The San Francisco Giants have signed left-hander Joey Lucchesi to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. If Lucchesi makes the major league roster out of camp, he will earn $1.55 million, with an additional $300,000 available through performance incentives. This signing comes at a time when the team faces significant uncertainty in their left-handed bullpen options.
Left-Handed Relief Depth Strained by Injury to Reiver Sanmartin
The timing of Lucchesi’s return is notable, as the Giants’ other key left-handed reliever, Reiver Sanmartin, recently suffered a serious injury. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Sanmartin’s MRI showed a severe hip flexor strain, which is expected to keep him out of action for at least three months. With Sanmartin sidelined, the Giants’ remaining left-handed relief options on the 40-man roster are limited to Erik Miller, who himself has been slowed by a back issue during spring camp, and Matt Gage.
Lucchesi’s Performance History and Role with the Giants
Now 32, Lucchesi impressed the Giants last season in a middle relief role, appearing in 38 games and pitching 38 1/3 innings with a 3.76 ERA. While his strikeout rate of 18.8% fell below league average, he showed strong control with a walk rate of only 7.3%, and an excellent ground-ball rate of 53%. Over 433 innings pitched in the major leagues with the Padres, Mets, and Giants, Lucchesi holds a 4.07 ERA with average strikeout, walk, and ground-ball figures. Primarily a starting pitcher earlier in his career, he transitioned to relief work last year. Despite his contributions, the Giants opted to non-tender him in November before bringing him back on this minor league deal.
Sanmartin’s Background and Recent Performance
Sanmartin, 29, was acquired by the Giants on waivers last November after spending his entire major league career with the Cincinnati Reds. Across parts of four seasons from 2021 to 2025, he recorded a 5.66 ERA. While he generated a solid ground-ball rate of 53.6%, his strikeout rate, walk rate, and average fastball velocity were all below league averages. Though his overall numbers were modest, Sanmartin represented one of the few left-handed bullpen additions made by the Giants during the offseason.
Giants’ Bullpen Moves and Current State
The Giants made limited adjustments to their bullpen this offseason, signing Jason Foley, Sam Hentges, and Rowan Wick to major league contracts despite none being expected to be ready for Opening Day. Beyond claiming Sanmartin off waivers and signing Michael Fulmer to a minor league deal, the bullpen remained mostly unchanged despite losing key relievers Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers via trade last July, as well as Randy Rodriguez to Tommy John surgery last September.
Outlook for Lucchesi and the Giants’ Bullpen
If Lucchesi’s deal is finalized soon, he should have adequate time to prepare during spring training and is expected to compete for a role similar to his single-inning relief work from last season. His return provides the Giants with needed depth in left-handed relief pitching as they navigate injuries and roster gaps early this spring.
Lucchesi Giants deal: $1.55M with chance to make 300K more in incentives https://t.co/lLhC83Bd24
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 9, 2026
Reiver Sanmartin’s MRI isn’t good news – severe hip flexor strain and he will miss three months.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) March 9, 2026
