Yankees reset strategy with Jonathan Loaisiga back in bullpen plans

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The New York Yankees are reportedly keeping tabs on a familiar face: veteran reliever Jonathan Loaisiga, who has spent his entire major league career in pinstripes. According to sources, Yankees scouts were among several teams monitoring Loáisiga’s recovery sessions this week as he works his way back from elbow surgery.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has already signaled that pitching will be the team’s top priority this offseason, alongside efforts to acquire star outfielder Juan Soto.

Loaisiga, 30, saw his 2023 campaign cut short in April after just four innings, initially diagnosed with a right flexor strain. Further evaluation revealed the need for elbow surgery, though not a full Tommy John procedure. Updates from his Houston-based rehab indicate promising progress, with the right-hander currently throwing from 90 feet. He is expected to begin bullpen sessions in January, aligning with the projected 10-12 month recovery timeline.

Now a free agent for the first time, Loaisiga has drawn significant interest despite his injury history, with as many as 14 teams—including the Yankees—keeping an eye on his rehabilitation.

Since debuting in 2018, Loaisiga has evolved from a swingman to a key multi-inning reliever, eventually shifting to shorter stints to manage ongoing health concerns. His career has been repeatedly impacted by injuries, including elbow inflammation and bone spur surgery in 2023, as well as shoulder issues in 2022, 2021, and 2019. He also underwent Tommy John surgery during his minor league career in 2016.

Loaisiga remains an impressive option for Yankees

Despite these setbacks, Loaisiga’s power pitching remains highly regarded, making him a coveted option for teams willing to bet on his return to form.

Statistical reviews highlight Jonathan Loaisiga’s impact when healthy, underscored by his career 3.44 ERA over 219 ²/₃ innings. Since 2021, his performance has been especially strong, posting a 2.89 ERA during that span. Known for his high-velocity sinker averaging 98.1 mph, the pitcher ranks 13th in sinker velocity among qualified relievers, a testament to his dominance in late-inning roles.

Baseball analysts regard Loaisigasiga as one of the league’s top setup options when at full strength. His value is particularly notable as the Yankees face a bullpen overhaul, with several relievers, including Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, Tim Hill, Tim Mayza, and Loaisiga himself, now in free agency.

The Yankees’ current bullpen depth features arms such as Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Effross, and Yerry De Los Santos. Additional versatility could come from players like Clayton Beeter, JT Brubaker, and Cody Poteet, who may fill swingman roles. However, analysts note that the group lacks the proven consistency of recent seasons.

While the Yankees’ primary offseason goals include addressing their starting rotation and pursuing marquee talent like Juan Soto, reports suggest that rebuilding the bullpen remains a high priority. Retaining familiar and effective relievers, including Loaisiga, appears to be a key consideration in this effort.

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