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New Leadership, Winning Values: Posey Named Farhan’s Successor for Giants

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Farhan Zaidi was fired after six seasons running the San Francisco Giants front office. During his tenure, the Giants had a record of 453-417 (.521). Zaidi will likely have success with any organization that hires him. His best season for the Giants was in 2021, which initially signaled optimism but ultimately became the outlier. As the season concluded, speculation arose about his future with the Giants. Earlier this month, ownership oddly hinted that Buster Posey played a key role in securing Matt Chapman to a multi-year deal, perhaps foreshadowing the changes to come. Sure enough, the Giants announced that Posey would be taking over Zaidi’s role as President of Baseball Operations.

Buster Posey Looks to Usher in New Era of Leadership with Giants

When There’s Something Wrong, Who-You-Gonna-Call??? Go-Buster!!!

Buster Posey, a three-time World Series champion, is a potential future Hall of Famer and a fan favorite among Giants fans. He became a significant figure in all of MLB in 2011 when he was trucked and significantly injured. This collision led to the league changing the rules on making contact with the catcher at home plate. Posey played 12 seasons, all with the Giants, and contributed to three World Series victories, including the team’s first since moving to the West Coast. He has received numerous accolades, including NL MVP, NL Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, and seven All-Star selections.

Critics may point out Posey’s lack of front-office experience, but winning could silence those doubts. His recent playing career allows him to connect with current players uniquely. Potential free agents will view Posey as a former player with both the credibility and the resumé to succeed. His hiring addresses two immediate concerns. It encourages the fans by bringing back a beloved figure and enhances the franchise’s appeal to star free agents.

Will Posey Be Able to Catch Snell-Zilla?

Posey’s first priority should be re-signing Blake Snell to a multi-year deal. He understands the importance of starting pitching and knows how to communicate with big-name pitchers. Posey has caught three no-hitters, just one shy of the all-time record of four. He had to persuade pitchers to throw the pitches he called, and he’ll need to employ that same persuasive skill with Snell, maintaining the same tempo he used with Chapman.

The Giants are expected to hold a press conference to officially announce Posey as the new President of Baseball Operations, where we can anticipate hearing the terms of the contract, and what his immediate plans are for the team’s offseason strategy. Keeping Snell will be the first step in restoring the franchise’s relevance and competitiveness within the NL West and across MLB. With Posey at the helm, and a core of veteran big-talent players (Chapman, Snell, Logan Webb), it could create an opening to attract other pieces who don’t want to be buried on star-studded rosters in New York, Los Angeles, or elsewhere, and instead want to emerge as “the guy” for a storied franchise in a large market, and starving fanbase.

It’s Not a New Era, It’s The Return of the Ol’ Regiment

Posey was the centerpiece of a team that won three World Series titles in five years. He was a leader on and off the field and respected league-wide. He has national name recognition, which should help him recruit star free agents. Posey is leading a front office that already includes Dusty Baker and Barry Bonds. Both are Special Assistants for the Giants in different capacities. As a player, Posey was prepared and professional, a true ball player to be admired by old and young alike. Having Farhan Zaidi out and Posey in immediately gets the attention of the clubhouse and creates a renewed focus on winning now.

 

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