Yankees Lose Out on Opportunity to Re-Sign Lefty, Who Chooses NL Team Instead

Despite a solid season on a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox, former successful New York Yankees left-handed reliever Lucas Luetge opted out of his deal last week after no re-call was forthcoming in Boston. Now he's signed on with the Chicago Cubs.

Confirmed Lucas Luetge does have a minor league deal with the Cubs. https://t.co/Uj1lNWsPmU
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 7, 2024

It was thought that the Yankees would be interested in a reunion with the southpaw, but the Cubs beat them to it, giving the seven-year MLB veteran a minor league deal.

Luetge has looked strong this season in his Triple-A stint, with a 3.02 ERA in 31 appearances, along with six saves and a 10.2 K/9 in 41 2/3 innings. The Red Sox had been in need of help in the bullpen, so it's a bit confusing over why he wasn't given an opportunity in Beantown.

After an impressive two seasons in the Bronx in 2021 & 2022, posting a combined 2.71 ERA in 129 innings with New York, along with 9.6 K/9 against only 2.2 walks-per-nine, the Yankees surprisingly DFA'd Luetge, and then sent him to Atlanta, where he pitched just 13.2 innings with the Braves last season without much success.

The Cubs, who have a very solid bullpen already, do have a need for another lefty to call on, so it won't be surprising to see him get a shot in the Windy City sooner than later.

Overall, Luetge has a 3.60 career ERA in 230 appearances.