3:20PM: The Giants won’t be interviewing any members of the current coaching staff for the managerial opening, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reports. The club isn’t renewing any of the coaches’ contracts for 2026, which is standard practice in the event of a managerial change. While the next skipper will naturally have input in the make-up of next year’s staff, Slusser views pitching coach J.P. Martinez, bullpen coach Garvin Alston, and first base coach Mark Hallberg as the likeliest candidates to return.
2:03PM: The Giants announced Wednesday that top prospect Bryce Eldridge will undergo surgery tomorrow to remove a bone spur from his left wrist. The procedure comes with an eight-week recovery timetable, which should afford Eldridge ample time to be ready for spring training.
San Francisco’s first-round pick in 2023, Eldridge made his big league debut late in the season at just 20 years of age. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey had suggested earlier in September that Eldridge wasn’t likely to get the call in 2025, but with the Giants pushing back into playoff contention late in the year, they brought their most promising hitter to the majors in hopes of a late spark.
Perhaps predictably, given his youth and lack of upper-minors experience, Eldridge struggled and often looked overmatched. He appeared in 10 games, took 37 plate appearances and turned in just a .107/.297/.179 batting line with 13 strikeouts (35.1%). None of that diminishes Eldridge’s long-term outlook. He skyrocketed through the minors and logged a .260/.333/.510 batting line with 25 homers in just 433 plate appearances across three levels this year.
Eldridge is still regarded as one of the sport’s 20 best prospects at both Baseball America and MLB.com. News of surgery on the promising young slugger’s wrist might create some concern about his short-term production early in 2026, but the long-term expectation remains that Eldridge and June trade acquisition Rafael Devers will share first base and designated hitter in the long term.
In 2025, first base duties fell primarily to the trio of LaMonte Wade Jr. (designated for assignment in June), Devers and veteran Dominic Smith, who signed a big league deal at the same time Wade was jettisoned from the roster. Smith handled himself well in San Francisco, batting .284/.333/.417 with five homers and a dozen doubles in 225 trips to the plate. The presence of both Eldridge and Devers on the roster doesn’t seem to dovetail with a reunion between the Giants and Smith, who’s a free agent this winter, but general manager Zack Minasian suggested otherwise today.
Speaking with reporters in an end-of-season press conference, Minasian said the Giants “won’t close the door” on bringing the 30-year-old back for the 2026 season (link via Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area). Smith does have a bit of outfield experience dating back to his days with the Mets, but the results weren’t pretty. He’s logged 1330 innings in left field in his career but graded out poorly via both Defensive Runs Saved (-11) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (-19). If the Giants are comfortable with him being a bench bat and a safety net at first base/DH in the event that Eldridge doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, there could still be a fit. However, Smith’s solid showing at the plate figures to earn him some other opportunities around the league.
Of course, the more pressing question of a potential reunion on the minds of most Giants fans concerns longtime skipper Bruce Bochy, who’s spent the past three seasons managing the Rangers. Bochy and the Rangers announced a mutual parting of ways at season’s end, and San Francisco has a managerial vacancy after dismissing Bob Melvin. Bochy was president of baseball operations Buster Posey’s manager early in his career with the Giants. The pair won three World Series together during the Giants’ even-year dynasty when they won the Fall Classic in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Asked about the possibility of Bochy returning to manage the Giants today, however, Posey suggested it’s not likely (video link via NBC Sports Bay Area):
“I talked to Boch a couple of days ago and told him that where we are currently — and I don’t even know what Boch’s plans are, if he wants to continue to manage or not — that the door is always open here for some sort of role. But the way I think things are coming into picture in my mind, with where we want to go next, I don’t see us going that route with Boch.”
Posey did acknowledge that he’s had some (presumably preliminary) conversations with managerial candidates, but there’s no indication that formal interviews have commenced, nor is there a clear timetable for when the Giants might resolve their search.
An A.I baseball app has more passion, intensity and fire than Bob Melvin.
Heretofore known as “Sleepy Bob”
The fire is gone… and he’d rather take naps. In his defense, he’s earned his nap times!
You thibk Melvin is sleepy – someone has to check Craig Counsell’s pulse every couple innings just to make sure he’s alive!
Eldridge has enormous potential . 30-40hr power. Brought up way too soon, and now surgery. dont f this up SF, he has generational talent
The problem is when will he be ready. I think the Giants giving him a taste of the Show will help his nerves out when he becomes ready. The biggest issue was him not getting playing time against LHP.
Very good potential player, id say he has more upper division first baseman talent.. and take my odds of being closer. Who are generational first basemen? Albert? Depends where your bar is at I guess
Eldridge has youth on his side & recovery from wrist surgery (8 weeks) shouldn’t hamper his spring training & going forward in 2026
I am very hopeful we have 3 30 HR potential. Adames, Devers, & Eldridge.
