New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga: "We want that championship; that's what we're looking for"

Pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga is entering his sixth season with the New York Yankees and has high hopes for the upcoming season. The reliever has played 156 games for the club and is one of the longer serving members on the roster.

Since being traded to the Yankees in 2016, Loaisiga has worked his way up the ladder and established himself on the 40-man roster. Overall, he has a 18-9 record and a lifetime 3.55 ERA. He has averaged a strikeout per inning and has held opposing hitters to a .238 average.

Loaisiga has made it clear that he is firmly focused on winning the championship next season:

"We want that championship; that's what we're looking for."

As per a recent article in MLB, Loaisiga also reflected on last season and his strong finish to the year. The Nicaraguan reliever allowed just five earned runs in the months of August, September and October.

"I feel like I was able to finish strong and put together a good season there at the end," added Loaisiga.

The Yankees originally envisioned Loaisiga as a starter when he was promoted to the majors in 2018. He started eleven games for the club between 2018-2020 and finished with an impressive 7-2 record.

"Jonathan Loaisiga, who will be departing camp soon for the WBC, on in the fourth for his first outing of the spring. The Yankees have been impressed with how he's looked so far in bullpens and sim games" - Erik Boland

In 2021 the decision was made to move him to the bullpen, where he has shown glimpses of his talent.

Jonathan Loaisiga will look to cement his place in the New York Yankees bullpen in 2023

Jonathan Loaisiga reacts after striking out Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium

The New York Yankees won 99 games last season but fell just short of their ultimate goal. The club lost out in the American League Championship Series to the Houston Astros in disappointing fashion. They will aim to win their first World Series title since 2009.

"That's the Loaisiga I want to see again" - Dillard Barnhart

The club has the ability to put runs on the board, but will need their pitching to step up. Carlos Rodon's addition will add quality and depth to the rotation. Michael King and Jonathan Loaisiga are key figures in the bullpen.

Loaisiga has bounced between the majors and minors throughout his career. Injuries have also hampered his progress but the talent is there for all to see. Many are predicting the 28-year-old will have a big season in 2023.