This Yankees bullpen sensation, known for overcoming injuries, is gearing up for an EPIC 2024!

Despite consistently ranking in the top five in baseball, the New York Yankees’ bullpen remains a focal point for the front office, which is actively seeking additional reinforcements. Recent reports have linked the team to Houston Astros star relief pitcher, Hector Neris, with some sources even considering the Yankees as frontrunners in the pursuit.

While the potential addition of Neris could significantly enhance the bullpen, the Yankees also possess valuable internal options. A noteworthy contender in this regard is Jonathan Loaisiga, whose impact on the bullpen’s upside could be substantial if he can maintain a healthy status. Despite concerns surrounding Loaisiga’s injury history, his performance when at the top of his game is highly regarded.

In the previous season, Loaisiga pitched 17.2 innings, delivering a 3.06 ERA, an impressive 70.4% left-on-base rate, and a notable 53.3% ground-ball rate. Renowned for his ability to induce ground balls and generate weak contact, Loaisiga may not boast exceptional strikeout numbers, but his production is formidable. His most outstanding season came in 2021 when he posted a 2.17 ERA across 70.2 innings pitched.

A positive aspect is that despite concerns about his injury history, Loaisiga’s velocity has not experienced a significant decline. In fact, it has consistently hovered around 98 mph, aligning with his peak performance year as a professional. This suggests that, if Loaisiga can maintain his health, he remains a potent force in the Yankees’ bullpen, potentially contributing to the team’s ongoing pursuit of pitching excellence.