Mets are interested in signing another Yankees pitcher in free agency

DALLAS – The Mets have already acquired three former Yankees as free agents this offseason.

You now have your eye on at least one more.

According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, reliever Jonathan Loáisiga is drawing “a lot of interest” from the Mets, as well as the Padres, Rangers, Blue Jays and Yankees.

Loáisiga, 30, has been in the Yankees bullpen for parts of the past seven seasons. He is electrifying when at his best and has enjoyed impressive periods of dominance along the way, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential.

The right-hander underwent season-ending elbow surgery last April after just three appearances. The year before, he appeared in just 17 2/3 innings and missed more than three months with further elbow problems.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, who confirmed that the Mets are in contact with Loáisiga in free agency, the reliever is expected to be ready for spring training.

While Loáisiga would be a risk due to his recurring health issues, he would be a good fit for the Mets due to his familiarity with manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees bench coach. The Mets also poached assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel from the Yankees this offseason, another person who could facilitate a potential move for Loáisiga.

Earlier this month, the Mets signed former Yankees closer Clay Holmes in free agency with the intent of using him as their starting pitcher. This deal was officially announced on Monday. They also brought in righty starter Frankie Montas, once a high-profile trade deadline acquisition for the Yankees, another pitcher doomed by pinstripe injuries.

And of course there is Juan Soto. The Mets signed the superstar outfielder on Sunday, beating out the Yankees and other big-spending rivals to a record $765 million, 15-year contract.