Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

The Giants’ outfield picture is shifting fast — and Luis Matos might be the first major domino to fall. Buster Posey publicly acknowledged the team “has to be better in the outfield,” and with Matos out of minor-league options and multiple teams showing interest, the Giants are now actively shopping him. We dive into why the organization may be ready to move on, how tight the NL West race forces SF to limit developmental projects, and what this says about players like Heliot Ramos, Casey Schmitt, and the struggling Marco Luciano.

Plus, we break down the growing push to move...

The Giants are once again at the center of offseason headlines — from Bo Bichette rumors to Buster Posey’s evolving coaching staff search and the league pushback on Tony Vitello’s hire. Jon Morosi says certain teams checked in on Bichette — potentially at second base — while Posey continues to finalize his big league staff with hitting coach Hunter Mense, Jayce Tingler, Ron Wotus, and more in the mix. Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal questions the Giants’ unconventional hiring strategy, sparking another round of debate over Posey’s front-office vision. We break down all the latest reports, what’s real versus reactionary, and how this off...

The Giants are back in the rumor mill — and this time it’s big. Bob Nightengale lists San Francisco as a darkhorse for Kyle Tucker, but with massive money already tied up in Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Jung Hoo Lee, can Buster Posey really afford another big money bat? Meanwhile, reports out of Japan link the Giants to 27-year-old righty Tatsuya Imai, one of NPB’s top arms, and CBS Sports says pitching depth is the focus — just not long-term deals. Plus, with Posey’s front office listening on just about any player, is it time to wonder...

Buster Posey and Tony Vitello’s first offseason together could be full of surprises — starting with Patrick Bailey. Despite his elite defense and back-to-back Gold Gloves, reports say the Giants briefly considered trading their young catcher last season, and with ABS technology on the way, his framing value could take a hit. Could a deal still happen? We dive into the catcher market, from J.T. Realmuto to Adley Rutschman rumors, and what Bailey’s future means for San Francisco’s direction. Plus, a wild Bryce Harper trade theory that might not be as far-fetched as it sounds, and whether...

Free agency is officially underway, and the Buster Posey-led Giants are setting the tone for their first full offseason under new leadership. From big-ticket names like Kyle Tucker and Dylan Cease to more realistic fits like Harrison Bader and Shota Imanaga, we’re breaking down how San Francisco’s front office might actually approach this market — and whether their “pitching and defense” mantra still holds up. Will they finally make a bold move, or are we headed for another conservative winter? Plus, what a realistic “dream” free agent class would look like — and why it might cost half of what the Dodgers...

Free agency is officially here, and the Giants wasted no time making moves — claiming lefty Reiver Sanmartin from the Reds and outfielder Justin Dean from the Dodgers, while DFA’ing Mason Black to make room. With The Athletic’s top free agent rankings out, we break down how Zac Gallen, Dylan Cease, and Shota Imanaga fit (or don’t fit) the Giants’ short-term pitching philosophy. Plus, Jim Bowden and Jeff Passan have new notes on who San Francisco won’t chase — with Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger reportedly off the board. Are the Giants saving up for pitching or running a deco...

Bruce Bochy is coming home. The legendary Giants manager is set to return to San Francisco as an advisor, reuniting with Buster Posey and joining Dusty Baker as a mentor for new skipper Tony Vitello. What does this mean for the franchise’s culture shift — and Vitello’s transition from college to the big leagues? Plus, Greg Johnson clarifies the team’s spending philosophy, saying the Giants are comfortable exceeding the luxury tax if the right opportunity arises. Pat Burrell’s future with the organization remains uncertain, and Barry Bonds is back in the Hall of Fame conversation through the Contem...

