The San Francisco Giants finished the season 65-97 and placed fourth in the National League West, 35 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving president of baseball operations Buster Posey with several significant roster problems to address.

San Francisco expects Rafael Devers, Jung Hoo Lee, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Casey Schmitt and Bryce Eldridge to return in 2027.

However, the Giants’ deadline trades and extensive injury problems left much of the supporting cast unsettled heading into the offseason.

Before Posey can begin adding players, San Francisco must account for those returning from the 60-day Injured List.

The Giants have 55 players under team control but only 40 available roster spots. That congestion will force the front office to make several decisions before pursuing outside additions.

Fringe players, injured veterans and arbitration-eligible relievers will all need to be evaluated. Those choices will determine how much space Posey can create for acquisitions and prospects who may be ready to contribute during the 2027 season.

Catcher is one area that does not rank near the top of San Francisco’s needs. The Giants have promising options in Daniel Susac, Jesús Rodríguez and Drew Cavanaugh, giving the organization enough depth to concentrate on more pressing weaknesses.

The first challenge of the offseason is therefore straightforward. San Francisco must create roster space before using it to add sufficient starting and relief pitching, established outfield production and a permanent answer at second base.

Those additions are necessary to support the young core and prevent developing players from being forced into responsibilities they may not be prepared to handle immediately.

Posey knows that carrying too many uncertain players could prevent the Giants from adding proven help. While moving away from useful depth too quickly could leave them exposed when injuries occur.

He must also evaluate players without allowing familiarity to outweigh performance or roster fit. Some veterans may still possess value, but that does not automatically mean they belong in San Francisco’s plans.

Patience will matter when assessing prospects such as Susac, Rodríguez and Cavanaugh. Their potential gives the Giants alternatives, but Posey must avoid creating unnecessary pressure by treating every promising young player as an immediate solution.

Flexibility will be equally important. The Giants need additions who can stabilize specific positions while allowing manager Tony Vitello to adjust when injuries or performance problems arise.

Posey faces more than a search for talent. He must determine which players deserve protection, which roles require outside help and where San Francisco can trust its internal options.

The effectiveness of the Giants’ offseason will begin with those roster decisions. Creating space is only the first step. Posey must use it to construct a deeper, more dependable team around the players expected to return.