In a bold move, the San Francisco Giants have turned to a familiar face, appointing Buster Posey, 37, as their new president of baseball operations. After missing out on high-profile free agents like Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Shohei Ohtani, the team hopes Posey can lead them to the success that has eluded them in recent years.
Posey, a Giants legend, brings no front-office experience but an impressive playing résumé. During his 12 years as the team’s regular catcher, Posey earned a batting title, Rookie of the Year, MVP, Gold Glove, and three World Series rings. He hit .302 with 158 home runs but sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his new role, Posey replaces Farhan Zaidi, who was fired after a disappointing season where the Giants finished fourth in the National League West with an 80-72 record. He’ll be tasked with revamping the roster and hiring a new general manager to replace Pete Putila, who was promoted to an undisclosed position.
Posey’s challenge is significant, as the Giants face the likely departures of key players like veteran starters Blake Snell and Robbie Ray, both eligible to test free agency. Outfielders Michael Conforto and Mark Canha are also set to become unrestricted free agents, while infielder Wilmer Flores could opt out of his contract.
Despite the uncertainty, the Giants recently extended third baseman Matt Chapman with a six-year, $115 million deal, aiming to build a more stable roster for future success. However, Posey will have to manage the team’s payroll, which ranked 10th in the majors at $207 million this year.
Giants chairman Greg Johnson expressed confidence in Posey’s leadership, stating, “We believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so we can consistently contend for championships.”
Posey’s appointment places him among a growing list of former players who have transitioned to front-office roles, including Derek Jeter, Chris Young, and Craig Breslow. Now, it’s up to Posey to revive the Giants’ glory days and bring winning baseball back to San Francisco.