The San Francisco Giants made it official — Tony Vitello is the new manager, and now all eyes turn to his potential bench coach. Could it be former Padres skipper Jayce Tingler? We break down why his connection with Vitello makes him a strong fit and how his big-league experience could balance the staff. Plus, Giants fans brace for free agent chaos as stars like Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso, and Ha-Seong Kim opt out, shaking up the market. We also say goodbye to catcher Tom Murphy and look ahead to what Jesús Rodríguez might bring to the roster next...

The San Francisco Giants are officially entering a new era — but one that looks more methodical than flashy. In today’s episode, we dive into Greg Johnson’s revealing interview with the San Francisco Standard, where he made it clear that while starting pitching is the top offseason priority, the front office is not planning on throwing around $100 million deals. Johnson emphasized flexibility and shorter-term contracts over risky, six-year commitments — signaling a clear pivot in how the Giants plan to rebuild. We’ll break down what that means for names like Shane Bieber versus higher-priced options such as Ranger Suárez or...

The San Francisco Giants are officially entering a new era — one defined by bold moves and bigger risks. From Buster Posey’s gutsy decision to hire Tony Vitello as manager to rumors of Hunter Pence joining the coaching staff, this episode breaks down the message behind every move. Allen dives into the tone of Vitello’s introductory presser, Posey’s rare public candor about taking risks, and what it all says about the Giants’ long-term direction. Plus, a deep look at rising AFL prospect Parks Harber and what his breakout means for the organization’s development pipeline.

0:00 Reactions to...

The Tony Vitello era in San Francisco has officially begun — and the press conference did not disappoint. From heartfelt moments about his coaching journey to his vision for the Giants’ future, Vitello showed why Buster Posey and the front office believe he’s the right man to reshape the culture. In this episode, we break down the best moments and sound bites from his introduction, the meaning behind his most revealing quotes, and how his energy and philosophy could redefine Giants baseball. We are joined by Eric Cain of Locked On Vols to give us some insight on what makes...

The Giants need to make one of their smartest offseason moves yet — bringing back Antoan Richardson. The former first base coach was known for connecting with players and unlocking their potential on the basepaths, something San Francisco desperately needs after ranking near the bottom of MLB in steals last season. We dive into how Richardson helped transform the Mets’ baserunning game, what his return could mean under Tony Vitello’s leadership, and why it’s time for the Giants to fully embrace a more dynamic, positionless brand of baseball — just like their rivals down south. Plus, we react to a wild pot...

Tony Vitello’s move from Tennessee to the San Francisco Giants is officially real — and this episode breaks it all down. From his emotional farewell message to Vol Nation to what’s next in San Francisco, we unpack every angle of Vitello’s transition from college powerhouse to MLB manager. The show explores the heart behind his decision to leave, the logistics of his upcoming October 30th press conference, and the early details of his staff-building process alongside Buster Posey and the Giants front office.

We also look ahead — analyzing what this means for San Francisco’s roster and f...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen strategies, and offer bold predictions for the series outcome. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. take center stage as potential game-changers.

Tune in for expert insights on this thrilling World Series clash and...

Tony Vitello is officially leading the San Francisco Giants — and this episode dives into what that really means for the franchise. We’re breaking down who on the roster benefits most under Vitello’s leadership (besides Drew Gilbert), from Heliot Ramos sharpening his defense and base running, to Jung Hoo Lee rediscovering himself as an offensive threat, to Bryce Eldridge growing right alongside his new skipper. Then we explore why veteran players might actually want to come play for Vitello — a coach known for passion, honesty, and belief in his guys. And finally, we look at how the Giants can rebu...

The Tony Vitello hire has the baseball world buzzing — and for good reason. The San Francisco Giants just handed the keys to a fiery college coach with zero pro experience, signaling a massive cultural shift under Buster Posey’s leadership. In this episode, we break down the aftermath of the hire, the urgency behind Posey’s bold decision, and what it tells us about the team’s new identity. We’ll also dig into Vitello’s next challenge: assembling an MLB-ready staff to balance his energy with experience. Finally, we’ll look ahead to year one — the obstacles, the expectations, an...

