TheNew York Yankees have begun their planning for the 2026 MLB season, which includes changes and important decisions in the roster to try to end the 16-year World Series drought, with their last championship coming in 2009 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies.
In this context, the first adjustments would come from the bullpen with the reliever Jonathan Loaisiga who might not receive the franchise option of $5 million for 2026 and become a free agent, all derived from the inconsistency of the pitcher and the financial priorities of the Bronx.
According to information from analyst Brian McKeon on the YouTube channel “Locked On Yankees”, “it’s impossible for them to pay him $5 million to come back, for how little he gave during the season”; the Nicaraguan finished the 2025 season with a 4.25 ERA in 29 2/3 innings before suffering a right flexor injury and being out of action since August.
Is it worth it for the Yankees to give Jonathan Loaisiga a contract?
Injuries have affected Jonathan Loaisiga’s career, as he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in early 2024 and previously had Tommy John surgery in 2016, affecting his continuity on the diamond, which is why McKeon suggests an alternative for the Bronx Bombers:
If Jonathan Loaisiga is willing to come back for $900,000, the veteran minimum salary, I think they probably do it, just to see what’s left in his arm
While it is true that physical problems and inconsistency make the Yankees’ management think about whether or not to renew him, at the moment they are prioritizing the availability and reliability of their bullpen.
Tim Hill could secure Yankees deal while Cody Bellinger tests free agency
As part of the Yankees’ restructuring process, Tim Hill had an outstanding 2025 season with 70 games, a 3.09 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The reliever has a $3 million option for 2026, so McKeon suggests:
Paying Tim Hill $3 million would make sense, especially after what they did last offseason. Hill’s reliability and availability have earned him the trust of the public
On the other hand, Cody Bellinger decided to forgo his guaranteed $25 million contract for 2026, receiving a $5 million severance package to try his luck in free agency with a contract that gives him more stability in terms of money and time with a franchise.
The Yankees are already planning for next season, where they will have to make difficult decisions in order to form a roster that will allow them to compete against the great powers of MLB
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