Loaisiga Signs Minor League Deal with Diamondbacks

Jonathan Loaisiga, a veteran right-handed reliever who spent eight seasons with the New York Yankees, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that includes an invitation to spring training, according to multiple reports.

The 31-year-old Nicaraguan pitcher, who became a free agent last November after the Yankees declined a $5 million club option for 2026, chose the deal over a one-year, $1 million major league guarantee from the Minnesota Twins. If Loaisiga earns a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster, he could make around $3.8 million, sources said. The signing, first reported by ESPN's Jorge Castillo and confirmed by The Post's Jon Heyman, came on a busy Tuesday for the Diamondbacks, who also acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Loaisiga's move to Arizona reflects his hope for a healthier environment. He cited the team's warm-weather dome and the larger dimensions of National League West ballparks, including Chase Field, as factors that could reduce arm strain and limit home runs; he allowed seven homers in just 29 2/3 innings last season. Recently, Loaisiga demonstrated his recovery by...