how about Mike Yastrzemski as bench coach/3rd base coach/manager in waiting? He could join this illustrious list of first-time coach/managers who succeeded wildly with SF Bay Area pro teams:
John Madden
Steve Kerr
Dusty Baker
Kyle Shanahan
Jon Gruden
Tom Flores
Jim Harbaugh
Mark Jackson
Al Attles
George Seifert
Bill Walsh
(10-07-2025, 08:25 AM)Mick Wrote: Lot of candidates being mentioned:
Name / Background / why they’re floated / Pros & potential hurdles
Nick Hundley
Former Giants catcher, now a special assistant with the Rangers. He’s reportedly already interviewed for the job.
Heavy Sports+3San Francisco Chronicle+3Just Baseball+3
He fits the “catcher-turned-manager” stereotype, and his ties to the organization help. The question: does he want to take the job now?
Around the Foghorn+3McCovey Chronicles+3Heavy Sports+3
Craig Albernaz
Currently an associate manager (with a catching/organizational background) and a prior Giants coaching connection.
San Francisco Standard+3San Francisco Chronicle+3MLB.com+3
He might represent a more continuity/younger option. But he lacks prior MLB managerial experience.
Skip Schumaker
Former MLB manager (Marlins) and advisor. NBC Sports Bay Area+3MLB.com+3SI+3
He has MLB managerial experience, which helps. But whether he meshes with Posey’s vision is an open question.
Mark Hallberg
Currently a first-base coach for the Giants, has been cited in rumors.
Just Baseball+3SFGATE+3NBC Sports Bay Area+3
Internal candidate, has familiarity with the club. But his lack of top-level managing experience is a drawback.
Rocco Baldelli
Recently let go as Twins manager; his name has come up for the Giants job.
San Francisco Chronicle+2San Francisco Standard+2
He has managerial experience and credibility. A possible “outside” option.
Mark DeRosa
A frequent commentator and formerly a front-office / baseball operations type in some contexts.
SI+2NBC Sports Bay Area+2
Less conventional for an MLB manager (more media / analyst background), which could be a strength or a hurdle depending on how the Giants view the role.
Brandon Hyde
Santa Rosa native, 51, rode brutal rebuild in Baltimore to create 101 and 91-win seasons and two playoff berths. Experience with Marlins, Cubs and Orioles (where he lasted seven seasons as a manager).
Tony Vitello
Currently a very successful college coach (Tennessee). He’s being floated as an “out-of-the-box” candidate.
Baseball Network
He would represent a larger leap — no MLB experience yet. But his success in the college ranks makes him intriguing to some observers.
Additional possible or speculative names
- Curt Casali — Another former catcher whose name has been floated given the trend of catching backgrounds. San Francisco Chronicle
- Kurt Suzuki — He’s been reported as interviewing with the Giants. San Francisco Chronicle+1
- Ryan Flaherty — Mentioned somewhat in whispers as a wildcard candidate. Around the Foghorn
- Ron Wotus — A long-time Giants coach, occasionally mentioned as a stable internal option.
I think it's going to be Hundley. The Giants might prefer someone with MLB experience (Albernaz, Schumaker, Baldelli). Personally, I prefer Albernaz, not least because of his time with Vogt, who clearly knows how to manage. He worked wonders with Cleveland.
On another topic, the Giants are $83 million below the $244 million tax threshold (I'm assuming they don't pick up Tom Murphy's option). Yes, I know they have lots of players to sign.
How about taking on Sonny Gray's final year of his contract? A bargain at $25 million. He was 14-8 last year, 201 strikeouts in 180 innings.