San Francisco Giants land former New York Yankees reliever in free agency

MLB Rumors: San Francisco Giants land former New York Yankees reliever in free agency

With a mainly disappointing pitching staff, the San Francisco Giants finished 80-82 in 2024 and missed the postseason for the third time in the previous eight years. The Giants' already small bullpen was further weaker last week when they traded veteran reliever pitcher Taylor Rogers to the Cincinnati Reds. The organization is now taking a risk on a former New York Yankees pitcher at a low cost.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided on X, the Giants and Lou Trivino came to an agreement, and he signed a minor-league contract. A spring training invitation is part of the contract.

Before joining the Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline, Trivino began his career with the Oakland Athletics. 

During the latter three months of the season, the right-handed reliever pitched brilliantly for New York, recording a strong 1.66 ERA, 1.292 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts in 21.2 innings thrown. It stood in sharp contrast to his pre-trade 6.47 ERA and 1.875 WHIP with the A's.

However, Trivino was placed on the 60-day disabled list after suffering an elbow injury during spring training prior to the 2023 season. He experienced a setback in his recuperation while trying to treat the UCL strain. Trivino ultimately lost the full season due to Tommy John surgery.

Lou Trivino is hoped to strengthen the Giants' bullpen.

He missed the entire 2024 season due to more shoulder and arm problems. After the season, Trivino became a free agent and the Yankees moved on. The Giants are taking a chance on the 33-year-old pitcher now that he is healthy in the hopes that he can become a dependable bullpen set-up man again.

The Giants agreed to one-year contracts with both relievers, keeping closer Camilo Doval and Tyler, the twin brother of Taylor Rogers. Additionally, the organization agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with veteran starting Justin Verlander.

However, the organization was unsuccessful in acquiring Japanese star Corbin Burnes, who turned down the Giants' offer in favor of a huge six-year, $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Roki Sasaki, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It is painful to miss both starters. However, losing each of them to opponents in the NL West division exacerbates the situation.