Angels sign LHP Joey Lucchesi for assignment

Sentiment Analysis

The Angels' decision to sign Joey Lucchesi on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training represents a low-risk flier on a pitcher trying to resurrect his career. Lucchesi, who showed promise early in his career with San Diego before injuries and ineffectiveness derailed his trajectory, brings a unique repertoire anchored by his churve (curveball-changeup hybrid) that once generated swings and misses at an above-average rate. However, his recent struggles with command and an inability to miss bats consistently have relegated him to replacement-level status, making this more of a depth play than a meaningful rotation upgrade. While the financial commitment is minimal and the upside exists if he can rediscover his 2018-2019 form, the Angels are essentially hoping lightning strikes twice on a pitcher who hasn't been effective at the major league level in recent seasons. This signing earns a C CVI as a reasonable organizational depth move that addresses quantity over quality in a rotation that desperately needs both.