Hot Stove League Update: Giants Sign Joey Lucchesi

The Giants moved to bolster the left side of their bullpen today with the signing of Joey Lucchesi LHP to a minor league contract.  The contract comes with an invitation to spring training and $1.5 M salary contingent on him making the team.  In my memory, most players signed on deals like this end up making the team unless they get injured or have a disastrous spring training.

You may remember Lucchesi from when he broke in with the Padres in 2016 and he pitched very well for them through 2019.  He was traded to the mets in a 3-way deal that brought Joe Musgrove to the Padres suffered a series of injuries and spent most of 2023 and 2024 in the minor leagues.  He has worked mostly as a SP in his career so could fill a dual role as a lefty reliever and spot or backup starter if he makes the team out of spring training. 

Joey Lucchesi LHP.  DOB:  6/6/1993.  6' 5", 225 lbs.  

2023(AAA):  6-5, 4.74, 81.2 IP, 8.27 K/9, 4.30 BB/9.

2023(MLB):  4-0, 2.89, 46.2 IP, 6.17 K/9, 3.28 BB/9.

2024(AAA):  5-7, 4.70, 115 IP, 6.73 K/9, 4.28 BB/9.

2024(MLB). 0-2, 5.23, 10.1 IP, 6.10 K/9, 6.97 BB/9.

Lucchesi has always been a soft-tosser with FB right at 90 MPH which he throws about 25% of the time.  He backs that with a slider which he throws about 45% and curve at about 30% with an occasional changeup.  His K/BB's have gone from excellent early in his career to suboptimal recently.  He'll get a chance to get his career back on track with the Giants.  It's a no-risk contract from the Giants perspective with pretty significant upside.  Good signing!