SF Giants quietly added depth to key bullpen area in 2025

The SF Giants began last season with Erik Miller as their primary and only left-handed reliever in the bullpen. Assuming he is healthy next season, he will be joined by Joey Lucchesi and Matt Gage from the left side next year.

SF Giants quietly added depth to key bullpen area in 2025

The Giants did not put much emphasis on bullpen matchups, as they were comfortable with just one lefty reliever for much of the first half.

That felt like a misstep by the club, but it rarely was an issue when the Giants had one of the better bullpens in baseball. It helped that Randy Rodríguez was also extremely effective against left-handed hitters in 2025.

When Miller went down with an elbow sprain, Joey Lucchesi assumed the role as the primary left-handed reliever. He was joined by Matt Gage shortly thereafter.

Good bullpens often still take advantage of matchups, and it does not hurt that the Giants could throw a few different looks to left-handed hitters next year.

Miller will likely still be the primary option. He pitched to a 1.50 ERA in 36 outings with the Giants. He held left-handed hitters to a .578 OPS in 48 plate appearances last year.

Gage and Lucchesi were also quite effective in those matchups. Gage allowed a .574 OPS in same-sided matchups, compared to a .597 OPS from Lucchesi.

Overall, Gage posted a 3.91 ERA in 25 outings for San Francisco. Lucchesi pitched to a 3.76 ERA in 38 appearances.

When the Giants ran thin on leverage arms, Lucchesi was one of the few arms reliably used in the eighth inning. However, a good bullpen likely has both Gage and Lucchesi throwing in lower-leverage spots.

The Giants regularly face some tough left-handed hitters in the NL West, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Corbin Carroll. It is not a bad idea to have several different options in these matchups. Erik Miller brings a bit more velocity, whereas Gage and Lucchesi are more finesse pitchers.

The bullpen will need to be rebuilt the bullpen this offseason. They do have a quality floor of relievers, but desperately need pitchers who can thrive in leverage situations. This is why a reunion with Tyler Rogers makes plenty of sense. One area they have seemingly already checked off is coverage from the left side.