 2022, with his ERA rising to 4.13, he remained a valuable asset to the team, making 50 appearances that season. If he can regain his previous form, Loaisiga could become a key player for the Diamondbacks as they look to bolster their pitching staff.
Interestingly, Loaisiga's signing is just one highlight of a very active day for the Diamondbacks, who also completed a significant trade, acquiring eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals. This move indicates the team's commitment to strengthening their roster as they gear up for the upcoming season.
