Diamondbacks continue to address pressing need, sign RHP Jonathan Loáisiga

PHOENIX — Lost in the shuffle of one of the biggest trades this offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have gone back to work to add more pitching depth.

Jun 16, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, the Diamondbacks signed veteran right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

The 31-year-old pitcher spent the first eight seasons of his MLB career with the New York Yankees before the team declined his club option this offseason. From Nicaragua, Loáisiga has shown flashes of high-leverage effectiveness throughout his career.

However, injuries cut his 2025 season short, despite him working his way back midway through the year. In 2025, Loáisiga posted a 4.25 ERA across 29.2 innings pitched.

May 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

While those numbers are not ideal, and concerns remain given his injury history, his career ERA sits at 3.54, with 232 strikeouts over 249.1 innings.

“I think he’s got great stuff,” Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said on Tuesday, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. “We’ve always liked him from afar. He’s gonna go in the mix. There’s gonna be opportunity in our pen.”

Loáisiga’s overall track record may be what enticed Arizona to bring him in. With key bullpen pieces still on the injured list and little time remaining before pitchers and catchers report, the move signals the team’s intent to add arms and address one of its most pressing needs.

May 18, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga (43) pitches in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

While many around the Valley may not be too familiar with the D-Backs’ newest acquisition, the signing offers some hope that the bullpen will have enough depth to endure a long season. After spending nearly his entire major league career with the Yankees, Loáisiga’s move to Arizona is another reminder of how unpredictable the offseason can be and how unlikely pairings sometimes come together.

Adding a proven arm underscores the direction the Diamondbacks are aiming to take in 2026.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde