BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – APRIL 29: A view of the New York Yankees logo on a ball bag before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
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The New York Yankees are evaluating potential roster additions this winter after losing several players to free agency.
After their season ended with a playoff loss to the rival Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees saw Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Luke Weaver, Devin Williams and more hit the open market. The team has already reunited with Grisham after he accepted a qualifying offer to return, and it seems adamant on bringing back Bellinger if possible.
Bellinger was “an impact player for us last year and we’d love to have him back if it could fit us,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said as the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings began last week, per NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera.
But one departing player who won’t be back is Jonathan Loaisiga after eight years in pinstripes ended with an injury plagued and disappointing 2025 season. The Yankees declined their option on his contract in November.
“The Yankees are severing ties because they didn’t get enough return on investment due to Loaisiga’s history of injuries, but he has suitors offering major-league contracts because he can pitch as well as any reliever in the majors when he’s healthy,” Randy Miller wrote for NJ.com. “Loaisiga, 31, said he has offers from three National League clubs — the (Chicago) Cubs, (Arizona) Diamondbacks and (San Francisco) Giants — all with a condition. He has to log a few innings in the next month or so in the Nicaraguan winter league.”
That condition is important because Loaisiga threw fewer than 30 innings in this past season and just four in the year before that as he struggled with back and arm issues.
After parting ways with the Yankees, the pitcher is hopeful he can join one of the National League teams that has shown their interest and remain a factor on their roster.
“I’m hoping I’m done with injuries,” Loaisiga told Miller. “I want to sign with someone and pitch like I can. The way I’m feeling, I’m confident it can happen next season. I’m working hard. I’m feeling good.”
As he looks to switch leagues, Loaisiga also commented on his tenure with the Yankees for the first time since the team cut ties with him.
“I loved being a Yankee,” he added, according to Miller. “A lot of great memories. Wherever I go next, I want to pitch good and help my team win. And stay healthy. That’s most important.”