In the span of two years, Buster Posey has gone from being a member of the San Francisco Giants’ ownership group to serving on the board of directors to now taking on the role of president of baseball operations.
Fahan Zaidi is out after six years and Posey is working after the Giants missed the MLB playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. Just two seasons ago they won 107 games and the NL West, but in the 2023 season the team won the fewest games (79) over a full season since 2019 (77).
The 37-year-old Posey is three years away from retirement after a 12-season MLB career, all in San Francisco. He won Rookie of the Year, MVP and three World Series titles, but now the former catcher is tasked with turning around the franchise’s fortunes and bringing winning baseball back to the area – something that drew him to the job.
“The opportunity to be part of a team, to have the opportunity to take the staff and players to the next level. We are in a business that makes memories,” Posey said during the introductory press conference on Tuesday. “Sure, winning is great and ultimately that’s our goal, but the overall image of being part of something bigger than yourself is very attractive.”
Posey has already left his mark on the current Giants roster. In early September, the team announced an extension for Matt Chapman, which was the culmination of Posey’s work with agent Scott Boras after little ground had been made with Zaidi leading the talks from the team side.
Now fully settled into this role, Posey will look to hire the team’s next general manager while Pete Putila is reassigned to the organization.
“I want a servant leader who can empower people,” Posey said of what he looks for in a GM. “Ideally, someone with a scouting background would also be important to me. Today’s game is so much about bringing together what your eyes see and what your instincts are.” with what the data tells you.”
Posey’s move into an influential executive role may raise eyebrows around the league, but he said he will use the experience of those around him in his decision-making.
In addition to hiring a GM, pitcher Blake Snell is high on Posey’s to-do list. The 31-year-old two-time Cy Young Award winner signed a two-year, $62 million deal with the Giants in March, with a player option for 2025. It is more than likely that Snell will opt out and become the free agent testing. market.
Snell had a rough first half but finished the 2024 season strong, allowing him to cash in this winter. The Giants hope they will be high on his list of potential destinations.
“He’s clearly someone we need to look at as a priority,” Posey said.
Posey has a vision for what he wants a competitive team to look like. In six of his first full MLB seasons, the Giants finished with a winning record and three ended with titles. With smart moves this offseason, fielding a team capable of being a consistent winner in San Francisco again doesn’t have to be a long-term project.
“Hopefully what it’s going to be, and I know it [Giants manager] Bob [Melvin] I like this is good, clean baseball,” Posey said. “What I can draw from as a player is going into a match knowing that I was as prepared as I could be, regardless of the outcome or result of the match. I could be satisfied with that.
“I am hopeful that our gas will get there, and that will be very important for them as well.”
