Phillies Linked to Move for Former Yankees Top Prospect

The Philadelphia Phillies absolutely need to find ways to improve their bullpen this winter, as it was nothing short of an abject disaster down the stretch of 2026.

Alex McFarlane and Jhoan Duran were about the only trustworthy relievers Don Mattingly had at his disposal, which is something that cannot continue if the Phillies want to have any chance of making the playoffs next season.

The good news is that there will be some intriguing arms available in free agency, and Jim Bowden of The Athletic has already linked Philadelphia to one: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga.

Bowden ranked Loasiga No. 39 on his list of the top 40 free agents this offseason and projected the right-hander to bag a two-year, $20 million contract.

He also tabbed the Phillies as one of the top potential landing spots for him, also mentioning a Diamondbacks reunion.

Loaisiga logged 2.42 ERA over 67 appearances this season, allowing just 56 hits while registering 48 strikeouts over 67 innings of work.

There was a time when the 31-year-old was a flamethrower during his early days with the New York Yankees, but a rash of injuries throughout his career has relegated him to more of a finesse ground ball pitcher.

A former top prospect int the Yankees system, Loaisiga spent his first eight big-league campaigns in the Bronx before linking up with Arizona last year.

When healthy, the Nicaraguan native has been impressive, owning a lifetime 3.30 ERA. But actually staving off injury has always been a problem for him.

In fact, his 67 appearances in 2026 were quite easily a career high for Loaisiga, who had previously never reached 60 outings in a single season.

So, should the Phillies make a play for such a risky arm?

Loaisiga possesses tremendous control, having posted a 1.7 BB/9 this past year. He also owns a lifetime 2.7 BB/9. Additionally, he does a fine job keeping the ball in the yard, having coughed up just three home runs in 2026.

Of course, the medical history is worrisome, and $10 million annually may seem like an awful lot for someone who has trouble staying on the field. Especially considering the Phils gave a similar deal to Brad Keller last winter, only to see him go down with a season-ending elbow injury midway through the campaign.

But the Phillies certainly need to do something to fortify their bullpen in the coming months, and Loaisiga could be one of the top options available.

I also get the feeling that he might come a bit cheaper than what Bowden is projecting.