The San Francisco Giants have officially made one of the boldest moves in franchise history — hiring Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as their next manager. In this episode, we break down how the deal came together, why Buster Posey and the front office believe Vitello is the right fit, and what his hiring says about the new direction of Giants baseball. We’ll dive into Vitello’s résumé — from building a college powerhouse at Tennessee to becoming one of the most fiery, player-first leaders in the sport — and what challenges he’ll face transitioning to the big leagues. Finally, we se...

Allen breaks down today's events of Tony Vitello being with the team for the scrimmage but not making a decision even though the 72 hours are up. What the Giants should do if he says no, if it's a bad look if he declines, and the pros and cons of hiring him.

0:00 News Updates on Tony Vitello

9:28 Timeline of Today’s events

20:48 Pros & Cons

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Over just a few days, the Tony Vitello-to-San Francisco Giants storyline has gone from rumor to reality. What started as light curiosity about the Tennessee head coach quickly turned into legitimate negotiations, with multiple outlets now reporting that the Giants are “closing in” on Vitello as their next manager. This episode unpacks the entire escalation—from Buster Posey’s first outreach to where talks stand now—and why the move, while risky, perfectly fits Posey’s vision of energizing the clubhouse with a bold, culture-driven leader. We break down the timeline, the reasoning behind the urgency, the remaining hurdles (buyout terms...

The Giants could be gearing up for a major move this offseason — and it might involve bringing one of the best pitchers in baseball back home. Tarik Skubal, a Bay Area native and two-time All-Star, has reportedly hit a contract snag with the Detroit Tigers, with a massive $250 million gap separating the two sides. That opens the door for teams like San Francisco to make a serious play for the Cy Young winner before he hits free agency in 2026. In this episode, we break down what a Giants trade package for Skubal could look like, how his Northern California ro...

We start with Nick Hundley’s rising stock and a real decision brewing: Giants or Padres? With San Diego now entering the managerial mix, the competition just got serious — but is the Bay still the smarter long-term play? Then, we shift to Mark DeRosa and why his name deserves to stay in the Giants’ manager conversation. From his leadership with Team USA to his connection with Buster Posey, DeRosa might be the bold hire the front office needs. We also spotlight Logan Webb and Patrick Bailey, the Giants’ two 2025 Gold Glove finalists, and break down exactly how their defensive excellen...

In today’s episode, we’re talking big moves and big decisions for the San Francisco Giants. First, could a blockbuster trade for Hunter Greene be the move that finally reshapes this pitching staff? The Reds’ flamethrower is under control through 2028 — and if the Giants really want to build around pitching and defense like Buster Posey keeps saying, Greene might be the perfect fit. Then we dive into the latest managerial buzz, breaking down why Rocco Baldelli could make sense as the next Giants manager — proven, experienced, and aligned with Posey’s vision. And finally, we settle one of the offseaso...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Brandon Hyde, one of the most intriguing and experienced names linked to the San Francisco Giants’ managerial search. Hyde — a Santa Rosa native and former 2023 AL Manager of the Year — has already spoken with Buster Posey during the process, according to reports from The San Francisco Standard. We break down his resume, from rebuilding the Orioles into contenders to his years of player development experience with the Cubs and Marlins. Then we ask the big questions: would Hyde’s steady leadership, structure, and developmental mindset fit what Posey says he wants —...

In today’s Locked On Giants, we unpack everything you need to know about the Giants' direction this offseason. We start with a Candidate Deep Dive on Rodney Linares — the Rays’ bench coach with deep roots in Houston’s player development machine — and explore why he’s emerging as a serious name in San Francisco’s managerial search. Then we shift to roster decisions: what should the Giants do with Jerar Encarnación, the power bat who’s battled injury but still has tantalizing potential? Lastly, we turn to the farm — pitching prospect Trent Harris — the undrafted, post-surgery story who’s pushing for big...

