Arizona Diamondbacks Sign Jonathan Loáisiga to Minor League Deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks just made a quiet, low-risk move by signing right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga to a minor-league deal. Bullpen depth remains a need, and with payroll tight, Arizona’s hoping Loáisiga’s upside and past track record pay off.

Diamondbacks Take a Calculated Gamble on Proven Upside

ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reports that Loáisiga signed a minor-league contract with an invite to big-league spring training. At 31, he’s not a project, but his résumé still turns heads for a team that craves some stability in relief without spending big.

This kind of signing feels pretty on-brand for Arizona lately. They keep stacking arms with upside, give them a look in camp, and cross their fingers that someone surprises.

If Loáisiga’s healthy, he can do more than fill out a roster spot—he’s shown that before.

A Look Back at Loáisiga’s Peak Performance

Teams haven’t stopped calling Loáisiga because of his 2021 season with the Yankees. That year, he became a go-to bullpen weapon, putting up a sharp 2.17 ERA over 70 2/3 innings.

He paired big velocity—his fastball often hit 98 mph—with a sinker-heavy style that made hitters miserable.

• Five saves and ten holds—he did a bit of everything
• 24.4% strikeout rate and a 5.7% walk rate
• 60.9% ground-ball rate, which is perfect for tough spots

Injuries Derail Momentum and Limit Availability

But since 2021, injuries have really been the story. Shoulder inflammation kept him out for about six weeks in 2022, and elbow problems cut his 2023 down to just 17 2/3 innings.

Things got even rougher in April 2024, when he had UCL surgery. He started 2025 on the injured list, stuck in that frustrating cycle of setbacks.

Mixed Results After Returning in 2025

When he finally got back on the mound in mid-May 2025, Loáisiga’s results were all over the place. He logged 29 2/3 innings with a 4.25 ERA, but the strikeouts just weren’t there like before.

His numbers told the story of a guy still searching for his old self:

• 18.5% strikeout rate
• 7.4% walk rate
• 50.5% ground-ball rate

Even his fastball velocity dropped, falling under 97 mph on average. Then came a late-season injured list stint for back tightness, plus a lat strain during rehab, and that ended his year early.

Why the Move Makes Sense for Arizona

The Yankees let Loáisiga walk after declining a $5 million club option for 2026. Now he’s a low-cost flier, and that’s exactly the kind of chance Arizona should be taking.

The D-backs’ bullpen had a rough 2025, with a 4.82 collective ERA. They clearly need help, and with the budget what it is, Loáisiga brings upside and there’s no rush to force him onto the roster.

Low Risk, Potentially High Reward

Since the deal is a minor-league contract, Loáisiga doesn’t take up a 40-man roster spot. That gives the Diamondbacks some real flexibility.

If he can find even a piece of his pre-injury form, Arizona might stumble onto a valuable late-inning arm for a bargain.

Reports suggest the Diamondbacks want to add more bullpen arms soon. Still, Loáisiga’s signing feels like a sharp, experience-driven move.

Bullpen roles shift constantly, so grabbing proven talent—especially someone hungry to prove himself—can be a risk worth taking.

 
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