Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

Are the Giants actually trolling us? Because nobody — media, fans, execs — seems to know what this front office is doing right now. They’re not spending big. They’re not landing top free agents. And now their name keeps popping up in Jeff Passan’s Top Trade Targets list like they’re lurking in the weeds waiting to strike.

So what’s the plan?

Is this disciplined team-building?

Or a masterclass in frustrating fanbases?

We dig into why San Francisco appears to be avoiding the deep end of free agency… why they’re sniffing...

The Giants are interested in WHO now?! Today we break down the report that San Francisco has checked in on Kyle Schwarber — a 33-year-old, bat-first slugger projected for five years and $145 million — and what that says about their offensive identity and willingness to live with brutal defense for big left-handed power at Oracle Park. We’ll also dive into Susan Slusser’s note that the Giants have already spoken with Zac Gallen about a potential bounce-back deal (two years, $42 million), and how he fits into a rotation that just watched Cody Ponce sign a three-year, $30 million contract in Toronto after th...

Where do the Giants go next in the pitching market? Today we break down how Cody Ponce — once viewed as a bargain — is now expected to command a three-year deal north of $30–40 million, blowing past previous KBO return contracts. We look at Lucas Giolito’s projected rebound contract, the price tags for Merrill Kelly, Chris Bassitt, Dustin May, Michael Kopech, and Zack Littell, and what this means for a Giants team that keeps signaling they aren’t all-in for top-tier arms. We also touch on Bob Nightengale’s list of the top 10 trade candidates and where the Giants might fit into tha...

The Giants are backing away from Tatsuya Imai — and the reasons stretch far beyond baseball. Today we break down the latest reporting from Andrew Baggarly that San Francisco is not inclined to spend at the level required to sign Imai or any of the top free-agent arms, despite meeting with Scott Boras and doing full medical homework. We go through why financial realities like Blake Snell’s deferred payments, managerial payouts, private-equity optics, and declining RSN revenue are pushing the Giants toward short-term, lower-cost pitching options instead of real frontline upgrades. We also dig into the long-running Posey–Boras tensio...

Could Freddy Peralta be the sneaky trade target for the Giants? Today we break down why Peralta was named by MLB executives as one of the top trade candidates of the entire winter — tied with Joe Ryan and Ketel Marte — and why his combination of swing-and-miss stuff, team-friendly contract, and playoff experience makes him a perfect fit for what San Francisco claims it wants to build. We look at what a Giants–Brewers trade package might realistically look like, including how a fast-rising Giants prospect (ranked No. 3 on Rotoprospects’ fast risers and No. 4 in the Giants system) could factor into the...

MLB executives just revealed who they believe the Giants will actually land this offseason — and the results are eye-opening. Today we break down Jesse Rogers’ survey of 16 MLB executives and why the Giants were the top predicted destination for Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, even beating out the Yankees and Dodgers. We go through the exec predictions on Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suárez, why the Giants only showed up once in that group, and what it says about their perceived willingness to spend. We also look at the latest buzz on JT Realmuto and why Buster Posey’s influ...

Today we break down a theory that actually makes a lot of sense: are the Giants adding all these outfielders because they’re preparing to move Jung Hoo Lee to right field? With Buster Posey repeatedly emphasizing the need for better outfield defense, the recent additions of Justin Dean and Joey Wiemer look a lot more strategic. Shifting JHL to right could protect his body, take pressure off his transition to MLB, and allow him to focus more on hitting. We dive into why this move lines up with league-wide trends and why a glove-first center fielder makes inconsistent of...

When are the Giants actually going to spend money? That’s the question as the front office continues adding fringe outfielders like Joey Wiemer instead of making the big splash fans are waiting for. Today we break down the Wiemer trade, what his speed, defense, and below-average hit tool really mean, and why his lack of minor-league options raises the stakes immediately. We also look at the flurry of smaller moves — DFA’ing Andrew Knizner, non-tendering Joey Lucchesi, tendering JT Brubaker — and whether these are simply roster cleanups or signs of a bigger plan. On top of that, the Giants h...

Could Cody Ponce be the most underrated move the Giants make this offseason? Today we break down Jeff Passan’s report on Ponce’s surge in the KBO, how he rebuilt his body, added velocity, developed a plus splitter, and why he might be the next Merrill Kelly instead of the next failed returnee. We look at how his profile fits San Francisco’s pitching philosophy and why the Giants could sign him and still chase someone like Imai or Shota Imanaga. We also revisit the Heliot Ramos conversation after viewer feedback — not to pile on Ramos, but to explain...

Are the Giants really in position to sell the farm for Tarik Skubal — and should they even be considering it? Today we dig into whether San Francisco has enough real assets to be a serious player for Detroit’s ace, what a potential package would look like, and whether Skubal is the type of move that could actually change the franchise’s direction. We also dive into the Heliot Ramos question: after a step back in 2025 and continued defensive inconsistencies, is he quietly becoming one of the more likely pieces to be moved in a pitching-focused deal? Plus, we break...

The Giants have finally found their pitching coach — and it’s Justin Meccage, a long-time Pirates developer who just spent a season working with Milwaukee’s Triple-A staff. Today we break down what this hire actually means for a pitching-first front office that keeps preaching “great pitching and great defense” as their formula. We dig into Meccage’s track record, why he was let go in Pittsburgh, and how he fits with Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and the young arms like Roupp and Birdsong who are expected to take real steps in 2026. We also dive into the Giants’ surprising decision not t...

Are the Giants finally ready to spend big on international free agency? Today we dig into whether San Francisco will actually make a real push for top global talent like Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and more — and what Buster Posey’s comments on Giants Talk really mean for their offseason strategy. We also break down why the choice to trade for Rafael Devers complicates the Murakami interest, how Imai might be the perfect rotation fit, and whether the Giants are risking another year of half-measures. Plus, we dive into Patrick Bailey’s late-season surge and debate whether ABS co...

The Giants just made another major off-field addition — and this one might be the most important hire of the Tony Vitello era so far. Today’s episode breaks down the arrival of Quentin Eberhardt, Tennessee’s elite Director of Performance and the architect behind the most powerful college baseball program in the country. We dig into what his strength, conditioning, sports science, and development systems produced at Tennessee — from historic home run totals to record strikeout numbers — and what that could mean for the Giants’ long-term identity under Vitello.

We also dive into whether the Giants should target Max S...

The Giants’ offseason has officially reached “hold-your-breath” territory. In today’s episode, we dive deep into Buster Posey’s strongest comments yet on Bryce Eldridge, including whether the 21-year-old phenom should truly be considered untouchable — or if a pitcher like Hunter Greene, Joe Ryan, or MacKenzie Gore could force the front office into a franchise-shifting decision.

We also break down Andrew Baggarly’s new piece on how the Giants should approach spending, why ownership is telegraphing caution on big-ticket pitching, and what Posey’s comments reveal about the organization’s real plan for 2025 and 2026.

Plus: a full profile on...

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...