Mets acquire LHP Joey Lucchesi in three-team trade

FLUSHING, N.Y., January 19, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced that they have acquired LHP Joey Lucchesi (loo-KAY-see) from San Diego as part of a three-team trade. The Mets sent minor league catcher Endy Rodríguez to Pittsburgh as part of the deal.

Lucchesi, 27, ranked in the top five among NL left-handers in 2019 in opponents’ average (third - .233), OPS (fourth - .702) and WHIP (fifth – 1.22). Lucchesi went 10-10 with a 4.18 ERA in 30 starts in 2019 for the Padres. He pitched 163.2 innings, allowed 144 hits and struck out 158.

The 6-5, 225-pounder became the first pitcher from the 2016 draft class to reach the majors (March 30, 2018) and ranked third among all rookies with 145 strikeouts, tied for fifth in wins (eight) and sixth in innings (130.0) in 2018. He was selected by the Padres in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft.

Lucchesi made three appearances, two starts for San Diego in 2020. In three major league seasons, he is 18-20 with a 4.21 ERA (140 earned runs/299.1 innings) with 308 strikeouts in 59 games, 58 starts. For his career, left-handers have slashed .238/.317/.339 against him.

Rodríguez, 20, hit .276 (60-217) with 20 doubles, four homers and 37 RBI in 66 games over two minor league seasons.