Jonathan Loaisiga's message to Yankees fans proves he's focused (but fear remains)

Despite a series of injury-plagued follow-ups to the 2021 season that seemed to permanently change the perception of his ceiling, Jonathan Loiaisiga doesn't owe the New York Yankees, or their fans, anything at all. His issues were far beyond his own control.

At a certain point, the Yankees should've probably realized they should count anything they received from the right-hander as a bonus rather than a foundational building block, but that's neither here nor there. Loaisiga is in no way responsible for his body betraying him.

Now, following a lost year impacted and erased by elbow surgery, Loaisiga declined to test free agency for very long, agreeing to return to the Yankees on a $5 million contract for 2025 that could become $10.5 million if a 2026 team option is triggered.

The right-hander spoke to reporters at camp on Thursday, emphasizing his personal belief that he "owed" the Bronx and his supporters one more shot. It's a noble statement, and although unnecessary, shows he's locked into a team-first mindset as he prepares to join a deeper bullpen than any he's previously been a part of with the Yankees.

Unfortunately, Loaisiga's heartfelt statement also came with a reminder of his fallibility. He noted that he hopes to return in late May or early June. Previously, pitching coach Matt Blake's stated timeline had the righty returning a month prior.

Yankees' Jonathan Loaisiga feels he "owes" fans a return to form as his rehab timeline shifts

Now, the Yankees have done things in the right order this time. They've welcomed a driven Loaisiga back at a reasonable rate. He's no longer entering the season as a penciled-in seventh inning bridge. He's merely looming as a potential playoff weapon/mid-year boost. The Yankees certainly don't need him straining in April and May. What they need is for him to round into form by September and October.

Still, it should come as no surprise to fans that the earlier stated timeline on Loaisiga's recovery was too optimistic. Similarly, no one should be shocked in June eventually becomes July.

Loaisiga has an impressive mentality entering 2025, even if he didn't need to be quite as demure and loyal as he's been. Unfortunately, this is the Yankees we're talking about, a team that routinely gives out $5 million, $10 million, or, say, $18 million, then eventually forgets who they are and regrets the expenditure. Hopefully, they stick to their guns and allow him to rehab at his own pace, preparing for the second half, rather than get antsy about the reasonable contract they've bestowed.