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Loáisiga Could Be Rangers’ Ideal Setup Man for 2027
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- Loáisiga Could Be Rangers’ Ideal Setup Man for 2027
(© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Only a few years ago, teams around MLB were examining how the Texas Rangers built the roster that won the 2023 World Series. Texas has since found itself studying the successful approaches of other organizations.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers met in this year's World Series. Their matchup was unusual because both are small market teams competing for a title while MLB owners and the MLB Players Association continue arguing over the financial future of the sport.
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The Rangers closely followed the way Milwaukee constructed its World Series winner. President of baseball operations Chris Young wants Texas to become younger and more athletic, a direction that will probably require the roster to become less expensive as well.
Jonathan Loáisiga could become an ideal addition to the Rangers bullpen for 2027 .
How Loáisiga fits with Rangers
The right-hander could work as Texas' setup man before closer Jacob Latz enters for the ninth inning, giving manager Skip Schumaker a defined combination for protecting late leads.
Loáisiga pitched well for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026, perhaps well enough to make it financially difficult for them to retain him.
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The 31-year-old from Nicaragua posted a 2.42 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 67 innings over 67 appearances. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo relied heavily on him throughout the season.
Loáisiga recorded two saves and 10 holds while issuing only 13 walks to the 261 batters he faced.
His limited strikeout production creates one concern as he finished with only 48. Another consideration is that much of his success resulted from holding right-handed hitters to a .415 OPS.
However, his five-pitch mix suggests there may still be more available within his repertoire.
Loáisiga has placed himself in position to receive a multi-year contract carrying an average annual value between $5 million and $8 million. That price will probably prevent the Diamondbacks from re-signing him.
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Loáisiga's upside
For Texas, Loáisiga's control would be one of the most appealing parts of his game. Relievers who consistently avoid unnecessary walks can enter close games without immediately creating additional pressure for themselves or the defense.
His extensive pitch mix also gives him several ways to approach hitters. He does not have to depend on one offering every time he enters, which can help him adjust when a particular pitch is not producing the desired results.
Loáisiga has also demonstrated that he can handle frequent appearances. That availability would matter for a Rangers bullpen that needs dependable options throughout a full season, not merely a small collection of dominant outings.
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Placing him before Latz could give both pitchers clearly defined responsibilities without preventing Schumaker from adjusting when matchups demand something different.
Loáisiga's previous experience recording saves and holds shows that important late innings would not represent unfamiliar territory.
The contract projection is substantial enough to require careful consideration, but it would not force Texas to spend at the top of the relief market.
Loáisiga could provide control, experience and late-inning stability while fitting Young's effort to construct a more efficient roster.
