The San Francisco Giants entered 2026 hoping a change in leadership would help them return to postseason contention. Instead, Tony Vitello’s first season as a major-league manager ended with one of the most disappointing campaigns in franchise history.

San Francisco struggled to establish consistency throughout the season and finished with 97 losses. The Giants failed to win four consecutive games at any point, while an inconsistent offense, bullpen problems and injuries contributed to their struggles.

The result marked the ninth time in the last 10 seasons that San Francisco failed to reach the playoffs.

Now, president of baseball operations Buster Posey, general manager Zack Minasian and Vitello must evaluate what went wrong and determine how to build a more competitive roster for 2027.

Vitello arrived in San Francisco after a successful run at the University of Tennessee and became one of the more unconventional managerial hires in the organization’s history. He had no previous professional baseball experience before taking over for Bob Melvin.

His first season included several challenges, including managing a major-league bullpen for the first time and adjusting to the demands of the position.

Despite the difficult season, the Giants remain committed to Vitello entering the second year of his tenure. The organization will instead focus on helping him improve while determining which areas of the roster need the most attention.

The Giants also provided an update on Harrison Bader, who has not appeared in a game since May.

Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract during the offseason to strengthen San Francisco’s defense in center field. However, his first season with the club was limited to 30 games, during which he hit .170 before being sidelined by left plantar fasciitis.

His recovery was complicated by a scooter accident in San Francisco that further affected his injured foot. His salary was suspended in July, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Bader is currently progressing through running and baseball activities and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. He remains under contract for 2027, giving the Giants another opportunity to see what he can provide after an injury-plagued debut season.

Improving the bullpen is expected to be one of San Francisco’s most important objectives this winter.

Giants relievers posted a 4.14 ERA in 2026 and recorded 27 blown saves. The club also used 12 different pitchers to record saves, with Caleb Kilian leading the team with eight before being traded to Philadelphia at the Trade Deadline.

San Francisco has already brought back Camilo Doval after claiming him off waivers. Randy Rodríguez could also provide another boost after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Still, the Giants will need additional dependable options to stabilize the late innings.

The bullpen is only one part of a roster that requires improvement. San Francisco's disappointing 2026 campaign exposed weaknesses throughout the club, leaving Posey and Minasian with several decisions to make this offseason.

With Vitello entering his second season, Bader expected back and Doval returning, the Giants have pieces to build around. The organization now must determine which additions can help turn a 97-loss team into a legitimate contender in 2027.