The San Francisco Giants have added more depth to their left-handed pitching options. Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, lefty has signed a minor league deal with the team, including an invite to spring training.
SF Giants reportedly add experienced lefty to compete for spot on Opening Day roster
Heyman reports that He will earn $1.5 million if he secures a spot on the roster. The Giants are expected to see healthy competition among left-handed pitchers in spring training.
Currently, the only left-handed relievers on the Giants’ 40-man roster are Erik Miller and Taylor Rogers. Miller emerged as Bob Melvin’s top left-handed option out of the bullpen in 2024 and is likely to retain that role this season.
In his rookie campaign, Miller posted a 3.88 ERA, 3.67 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, and a 2.29 SO/W ratio over 67.1 innings. While he struggled with fatigue late in the season, his debut was encouraging.
Meanwhile, Taylor Rogers delivered a strong 2.40 ERA across 60 innings last season. Despite the solid numbers, he was rarely used in high-leverage situations and underperformed against left-handed hitters—an area the Giants had hoped he would excel in.
Lucchesi joins a group of left-handed pitchers signed to non-guaranteed deals this offseason, including Ethan Small, Raymond Burgos, Enny Romero, and Antonio Jimenez. Adding Lucchesi is a low-risk move with some upside for the Giants.
The six-year veteran had a promising start to his career with the San Diego Padres, recording a 4.14 ERA in 56 starts over his first two seasons. However, injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2021, have hampered his career.
After missing the entire 2022 season, Lucchesi bounced back in 2023, posting a 2.89 ERA in 46.2 innings with the New York Mets. While he spent most of the season in Triple-A, he ended the year on a high note, holding the Atlanta Braves to one earned run in six innings during a September start. Following the season, the Mets removed him from the 40-man roster, and Lucchesi elected free agency.
On the mound, Lucchesi features a low-90s sinker and an above-average curveball from a three-quarters arm slot. Though his velocity is modest, his ability to hide the ball effectively makes his pitches deceptive and challenging for hitters.
For Lucchesi, this opportunity is also a homecoming. The Newark, California native attended Chabot College before transferring to Southeast Missouri State University. This signing offers him a chance to revive his career while pitching close to home.
Be the first to comment