Giants Bring Back Reliever Lucchesi on Minor League Deal

Pitcher who had 3.76 ERA with Giants in 2025 returns on one-year contract with chance to make opening day roster

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco Giants have re-signed relief pitcher Joey Lucchesi to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training. Lucchesi pitched 38.1 innings for the Giants in 2025 with a 3.76 ERA and will now have a chance to make the team's opening day roster, especially with the news that fellow reliever Reiver Sanmartin is dealing with a hip flexor strain.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to unseat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West this season, and shoring up the bullpen is a key priority. Lucchesi's previous experience with the team and solid performance last year make him a low-risk, high-upside addition as the Giants aim to build a more competitive relief corps.

The details

Lucchesi, a former fourth-round pick of the San Diego Padres, has spent time in the majors with the Padres and New York Mets. After missing the 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery, he returned to the majors in 2023 but spent most of 2024 in the minors. The one-year, $1.55 million contract with incentives gives Lucchesi a chance to earn a spot on the Giants' opening day roster, with only Sam Hentges currently on a major league deal and Hentges not expected to be ready for the start of the season.

  • The Giants re-signed Lucchesi on March 9, 2026.
  • Lucchesi pitched 38.1 innings for the Giants in 2025 with a 3.76 ERA.
  • The Giants open the 2026 regular season on March 25 against the New York Yankees.

The players

Joey Lucchesi

A relief pitcher who previously spent time with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, and pitched for the Giants in 2025 with a 3.76 ERA.

Reiver Sanmartin

A Giants relief pitcher who is currently dealing with a hip flexor strain and may not be ready for opening day.

Sam Hentges

The only Giants relief pitcher currently on a major league contract, but he is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This move by the Giants highlights their focus on improving their bullpen as they aim to challenge the Dodgers for NL West supremacy in 2026. Lucchesi's previous experience with the team and solid 2025 performance make him a low-risk, high-upside addition to their relief corps.