IMAGE: San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Joey Lucchesi (middle) is greeted in the dugout after being relieved from the game during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. / USA TODAY NETWORK-USA TODAY NETWORK / Imagn Images

The San Francisco Giants made a quietly intriguing move earlier this offseason when they chose not to tender a contract to left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi. It raised some eyebrows-not because Lucchesi was a star in 2025, but because he was solid, reliable, and, frankly, affordable. And yet, here we are in January, with Lucchesi still unsigned and the door potentially open for a reunion.

Lucchesi’s 2025 season was a bit of a redemption arc. He came to the Giants on a minor league deal, not exactly a headline grabber, but a savvy depth move.

There was some preseason chatter that he might crack the Opening Day roster as a second lefty behind Erik Miller, but he started the year in the minors. That didn’t last forever.

Injuries opened the door, and Lucchesi stepped through it with purpose.

Over 38 appearances, Lucchesi posted a 3.76 ERA-a respectable mark, especially considering the transition he made from starter to reliever. That kind of shift isn’t always seamless, but Lucchesi handled it with poise.

By the end of the year, he wasn’t just filling innings-he was pitching in leverage spots for manager Bob Melvin. That says something about the trust he earned.

So why did the Giants cut him loose?

It likely came down to dollars and roster flexibility. Lucchesi was projected to earn around $2 million in arbitration.

That’s not a big number in today’s game, but the Giants have been operating with a clear cost-conscious approach this winter. They’ve prioritized low-risk, low-cost bullpen options-many of them coming off injuries or looking for bounce-back seasons.

The recent signing of Sam Hentges, another left-handed reliever, might be a signal that they’re moving on from Lucchesi altogether.

But here’s the thing: you can never have too much pitching.

Depth matters, especially in the bullpen, and Lucchesi offers a unique blend of experience and versatility. He’s shown he can handle late-inning pressure, but he also has the stamina and background to stretch out as a long reliever. That kind of flexibility can be invaluable over a 162-game grind, particularly when trying to protect higher-leverage arms from being overworked.

If the Giants were to bring him back, Lucchesi would have to compete with the likes of Hentges, Matt Gage, and Nick Margevicius-other lefties trying to carve out roles in what looks like a wide-open bullpen battle. But that’s not a bad thing. Competition breeds clarity, and after a 2025 season where the bullpen faltered down the stretch, the Giants need to throw as many quality arms at the problem as possible.

Lucchesi may not be a game-changer, but he’s the kind of piece that helps stabilize a bullpen over the course of a long season. And while the Giants have clearly made some decisions about where they want to invest, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them circle back if the price is right.

For now, Lucchesi remains unsigned-but don’t be shocked if he’s back in orange and black when spring rolls around.