The Yankees’ longest-tenured pitcher is headed to the desert in 2026.
Right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, who has been with the Yankees organization since 2016, agreed to a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks. The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed this on Tuesday.
ESPN’s Jorge Castillo first reported the deal, which included an invitation to spring training.
Loaisiga, who made his MLB debut in 2018, was the Yankees’ third-longest-tenured player, joining Aaron Judge (2017) and Giancarlo Stanton (2018).
The 31-year-old hit free agency in November after New York declined to pick up his $5 million option for 2026 following another injury-riddled season.
Loaisiga re-signed with the Yankees last offseason on a one-year deal after drawing interest from the Mets.
After undergoing season-ending UCL surgery on his right elbow in April 2024, Loaisiga returned in mid-May during the Subway Series and pitched a scoreless inning.
“A lot of adrenaline. I missed it,” Loaisiga said through an interpreter after his return. “I wanted to be there, pitching for the team, pitching for the fans. I really missed it and was excited to be back.”
He recorded a 4.25 ERA in 30 appearances, averaging nearly 90 mph on his sinker. per baseball savantbefore landing on the injured list with a back injury and then a season-ending flexor strain.
Although injuries have limited him to just 50 appearances since 2023, Loaisiga was at one point one of the Yankees’ most trusted late-inning relievers.
He broke out in 2021, going 9-4 with a 2.17 ERA and 69 punchouts in 70 2/3 innings, including five saves.
His ERA nearly doubled to 4.13 ERA in 2022, but he was still used for 50 respectable appearances.
When healthy, Loaisiga has proven himself to be a steady weapon in the late innings, a form he will look to recapture in Arizona.
Loaisiga’s signing was part of a busy day for the Diamondbacks, who also acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals.
#Jonathan #Loaisiga #joins #Diamondbacks #minor #league #deal #Yankees #tenure