The Giants start to the season has been exceptional. They’re eight and one for the first time since 2003. They lead the entire MLB in winning percentage, just like they did in the spring. You can see a clear energy shift in the Giants camp. New leadership in Buster Posey has looked to push his ideology into the players. Plus, entering his second season, Bob Melvin has also been able to install his baseball style.
A good mentality is crucial to a successful team. What’s more important is how that mentality translates onto the field. Installing a scrappy, hustler mindset can be highly successful. However, it only works if it involves stealing bases and positive base running. A team full of fearless swingers can lead to raining home runs, or it can lead to a damaging number of strikeouts. So, what have the Giants done so well with their newfound mindsets?
On The Bases
There is no hiding from it, the Giants have long been one of the most unathletic sides in the big leagues. In 2023, they stole 57 bases. Bottom of the MLB by 15. In 2024, they were 29th with 68 stolen bases. This year, though, there has been a clear intention to steal more. 12 steals after 9 games leaves the Giants on pace for over 200 stolen bases. This is with seven contributors, too, an essential stat given the lack of an elite base stealer.
It’s not just stealing bases, though, where the Giants have been impressive. Their general base running has been exceptional. They comfortably lead the league in base running runs despite only being in the top five in steals. Having an elite baserunner like Matt Chapman helps; in 2024, he had the second-best UBR of any player. It’s clear that pushing for extra bases was an emphasized point before the season began.
Approach At The Plate
Despite the eight-and-one start, the offence has not caught headlines. Being 12th in wOBA certainly doesn’t scream ‘best record in baseball’, that’s for sure. There are a few tweaks, though, that have helped this offense thrive.
The small ball trend continues with the bat too. Three successful bunts through nine games intend to beat last year’s total of 19. A total that landed the Giants tenth in the league. Sacrifice bunts, too, have been a point of emphasis. We have seen two already this year, when there were only ten last year in total. A number that left them 25th last year. Getting runners in positions to score has been a real success story for the Giants thus far.
On the other side of things, we’ve seen some impressive power. Context is important here, given the Giants have played in Cincinnati and Houston. Both are notoriously offensive paradises. Still, though, deeper numbers suggest an improvement. The Giants have pulled the ball nearly five percent more than last year. Plus, they have reduced soft contact by almost four percent. Both are indicators of improved power hitting, a struggle for recent Giants teams.
Pitching in
The pitching has been the real talking point among fans thus far. A clear intent to pound the strike zone was heard after the interview. On top of this, an impressive rotation was set to start the season. It surprised me then to see that strikeouts are down and walks are up compared to last year. K-BB% has dropped over two percent from the disappointing 2024. Despite the Giants’ impressive 2.85 ERA, statistics like a 4.20 FIP, 3.96 SIERA, and 4.08 xFIP leave them looking far more average.
So, what have they been doing so well then? For one, stranding men on base. In fact, they’re second in the league with over 82% LOB. A number that will regress but helps to show a clutch factor added to this staff. Not only that, but it is also a testament to management. Taking pitchers out at the right time and putting in the best reliever for the situation. This is a bullpen that is immensely talented and has given up seven earned runs thus far. That’s second in the MLB.
The Giants young pitchers look impressive too. Randy Rodriguez has been exceptional in his five outings, giving up no earned runs and having a– -0.29 FIP. Yes, that is negative. Hayden Birdsong missed out on a starting spot but has yet to give up a run in his 2 multi inning appearances. Even Landen Roupp struggled in his first start, and has impressive numbers from that day. Eight strikeouts through four innings is impressive. Combined with only giving up one hard hit and no barrels, his 1.65 xERA shows he can feel a little hard done by.
Final Thoughts
Whilst an eight-and-one start is amazing, no one expects this team to break records. Or even win the division, for that matter. What is clear, though, is that this Giants group is desperate to win games. As many as possible, in whatever way possible. After many years of missing out on the playoffs, it’s safe to say this team is going to fight hard to make it.
Main Photo Credits: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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