3 free agents coming off injury-plagued seasons the Pirates should sign

Jonathan Loaisiga

The last two seasons haven't been too kind to Jonathan Loaisiga. He's only pitched 20 innings, and while he has been effective when he's been able to take the mound, that has unfortunately not occurred very often. Last season, Loaisiga only appeared in a trio of games with four frames, but the flamethrowing right-hander is the definition of effective when healthy.

Since the start of 2021, Loaisiga has had a 2.89 ERA, 3.16 FIP, and 1.12 WHIP in 140.1 IP. Strikeouts aren't Loaisiga's forte; he has just a 20% K% in that time. Still, he limits walks at a good rate, with just a 6.4% free pass percentage, as well as home runs, with an 0.51 HR/9 rate. 

Loaisiga also rarely allows opponents to hit him hard. His exit velocity and barrel rate sit at 84.1 MPH and 2.4%. The right-handed reliever continues to make opponents hit the ball into the ground with a GB% approaching 60% at 59.2%. Among pitchers with at least 140 innings out of the pen since 2021, Loaisiga has the second-best exit velo, best barrel rate, and eighth-best ground ball percentage. 

When Loaisiga is healthy enough, he's able to crank the heat up. His sinker averaged out at 97.9 MPH in the few games he was able to play in 2024 That just about matches what he's consistently averaged with his sinker since moving to the bullpen full-time in '21. His go-to breaking pitch is an upper-80s curveball, and his primary offspeed offering is a changeup that sits around 90 MPH. Loaisiga has also displayed decent command over his pitch mix.

Loaisiga had UCL surgery in early April of 2024, but did not require Tommy John surgery, instead opting for an alternate procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister (likely an internal brace). He should be ready by April, if not slightly thereafter.

He turned 30 earlier this month, and he'd definitely be worth the Pirates' time. He'll likely sign a low-cost contract, given his last two seasons. The Pirates need bullpen help and any arm can help out, especially one like Loaisiga. If Loaisiga is healthy enough to take the mound for 50-60 innings, the Pirates will get an excellent reliever out of the deal.