In today’s Candidate Deep Dive, we break down one of the more intriguing — and unconventional — names connected to the San Francisco Giants’ managerial search: Tony Vitello. The fiery University of Tennessee head coach has built one of college baseball’s most dominant programs, known for his energy, recruiting chops, and ability to develop young talent. But could his leadership style and culture-first approach translate to the majors? We explore Vitello’s full résumé, what makes him a compelling fit in San Francisco, and where the biggest risks lie — from lack of MLB experience to managing veteran egos. With reports lin...

We start with a deep dive into Craig Albernaz, the under-the-radar candidate to become San Francisco’s next manager. We’ll break down his background, strengths, and why his experience developing pitchers could make him the perfect fit for Buster Posey’s “pitching and defense” vision.

Next, we tackle the question every Giants fan has asked at least once this year: What should the team do with Heliot Ramos? After finally showing signs of the breakout we’ve been waiting for, is he a long-term piece — or a trade chip for more pitching help?

And finally, we sp...

With the Giants still searching for their next manager, the focus turns to Nick Hundley — who, according to reports, may have the job if he wants it. The question now is whether he’s ready to take that step. Hundley has strong ties to the organization and a close relationship with Buster Posey, but that friendship also raises questions about whether Posey can truly be objective in evaluating him. Relationships matter in baseball, but when your former teammate and friend becomes a leading candidate, it’s fair to wonder how much emotion should factor into a decision this important. As the...

Big day of Giants news and league-wide updates. Nick Hundley has officially interviewed for the Giants’ managerial opening — and according to Susan Slusser, he’s now the favorite to land the job. We break down why Hundley checks every box for Buster Posey’s vision: leadership, communication, and that all-important catcher’s pedigree. Plus, Buster Posey himself opened up about the Giants’ offseason priorities, making it crystal clear that the 2026 identity starts with pitching and defense. Posey says the team needs to “fortify the starting staff and bullpen,” and hinted that ownership is ready to expand payroll to make that happen. We’...

The San Francisco Giants’ managerial search is heating up, and Buster Posey’s vision for the franchise is starting to take shape. On today’s episode, Allen Stiles breaks down reports that the Giants interviewed Kurt Suzuki, with connections through the Minasian front-office tree, and that former Giants catcher Nick Hundley is “strongly in the mix,” according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. Both names fit Posey’s emphasis on leadership, communication, and a pitching-and-defense identity — but do they have enough experience to lead this roster?

Plus, Allen reacts to Bob Melvin’s recent comments on his firing, where he said he...

Report is that manager interviews have started and it is rumored they've already met with Kurt Suzuki. We dive into the Giants’ search for a new manager, the rise of the “Vogt Effect,” and why so many former catchers are in the mix. Plus, with Buster Posey now one year into his front-office tenure, fans are asking: how much blame falls on him? We break down Posey’s roster decisions, payroll strategy, and leadership style — and weigh whether this season’s failure is on him, or if he deserves more time. We also look at examples of other GMs who turned t...

The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees-Toronto Blue Jays matchups.

The hosts also challenge the "championship or bust" mentality, exploring the value of the entire MLB season beyond October glory. Tune in for expert insights on how analytics and gut instincts shape postseason baseball strategy.

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Buster Posey laid out the Giants’ blueprint heading into 2026: pitching and defense. But before they build that identity, San Francisco has tough roster decisions. Will Justin Verlander return? What about Wilmer Flores or Dominic Smith? And beyond free agents, what are the Giants targeting this offseason — bullpen depth, rotation stability, or outfield reinforcements? Allen Stiles breaks it all down.

0:00 Will vets return?

