The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever  on a one-year contract, which includes a team option for the 2026 season, according to a source familiar with the deal. The contract is pending a physical exam, as Loaisiga has dealt with recurring elbow and shoulder injuries in recent years.

Loaisiga, who has spent seven seasons with the Yankees, has appeared in 163 games during his career. However, his availability has been limited due to various health issues. In 2022, he missed nearly two months because of shoulder inflammation. In 2023, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow, restricting him to just 17 appearances. This past season, Loaisiga made only three appearances in 2024 before season-ending elbow surgery in April. He is projected to return to action by late April of 2025.

Despite his injury history, Loaisiga remains an intriguing talent when healthy. Known for his 98 mph sinker, he possesses high upside, making him an appealing target for several teams, including the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays. His best season came in 2021 when he posted a 2.17 ERA over 70⅔ innings in 57 appearances.

Loaisiga returns to a Yankees bullpen that has undergone significant changes. The team lost All-Star closer Clay Holmes to the Mets and faces the potential departures of Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill in free agency. Loaisiga’s presence will be pivotal as the Yankees work to reshape their bullpen.

This deal follows the Yankees’ recent high-profile moves. Earlier this week, the team signed two-time All-Star left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. Additionally, they traded catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league right-hander Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international signing bonus pool money.

Loaisiga’s return adds depth to the Yankees’ bullpen, and his health will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success in the upcoming season.