SF Giants assuming risk with lack of options from the left side in the bullpen

Erik Miller had a nice rookie season with the SF Giants in 2024. Currently, he is the only left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster, which suggests a lot of confidence but carries plenty of risk as well.

SF Giants assuming risk with lack of options from the left side in the bullpen

The Giants traded away the only other southpaw reliever last month when they sent Taylor Rogers to the Cincinnati Reds. It seemed like a sign that the Giants would go out and add another lefty in free agency.

In some sense, they did go out and do that when they signed veteran pitcher Joey Lucchesi on a minor league deal. He has worked primarily as a starter in his five-year career in the majors. In total, he has made 81 appearances, including 77 starts.

Lucchesi has the inside track for the second lefty in the bullpen as many of the non-roster invitees do not have much experience, if any, in the majors. The big question is, can he transition to the bullpen? Some pitchers transition seamlessly while others struggle.

This feels like too big of a question to leave unanswered. At the very least, the Giants could have added another experienced left-handed pitcher. Someone like Tim Hill or Scott Alexander fits that description. Hill rejoined the New York Yankees, whereas Alexander signed with the Colorado Rockies. Both signed one-year deals for less than $3 million.

A few options remain on the market. Some familiar names include Will Smith and Matt Moore. Andrew Chafin is available and still strikes out a bunch of hitters. The options are not that appealing as both Smith and Moore are coming off of down years. Chafin was not bad. At this time of year, relievers will take whatever offers they have and pitch in spring training, hoping they stick with their current club or latch on with another.

On the other hand, the Giants could use at least one more option from the left side. Erik Miller posted a 3.88 ERA in 73 appearances while holding left-handed hitters to a .504 OPS. Those are sturdy numbers, but the Giants should want to have depth at this role as well.

What happens if Miller struggles or gets injured? What happens if Lucchesi does not adjust to the bullpen? Good lefties are hard to find early in the year and if either one of these scenarios plays out, the Giants might be stuck. That is a situation they should want to avoid. There is still time and a couple of options.