The Mets have already signed three former Yankees this offseason as free agents and are now pursuing at least one more.
Reliever Jonathan Loáisiga is reportedly attracting significant interest from the Mets, as well as the Padres, Rangers, Blue Jays, and Yankees, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
Loáisiga, 30, has spent parts of the last seven seasons in the Yankees’ bullpen. While he has impressive talent when healthy and has shown dominant stretches, injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential.
This past April, he underwent season-ending elbow surgery after making only three appearances. The previous year, he pitched just 17 2/3 innings after spending more than three months on the injured list due to additional elbow troubles.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed that the Mets are in contact with Loáisiga and that he is expected to be ready for spring training.
While his recurring health issues present some risk, Loáisiga could be an excellent fit for the Mets given his familiarity with manager Carlos Mendoza, who previously served as the Yankees’ bench coach. Additionally, the Mets hired former Yankees assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel this offseason, potentially smoothing the transition should Loáisiga join the team.
The Mets recently added ex-Yankees closer Clay Holmes with plans to convert him into a starting pitcher, a move that was finalized on Monday. They also signed right-hander Frankie Montas, another former Yankees pitcher plagued by injuries during his tenure in New York.
Most notably, the Mets signed superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract on Sunday, outbidding the Yankees and other contenders for his services.
