Buster Posey takes reins in Giants front office, enthusiasm abounds: ‘I’m sure he will excel’

SAN FRANCISCO — Buster Posey traded his shinguards for a boardroom seat two years ago when he acquired an ownership stake in the San Francisco Giants, the franchise he led to three World Series championships. Now, he’s stepping into the role of president of baseball operations.

Posey, 37, is a well-known figure in San Francisco, and a Tuesday morning press conference will officially introduce him in this new leadership position. While he brings a wealth of experience from his playing career, Posey has no prior experience in baseball administration, having never negotiated contracts or engaged in trade discussions. He will need to navigate the intricacies of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and gain a deep understanding of the business side of the sport.

His promotion to chief baseball architect comes after the departure of Farhan Zaidi, who left following a six-year tenure marked by disappointment. Posey's new role raises many questions: Will he initiate a major overhaul of the baseball operations? What positions will the Giants look to fill externally? Will he give up his board seat? What will happen to general manager Pete Putila? How involved will he be in daily operations? Can the Giants count on Posey to lead a “trust the process” approach, given his popularity in the Bay Area? And can a Posey-led front office attract top free agents to the franchise?

Answers to some of these questions are expected to emerge during Tuesday’s press conference. However, Posey’s close friends and former teammates reacted positively to the news, expressing excitement about his new role. 

“I’m thrilled for Buster,” said former Giants manager Bruce Bochy. “He has a great feel for the game and will excel in this leadership position.” 

Brandon Crawford, a former Giants Gold Glove shortstop, echoed those sentiments: “Buster is smart and has the baseball background to succeed. He understands what a winning roster looks like and is highly competitive. I’m excited to see him lead the Giants back to the postseason.”

Giants right-hander Logan Webb added, “I believe Buster will be fantastic in this role and can’t wait to see what he brings.”

Giants chairman Greg Johnson praised Posey’s leadership qualities in Monday’s announcement, stating, “We wanted someone who can define and lead the franchise’s baseball philosophy, and Buster is the perfect fit. He has the demeanor, intelligence, and drive to succeed in this position.”

By placing Posey in this prominent role, the Giants have sent a clear message to fans and the industry about their commitment to a new direction. It signifies confidence in Posey’s vision and ability to foster a cohesive front-office culture.

Posey’s return to the Bay Area comes after a brief stint back in Georgia with his family following his retirement after the 2021 season. The Poseys quickly realized they wanted to be back in San Francisco, where Posey hopes to reestablish the Giants as a premier franchise.

The recent decline in team culture was evident during a recent event when only a few former Willie Mac Award winners attended to honor third baseman Matt Chapman. Over the years, the decorations commemorating the Giants’ championship titles had faded from the clubhouse, indicating a shift away from celebrating past successes.

While Zaidi made strides in certain areas during his time, the overall lack of progress led to his departure. His leadership style left many within the organization feeling disconnected, particularly following controversial decisions, such as allowing the director of pitching to work remotely due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Posey’s teammates noted that they never felt abandoned under his leadership, a sentiment echoed by former pitcher Javier López: “Buster’s experience as a catcher gives him a unique perspective that will serve him well in this role.”

López also emphasized Posey’s commitment to understanding the complexities of the job: “He’s someone who will seek advice and insights from others in the industry to ensure he’s making informed decisions.”

Though analytics play a significant role in modern baseball operations, Posey’s hiring doesn’t signal a departure from data-driven decision-making. López believes Posey will value both traditional scouting and advanced metrics, blending his insights with analytical input to evaluate talent effectively.

As the Giants embark on this new chapter under Posey’s leadership, the hope is that his vision will inspire confidence and success, restoring the franchise’s competitive spirit.