Lucchesi rejoins SF Giants on minor league contract

Left-hander Joey Lucchesi signs deal with Giants after being non-tendered in November

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:59pm by Ben Kaplan

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Joey Lucchesi, a left-handed pitcher, has rejoined the San Francisco Giants on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Lucchesi posted a 3.76 ERA over 38.1 innings for the Giants last season before being non-tendered in November. He will make $1.55 million with the opportunity to earn an additional $300,000 in incentives.

Why it matters

Lucchesi's return to the Giants comes at a time when the team's bullpen depth has been impacted by injuries to Reiver Sanmartin and Joel Peguero. With Sam Hentges also unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Lucchesi provides the Giants with an experienced left-handed relief option.

The details

Lucchesi, 32, spent the last several months as a free agent before reuniting with the Giants. He felt he deserved a major league contract after his performance last season, but the Giants had other plans. Lucchesi has been working out in Florida with other unsigned players and is currently built up to throw around 45 pitches. He is expected to make his Cactus League debut next week.

  • Lucchesi was non-tendered by the Giants in November 2025.
  • Lucchesi signed a minor league contract with the Giants in March 2026.

The players

Joey Lucchesi

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who previously played for the Giants.

Reiver Sanmartin

A left-handed pitcher for the Giants who sustained a right hip flexor strain.

Joel Peguero

A right-handed pitcher for the Giants who reinjured his left hamstring.

Sam Hentges

A left-handed pitcher for the Giants who is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day as he continues recovering from left shoulder surgery.

Tony Vitello

The manager of the San Francisco Giants.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I did my job, respectfully. I was healthy as well — I'm healthy now. They had other visions, I guess. I don't know. I really can't speak for them, but in my own heart and mind, I felt like I deserved that major league contract. But, you know, it is what it is. I'm going to work hard to show them that they need me.”

— Joey Lucchesi (mercurynews.com)

“I think he's been a name that's floated around all along. It's just you've got logistics that need to be worked out. Fortunately, everything pieced together to where he's here now with us. It sounds like he's done a really good job of putting himself in a position to take the ball and get going right away.”

— Tony Vitello, Manager (mercurynews.com)

What’s next

Lucchesi is expected to make his Cactus League debut for the Giants next week as he continues to build up his pitch count.

The takeaway

Lucchesi's return to the Giants provides the team with much-needed left-handed bullpen depth as they navigate early-season injuries to key relievers. His experience and performance last season make him a valuable addition to the Giants' pitching staff.