San Francisco Giants leadership confirmed Tuesday that manager Tony Vitello will return for the 2027 season despite a disastrous 97-loss campaign. President of baseball operations Buster Posey defended the staff during a year-end press conference at Oracle Park, signaling few major changes ahead for the struggling franchise.
The San Francisco Giants wrapped up one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s modern era on Tuesday, finishing with a 65-97 record that left them out of the postseason picture for the ninth time in ten years. Rather than shaking up the coaching staff or admitting a flawed roster build, president of baseball operations Buster Posey, general manager Zack Minasian, and manager Tony Vitello took the dais at Oracle Park to double down on their collective process. The team did not win four straight games all year, matched the fourth-most losses in franchise history, and churned through 71 players—tying a major league record—yet the front office insisted the core remains intact.
Buster Posey Backs Tony Vitello Despite a 97-Loss Season
When the Giants hired Vitello away from the University of Tennessee last October, the organization gambled that his fiery energy would establish a competitive edge. Instead, the first-time professional skipper experienced a steep learning curve, earning an MLB-high seven ejections and struggling to run a big-league bullpen. Posey acknowledged the offensive and pitching inconsistencies that plagued the club all summer, admitting the front office likely overestimated its relief corps.
Even so, Posey dismissed the idea of sweeping coaching changes. While minor adjustments to Vitello’s staff remain under review, the top executive made it clear that the experiment with the college skipper will continue into a second year. Vitello himself acknowledged the difficult adjustment to managing a 162-game schedule, telling reporters that he is still learning the difference between being a college coach and managing a big-league operation.
“I think the word ‘manager’ is a specific title and an appropriate one for a reason. It took me a while to just get to know everybody.”
Tony Vitello, Manager
Core Players and Roster Direction for 2027
Shortstop Willy Adames endured a difficult defensive campaign, ranking as baseball’s worst defensive shortstop this season, yet Posey confirmed the club views his future at the position. Similarly, core hitters Rafael Devers and Matt Chapman battled injuries—both are recovering from abdominal surgeries—and will anchor the lineup again next year.
Despite finishing deep in the NL West cellar, Posey expressed unwavering confidence in the roster’s offensive foundation and ace pitcher Logan Webb, pointing to encouraging stretches from young call-ups like Bryce Eldridge down the stretch.
“With our position player group, there’s still a ton of belief. … If you’re, I guess, asking do you think that we can contend next year? I do. I do believe that we can.”
Buster Posey, President of Baseball Operations, via Mlb
Harrison Bader Status and Ongoing Scooter Investigation
His absence extended indefinitely after a bizarre Marina District scooter accident in which he collided with a fire engine, further damaging his left foot while his pay was suspended starting July 31.
Posey noted that Bader is currently working through running and baseball progressions with an expectation to be ready by Spring Training. However, his future in San Francisco remains clouded by an unresolved investigation into the crash.
“As far as getting the details of the investigation, that’s not something that we can discuss. There’s ongoing conversations between the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association. I think everybody, including Harrison, is disappointed about how this thing unfolded. Right now, he’s under contract for next season.”
Buster Posey, President of Baseball Operations, via Mlb
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