9:15 Offseason targets

20:09 Posy shares the Giants identity

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

Buster Posey made it clear: Bruce Bochy will not be returning as Giants manager. In today’s episode of Locked on Giants, we break down Posey’s comments, what that means for the search, and why internal staff like Mark Hallberg are also out of the running. That leaves a narrowed pool of outside candidates — from Skip Schumaker to Nick Hundley to Craig Albernaz and beyond. We’ll also dive into the bigger question: what should the Giants’ identity be heading into 2026? Do they double down on pitching and defense, or start spending on bats to compete with the Dodgers an...

The San Francisco Giants are moving on from Bob Melvin and the focus now shifts to what’s next. Could Bruce Bochy really come back for one more run? Bochy himself says he’s “open to a conversation” with Buster Posey, and that has the fanbase buzzing. We break down the pros and cons of a Bochy reunion, run through the full list of rumored candidates — from safe bets like Skip Schumaker to bold swings like Tony Vitello — and lay out exactly what the Giants’ front office is looking for in their next manager. With 2026 around the corner, this hire will set...

The San Francisco Giants have officially fired Bob Melvin after just two seasons, a shocking move considering the team exercised his 2026 option just three months ago. Despite public support from the front office, an 81–81 season with no playoff berth proved too much to overcome. Players praised Melvin’s leadership and honesty, but Buster Posey made it clear the organization needs a “different voice” moving forward. In this episode, we break down why the firing happened, what it says about the Giants’ direction, and what kind of manager they should target next.

0:00 Bob Melvin is OUT

11:15 Buster Pos...

The San Francisco Giants rattled off four consecutive wins to finish the 2025 MLB season, sweeping the Colorado Rockies with the win today at Oracle Park. Willy Adames swatted his 30th home run of the season on the first pitch of the game, becoming the first San Francisco Giant to reach the milestone since Barry Bonds in 2004. Logan Webb was brilliant on the bump, finishing the season leading the NL in strikeouts and innings pitched. An underwhelming year for the San Francisco Giants concludes with a little bit of hope for 2026.

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On today’s Locked On Giants, we dive into where the San Francisco Giants stand heading into their final series with the Rockies and what GM Zack Minasian had to say about the team’s direction. We break down Casey Schmitt’s case to be the starting second baseman in 2026 — does his glove make him too valuable to leave out of the lineup, or is his bat still too streaky to count on? Plus, the Giants landed one of the biggest prizes on the international market in Josuar De Jesus González, a shortstop with five-tool potential who could be the co...

GUARDIANS SURGE, TIGERS COLLAPSE: MLB PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP

Cleveland Guardians stun Detroit Tigers with late-season comeback. Can they clinch a playoff spot in the final weekend? Jeff Carr and Justin Lada break down the Guardians' impressive turnaround, highlighting key players and strategic moves. The discussion covers the Tigers' epic collapse, vulnerable teams heading into October, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen concerns. Sully introduces his "Summer Score" metric, offering unique insights into team performance. Don't miss the heated debate on MLB's playoff format and its impact on fan engagement. Tune in for expert analysis on the...

The Giants showed fight in a gritty win over the Cardinals, but now comes the real test: a crucial series against the struggling Rockies. Dropping this series would be inexcusable — and it could force Buster Posey and the front office to seriously reconsider Bob Melvin’s future despite picking up his 2026 option earlier this year. In this episode of Locked On Giants, I break down why this Rockies series matters more than you think, what’s really behind Melvin’s option, how the front office is viewing accountability, and what the future could hold for prospects like Luis Hernández.

The San Francisco Giants’ playoff hopes are officially dead — and the way it happened couldn’t have been more brutal. Up 8–3 in St. Louis, they looked ready to extend the fight, but the bullpen imploded and the Cardinals stormed back for a 9–8 win that eliminated San Francisco from postseason contention. We’ll break down the game, what it says about this team’s season-long flaws, and hear from Bob Melvin and Logan Webb about the bitter disappointment of falling short.

Then, we dive into the big picture: MLB’s ABS (Automated Balls & Strikes) challenge system is set to arrive in 202...