Days before pitchers and catchers were set to report for spring training, the Boston Red Sox made another addition to their pitching staff. On Saturday night, they signed left-handed reliever Lucas Luetge, likely to a minor league deal as reported by multiple sources.
This marks Luetge’s fourth team in his MLB career. He last played for the Atlanta Braves in the 2023 season after spending two years with the New York Yankees.
Luetge, who will turn 37 next month, announced his signing with the Red Sox through a post on social media.
“Year 17 and heading back to the Northeast! Excited to join the Red Sox organization,” Luetge announced on the platform X.
Luetge had a challenging season with the Braves in 2023, making 12 appearances after being traded from the Yankees in December 2022. During his time with Atlanta, he recorded a 1-0 record but struggled with a high 7.24 ERA, managing to strike out 14 batters in 13 2/3 innings. Luetge faced several setbacks with the Braves, being designated for assignment three times throughout the season.
However, his performance with the Yankees over two seasons was more promising, where he achieved an 8-6 record with a significantly lower 2.71 ERA and also secured three saves across 107 appearances.
Luetge initially began his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners, spending four seasons with them. Following that, he faced a hiatus from major league action between 2016 and 2020, during which he navigated through various minor league teams.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has made bolstering pitching depth across the organization a priority this offseason. In addition to signing Lucas Luetge, he recently brought Michael Fulmer into the pitching fold.
The team’s first pitchers and catchers workout is scheduled for Wednesday.