Here is what the Giants should do:
1) Need Relievers – Ryan Helsley (to Close), Gregory Soto (LHP), Seranthony Dominguez (RHP). Ryan Walker shouldn’t be closing. Peguero looks solid in limit role he had. Another name I forgot to mention & might be looking for redemption/resurgence is Devin Williams.
2) At least 2 Starters – We don’t need flashy starters. We just need inning eaters – If Shane Bieber is available I would want him, I am just wondering who is available.
3) Need to find a true Leadoff hitter – Someone that can get on base and avoid the the double plays. If they can steal a bag that is a bonus. We been lacking a Stolen base threat since Thairo Estrada (2023 – 23 SB) & the last time we had a 30+ SB threat was (Pagan had 29 in 2012/G. Blanco) was Dave Roberts in 2007 (31 SB). We haven’t been able to develop Speed & Contact type of a hitter and we all thought Jung Ho Lee could develop into that type of player. Really don’t know who is available
4) Find a BAT to protect Devers – Chapman & Adames aren’t protecting Devers. The name everyone is going to mention is possibly Ramos/Eldridge (when Ready). If we can find 1 Bat that can produce behind Devers that could propel us. This might be a trade to look into. I wonder if teams like the Padres & Mariners with Payroll issues would look to trade Stars?
I’ll speak for the Pads… what payroll issues? Not interested in trading stars, but hey, we’ll listen on just about anyone! Takes talent to get talent…
The ones that had you shopping in the basement last off season and then trading away the entire farm at the deadline for cost controlled players.
Top 10 payroll, Fopps. Doesn’t sound like any sort of payroll issue exists… that being said, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if Preller resets the CBT again in ’26.
Oh Gwynning. I know it’s top 10 ! Everyone knows it’s top 10 !
The issue is the budget. Fitting others into it when you have a stable of superstars. That’s what it has always been and that’s what people refer too .
Not the top 10 nature of the total.
Hopefully it’s sorted now and you have space in the budget. Another year of the “MLBTR and the media just hates us” would be rather tedious.
How many times…..
Which begs the initial question… what payroll issues?
Ha ha. Fair enough.
I have said very similar needs for the giants.I agree with Devin Williams signing also another lefty for sure.I would trade Jung ho lee while still has value.go get Robert jr,he has the speed you mention.for the bat you mention I’ve been saying Bellinger for the past 4 years so I see a fit there.
So, in your opinion, adding $100m to next years payroll will make the team…better at baseball? This is some hard hitting analysis.
Jay Patel 2, You need to look at Lee’s Statcast page. He is in the top 5% for squared up, K% and Whiff. percentages. He’s in the top 20% for chase. There’s not a lot of power, but there are very few better at contact than Lee.
“…avoid the the double plays.” The Giants are below league average in GiDP. Besides speed doesn’t have as much to do with DPs as fans think. Any RHH that make hard contact, puts the ball in play, and has average footspeed is a candidate for a lot of DPs.
And I think Adames is more than adequate protection for Devers. He had an .828 OPS in the second half. I doubt there are too many guys, short of Tucker, that are available that are better.
And it’s odd to name the Pad’s and M’s as teams to look for to trade stars. Both have open windows for a WS title, and I can’t see them cutting loose any of their better players..
Pads are probably done with payroll cutting (except for the Nick pivetta situation)
However, there’s a good chance that both naylor and Suarez leave Seattle, and SF might be a good fit for either of them
No matter how our playoff run goes this year John Stanton will have to make sure he can still ride his T mobile yachts
I agree Naylor and Suarez are probably on the move, but I don’t see either as a fit for the Giants. With 3B, 1B, and DH covered, I think they’ll look at other positions like SPs, 2B, and the OF, none of which Naylor or Suarez works.
And where may I ask do you see the Giants playing either Naylor (another LH first baseman) and Suarez (where, at 2b?).
Good work Buster. Squash that Bochy option early. Nothing against Bochy, but getting him into the game and then not giving it to him would have been very very very awkward. The man is impressive.
I’m fine with bringing Smith back, even if his presence is somewhat redundant, but if he’s logging any time in your Outfield then your season is already in trouble
eldridge didn’t look overmatched especially in a first experience in the majors. you can point to a sub par BA but he had almost a 70% hard hit rate with a low chase rate and around a 19% walk rate. considering he has only had 28 PA you really can’t look @ BA as your measuring stick for whether he is overmatched or not
I agree. That statement jumped out at me as well. I doubt the writer actually watched any ABs. Just looking at the stats might make it appear he was overmatched, but he certainly didn’t look it. He had some bad luck, hitting the ball hard, but it finding gloves. And I was impressed how he laid off low breaking balls that many of his veteran teammates are wont to chase.
Eldridge should not be on the 2026 opening day 26 man roster. Based on the 2025 MLB results he clearly needs more seasoning, Buster made a HUGE mistake adding Eldridge to the 40 and bringing him up in 2025 when it was not necessary to protect him from the Rule 5. Hope the kid’s head didn’t get messed up long term based on the 2025 MLB dreadful results. If Eldridge doesn’t advance quickly, now that his premature and unnecessary elevation to the 40 has deprived the Giants of 40 man roster flexibility and will most likely cost them either the services of a player lost in the Rule 5 or a player available in the Rule 5 for which the team lacks room. It already cost the team Brett Wisely..
