Yoan López has a dearth of experience went it comes to pitching late in games. The hard-throwing right-hander might be an asset to the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna this postseason, the defending Zona Norte champions made it a priority to upgrade their bullpen this offseason.
The ex-big leaguer was once a prized international free agent signing was given 8.27 million in 2015 by the Diamondbacks and in five seasons with Arizona and the New York Mets he posted a 3-8, 4.39 earned run average, while also saving a game.
Last season López pitched in the Nippon League with the Yomuiri Giants compiling an 0-1 record, 4.05 ERA and two strikeouts in 6 ⅔ innings of work. The hurler could be the last piece that Unión Laguna needs to bring home their third Mexican League title in team history.
Right-hander Yoan López and infielder Diosbel Arias will play for the @AlgodonerosUL and @DiablosRojosMX of the @LigaMexBeis respectively.#CubanBaseballDigest #LigaMexBeis pic.twitter.com/fk87fwjs8l
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) February 27, 2024
What will be Yoan López’s role for this team?
I do my best work at the end of games, I want to contribute in the late innings and possibly close games. But I also want to contribute in whatever situation I am used. I came to compete, I like competition and I came here to win that title in this league.
They say championships are won with pitching. That was the first priority for the Algodoneros this offseason was reinforcing their pitching because last year they were very close to winning the championship.
I see familiar faces, players who have a lot of talent and youth. Pitching is really very important in the playoffs, especially because games are very close in the postseason. I think with the acquisition that this team has made, especially in the bullpen, we are going to be better come playoff time.
What is Yoan López’s greatest skill?
Attack hitters and them him out. I reiterate I like competition, it’s what I have been doing throughout my career. Aside from the competition I like to encourage the other pitchers in the bullpen by setting an example. I want them to have good energy when they come out of the pen.