Buster Posey reaffirms faith in the former Tennessee coach, prioritizing organizational stability and player development despite a dismal win-loss record and a challenging transition to the majors.
Tony Vitello will remain manager of the San Francisco Giants in 2027 despite a difficult first season since making the unprecedented transition from college baseball.
The Giants are 56-81, the fourth-worst record in MLB. Their .409 winning percentage would be their lowest since finishing 64-98 with a .395 mark in 2017.
President of baseball operations Buster Posey nevertheless confirmed to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that Vitello will return next season.
Posey explained that their conversations have remained focused on the future and determining what must change to get the Giants back on track.
“Obviously, he’s his own man,” Posey said.
“I haven’t felt once in any conversation that we’ve had that there’s any thoughts about jumping ship. All of our conversations are future-oriented, like, ‘What do we have to do to get this right?’ So if he wasn’t (returning) it would come as a surprise to me.”
What Vitello wants
Vitello has $7 million remaining over the final two seasons of his three-year contract. However, Slusser noted finances probably would not prevent a departure if he wanted to return to college baseball, since San Francisco and a new school could arrange to cover the remaining salary.
Stability represents a larger consideration.
Managers rarely lose their jobs after one season, and the Giants have lacked continuity since Bruce Bochy’s 13-season tenure ended. Gabe Kapler lasted just short of four seasons, while Bob Melvin managed two before being fired.
Removing Vitello would also create questions about Posey’s decision-making process and potentially make future managerial candidates question their job security.
Vitello had never played, coached or managed in MLB before San Francisco hired him last October.
He spent 15 seasons as a college assistant before taking over the University of Tennessee program. Vitello transformed the Volunteers into a powerhouse and regular College World Series contender, culminating in the 2024 national championship.
His first MLB season has produced disappointing results, but the roster has presented significant challenges.
The front office did little last winter to strengthen a rotation and bullpen requiring multiple improvements. Pitching problems were compounded by down seasons from Matt Chapman and Willy Adames and widespread injuries throughout the roster.
Vitello’s upside
He brings intensity, accountability and an ability to establish expectations throughout an organization. That’s what made him successful at Tennessee.
His college baseball background also gives him extensive experience developing players rather than simply managing established professionals.
Communication is particularly important during this transition.
MLB players require different handling than college athletes, and Vitello must continue learning when to push, when to remain patient and how to manage personalities over a demanding season.
His willingness to embrace that learning process matters.
Bay Area fans understandably want immediate contention, but some adjustment was inevitable with such an unusual jump from college baseball.
One full season of experience should allow Vitello to make adjustments. A clearer judgment can come in 2027, particularly if Posey and ownership provide more substantial roster upgrades this offseason.
