Five Major League Baseball teams are pursuing Jonathan Loaisiga as the right-handed reliever nears a new contract in free agency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays all feature among the clubs evaluating the pitcher, according to a report from ESPN.
The free agent market for relief pitching has accelerated as front offices finalize their bullpen structures for the upcoming season. Jesse Rogers reported on ESPN that the right-hander stands close to finalizing an agreement with an interested franchise.
“The market empieza to heat up,” Rogers reported of the situation. There are five teams interested. He had a 2.42 ERA in 67 games with Arizona last year. The Dodgers are among them.”
Hot stove starting to simmer. Reliever Jonathan Loáisiga getting closer, per source. 5 teams involved. 2.42 ERA in 67 games last yr for Az. Dodgers among them
Loaisiga enters the market following a 2026 campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he posted a 2.42 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He struck out 48 batters across 67 innings in 67 appearances, returning to form after missing several seasons due to injuries.
The 32-year-old pitcher spent his first eight major league seasons with the Yankees before signing a one-year, $1.5 million minor league contract with Arizona. New York had previously declined a $5 million club option on his contract following the 2025 season.
During his time with the Diamondbacks, Loaisiga regularly utilized a four-seam fastball and a sinker that exceeded 97 mph. Metrics from Baseball Savant placed him within the top 10% of pitchers for walk rate, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
The Dodgers entered the relief market with heightened urgency after Evan Phillips agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. Securing Loaisiga would provide Los Angeles with proven late-inning experience.
Meanwhile, the Yankees must address a pitching corps that recently lost key contributors. General manager Brian Cashman identified bullpen reconstruction as the team’s primary offseason objective, noting that two of the three pitchers who regularly handled the eighth and ninth innings are currently free agents.
The Yankees are simultaneously monitoring other relief options, including left-hander Tim Hill. Jon Heyman reported that New York, the Dodgers, the Mets, the Cleveland Guardians and the San Francisco Giants are tracking the veteran specialist.
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