The New York Yankees are under pressure to revamp a faltering bullpen, and the solution may lie in subtraction rather than addition. Jonathan Loaisiga, once viewed as a high-upside arm, is now at the center of scrutiny after another disappointing and injury-plagued campaign.
According to FanSided’s Thomas Carannante, the Yankees must strongly consider moving on from the 30-year-old reliever. “He’s genuinely been terrible in 2025,” Carannante wrote, referencing Loaisiga’s 5.01 ERA over 22 appearances. Even worse, he’s given up seven home runs in just over 22 innings, highlighting his vulnerability on the mound.
History of Injuries and Missed Opportunities
Loaisiga’s inconsistency is nothing new. From 2022 to 2024, he was limited to just 70 games due to multiple injuries and surgeries. While he wasn’t ineffective when healthy, he could never stay on the mound long enough to be reliable. His only standout season remains 2021, when he posted elite numbers and gave the Yankees hope for long-term bullpen depth.
That belief, however, is now being challenged. The team signed him to a $5 million deal for this season, including an option for 2026, a move critics now call “puzzling”. Many fans are frustrated that the Yankees passed on better bullpen options in the offseason while investing in an arm that hasn’t delivered.
Time for a Change For the Yankees.
Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman continue to show faith in Loaisiga, using him in key moments despite his lack of results. While the right-hander still has the tools, velocity, movement, and command, the performance isn’t matching the potential.
With the trade deadline looming and the Yankees in need of a playoff-ready bullpen, holding onto Loaisiga might cost the team more than just a roster spot. As Carannante puts it, “The best thing for both parties would be to separate at the end of the year.”
Loaisiga’s Yankees tenure seems to be nearing its end. A change of scenery could benefit both sides. Further giving Loaisiga a chance to reset and allowing the Yankees to pursue more dependable bullpen talent heading into 2026.