Jacksson13,
Please stick to making puns about player names instead of copypasting this on any article mentioning Eldridge.
I did not copy/paste this comment. The sentiment may be the same as another post and just as accurate.
I think just as “inaccurate” is more spot on.
I believe him. As misguided, and illogical as it is, I think he’s got his spiel down and can post it from heart over and over again.
Oh no! You’re telling me the Giants could have kept Brett Wisely for another 6 months? What a waste!
I never stated that.
If the Giants viewed Wisley as expendable they should have traded him for a player way prior to this instead of getting minimum dollars.
That opportunity evaporated with the ill-timed, ill-conceived elevation of Eldridge. It remains to be seen what other organizational damage results from this move.
They were gonna add him in the spring regardless. The probability that some 40 man fodder winds up being a difference maker is minuscule. Clutching your pearls over the 40th spot on a 40 man roster is a bit absurd
Wisely’s trade value was probably cash considerations. And Wisely is not long for the Braves’ 40-man. When the 60-day IL is ended they’re going to need spots for Schwellenbach, Bummer, Fraley, Riley, and Murphy. We’ll see how much value Wisely has then.
Clueless.
I wouldn’t call Buster CLUELESS for this move; BONEHEADED, Yes.
Thanks for confirming my suspicion.
The Blue Jays should fire Schneider and hire Bochy immediately – a playoff caliber manager is their missing piece to making it deep into the playoffs.
All things considered this was a good first year for Buster. He is still cleaning up Farhan’s mess and has made more progress in one year than FZ did in 6. Melvin had to go and I have nothing but confidence in whoever buster chooses to replace him. Eldridge might be best used as a trade chip. Giants fans want him to be Nick Kurtz but Cris Carter is a more realistic comp. There are probably more holes to fill than pieces they can acquire next year but Buster will keep building and getting better. Glad he listened to me about Wade and Yaz and Flores is right behind them. Wish Lee proved me wrong for more than 3 weeks. Ramos is one to keep an eye on. His attitude was trash and he played defense and ran bases like dookie all year. I love his potential at the plate but he visibly had a bad attitude and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is traded this offseason along with Eldridge.
What bad attitude?
Do you follow the team and watch the games? His face on every misplay in the field or blunder on the bases says it all. I’m no body language expert but he gives off a very “I don’t give a F#€$” vibe especially that time when he got thrown out straying too far off second base on an infield fly rule pop up. He had an interaction with a coach in the dugout that looked like he was doing his best Randy Moss impersonation when he played for the Raiders. He also called out the fans for being mad after they lost 14 of 15 games at home. He told Melvin to go F himself when he suggested he needed a day off which was probably the point that Buster realized Bob wasn’t the man for the job. Either they will trade him or you will see the new manager have a very short leash with all his BS. Ramos is an amazing hitter with one of the fastest bats I’ve ever seen but his attitude sucks and I don’t think Buster wants a cancer like that on his team.
Trade for Buxton and put him in Right Field.
IF he stays healthy his salary is a bargain.
PBO Flavey demonstrated his shortcomings during the mid-season selloff.
Act quickly before the Pohlads wake up and fire him.
First, Buxton has a no trade clause and is closing in on 10-5 rights, and has repeatedly stated he won’t allow himself to be traded. Second, the Giants don’t have the talent required to trade for him
And third, Buxton is forever an injury liability, even if this year was better.
Since 2019 Buxtons wRC+ yearly was 112,121, 171, 135, 96, 140, 136.
At least 12 percent better than league average all but 1 time over the last 7 years. EVERY team in baseball would want a player like that.
This year he was 17th in WAR aka a top 20 player
“Trade for Buxton…”
Yeah, it’s just that easy. It’s no secret that Buxton is easily the best guy on the Twins’ roster. Teams don’t trade their best, 5 tools guys, that play a premium defensive position, for nothing. If Buxton were made available the competition would be stiff, and the team getting him would pay a heavy price. And Falvey (not Flavey) isn’t that stupid, unlike some ideas.
The Twins were more than willing to sell Buxton during their fire sale. It’s Buxton who very publicly said he doesn’t want to go anywhere, and has a full no trade clause. And he said that after knowing full well that the Twins won’t be competitive for a long time. He could change his mind, but I doubt it.
And his medical history makes him an extremely dangerous player to target if he were available.
I don’t think the Twins were lumping Buxton in with what you call a fire sale. That implies they were willing to let him go at a discount. Like I said above, he’s clearly their best player. I don’t doubt that the Twins would be willing, maybe even eager, to move him. But if he agreed to be traded, plenty of teams would be willing to gamble on the injury risk.
I agree though, all that is moot, given his stance on not wanting to go anywhere else.