The San Francisco Giants are approaching the MLB trade deadline with expectations increasingly pointing toward a seller’s approach.

The roster has not produced enough consistent results, and one of the biggest reasons has been the pitching staff’s inability to establish stability throughout the season.

But, according to a recent report, the issue may not rest entirely with execution on the mound.

Pitch selection and game management have emerged as another possible factor.

As reported by Evan Webeck from the California Post, several Giants pitchers, led by Logan Webb, have started taking more control of pitch calling because of a lack of confidence in the current catching setup.

Webeck said that as the Giants’ new catching tandem of Daniel Susac and Eric Haase attempts to replace the institutional knowledge that departed when two-time Gold Glove catcher Patrick Bailey was traded to the Cleveland Guardians, more pitchers have begun following Webb’s approach.

“As the Giants’ new catching tandem - Daniel Susac and Eric Haase - tries to catch up to the institutional knowledge that was sent packing when Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, was traded to Cleveland, the rest of the staff has started to follow in Webb’s footsteps,” Webeck wrote.

That development paints a difficult picture for the current catching group.

Pitch calling is one of the least visible but most important responsibilities behind the plate, and reports suggesting pitchers prefer greater control over sequencing indicate trust remains a work in progress.

Webb’s recent performance has only increased attention on the trend.

According to the report, beginning with his June 3 start against the Milwaukee Brewers, Webb began calling his own pitches.

Webb is 2-1 with an 0.87 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in 31 innings across the four starts in which he called his own pitches, recording 23 strikeouts against just two walks and surrendering one home run.

Those results naturally attracted attention inside the staff.

Webeck’s reporting also included feedback from veteran starter Adrian Houser.

Houser told the California Post that establishing chemistry with the Giants’ catchers has been more difficult than with the backstops he worked with last season.

“He told The Post that it’s been more difficult to get on the same page with the Giants’ catchers than any of the backstops he worked with last season,” Webeck wrote.

That comment reinforced the broader concern.

When multiple pitchers begin adjusting game management responsibilities themselves, it suggests something larger than isolated preference.

For now, the strategy appears to be producing better results for some members of the rotation.

It may not represent an ideal long-term solution, but if performance improves, the Giants could continue allowing pitchers greater influence until stronger trust and communication develop with Haase and Susac.

Beyond results, Webb’s role in this situation highlights qualities that continue making him important to the organization.

One of his biggest strengths is accountability.

He appears willing to take ownership rather than wait for circumstances to improve.

Another defining quality is confidence.

Calling his own pitches requires conviction and commitment.

He also brings leadership and preparation, traits that influence teammates and create standards inside the rotation.

Those qualities help explain why others may be following his example as the Giants search for answers.

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