Jonathan Loaisiga Needs To Stay Right Where He Is

The General Managers meeting has been going on all week in Carlsbad, California as Brian Cashman begins to hunt and gather key components for the 2022 team. The Yankees need to win this year. I mean we say this every year, but 2022 has to bring more victory and celebration than defeat and deflation. And as Cashman seeks to find the next best Yankees, one Yankee pitcher has to be off limits: Jonathan Loaisiga. 

“We’re going to continue to reinforce, and we’ve got a lot of teams asking about our bullpen at the same time,” general manager Brian Cashman told reporters according to MLB Rumors. I would agree reinforcing the current bullpen, particular with the inconsistencies we saw in Aroldis Chapman is key. But Loaisiga needs to be coached, nurtured and protected as an up and coming reliever for the Yankees.

“Cashman likely would be loathe to give up right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, who broke out with a 2.17 ERA in 57 games last season. The 27-year-old righty struck out 69 batters in 70 2/3 innings and won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season,” reported MLB Rumors. He needs to more than loathe it, he need prevent any movement on Loaisiga. Period.

The Yankees and lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez agreed to a one-year deal reportedly worth $2 million. This is a step in the right direction for sure. And I would like to see the Yankees keep Chad Green and Clay Holmes as well. I know the Yankees need to weigh their options between free agency and forming trade partners, but I hope the Yankee protect Loaisiga like they do Aaron Judge. He has a future and I want that future to be in pinstripes. 

As the winter trading and free agency market heats up, it is clear the Yankees need to support their foundation with functional players who can add value and chemistry to the team. Let’s hope they keep Loaisiga and groom him for success, right here in the Bronx. 

–Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof