Giants Sign LHPto Minor League Deal
The San Francisco Giants are addressing their need for left-handed pitching depth by signing veteran left-hander Joey Lucchesi to a Minor League deal. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the agreement includes an invitation to Spring Training and offers Lucchesi a $1.5 million salary if he makes the Major League roster.
Lucchesi, 31, began his career as a promising fourth-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2016. He made an encouraging MLB debut in 2018, starting 26 games with a 4.08 ERA, signaling potential as a reliable starter. However, his career trajectory shifted after being traded to the New York Mets in a 2021 three-team deal involving big names like Joe Musgrove and David Bednar.
During his three years with the Mets, injuries and inconsistency hampered Lucchesi’s performance. Over 22 appearances, he posted a 3.78 ERA and a 4.02 FIP. In 2024, he pitched just twice, recording a 5.23 ERA across 10.1 innings. Despite these setbacks, Lucchesi now has an opportunity to rejuvenate his career with the Giants.
While Lucchesi has predominantly been a starter, his path to contributing for the Giants seems more likely in the bullpen. San Francisco’s rotation appears set with Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Justin Verlander, Kyle Harrison, and Jordan Hicks. Additionally, the team has several promising young pitchers on the 40-man roster, such as Hayden Birdsong, Keaton Winn, and Mason Black, who may be prioritized for spot starts over Lucchesi.
The bullpen, however, offers more potential for Lucchesi. The Giants have just two left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster—Taylor Rogers and Erik Miller. Their left-handed depth in Triple-A is also thin due to injuries to promising arms Reggie Crawford and Juan Sánchez, both sidelined long-term. Adding a veteran like Lucchesi could bolster the bullpen and provide manager Bob Melvin with a reliable lefty option, especially given concerns about Rogers’ performance and contract.
While Lucchesi’s exact role remains unclear, his experience and the Giants’ need for southpaw depth give him a viable shot to make an impact in 2025.
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