Yankees keep Tim Hill, decline Loáisiga option

The New York Yankees on Wednesday exercised a 3 million club option on left-handed reliever Tim Hill and declined a 5 million option on right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga, the team announced, making Hill part of the 2026 roster and allowing Loáisiga to become a free agent. The moves come as the Yankees begin reshaping a bullpen that struggled with injuries and inconsistency during the 2025 season.

Hill, 35, emerged as the Yankees most used reliever in 2025, appearing in 70 games and logging 67 innings with a 3.09 earned run average. He induced ground balls at one of the highest rates among major league relievers, recorded a low walk rate and has been effective in postseason work, allowing one run across roughly 11 innings. Hill joined New York in mid-2024 after being released by the Chicago White Sox and posted a 2.68 ERA in his Yankees appearances since then. His option for 2026 represents a modest payroll commitment for a proven left-handed late-inning arm.

Loáisiga, 31, spent much of the past two seasons battling injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2024 and returned to make 30 relief appearances in 2025, finishing with a 4.25 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and about 29 2/3...