San Francisco – Buster Posey was introduced as the new President of Baseball Operations today. Long respected as a player, Posey was always seen as a potential candidate for a leadership role post-retirement. While many speculated that he would eventually become a team manager—a common path for former catchers—he surprised many by expressing an ownership interest a few years ago.
“The opportunity to be a part of a team, to have the chance to elevate staff, elevate players. We’re in a memory-making business,” Posey said during his introductory press conference this morning. “Sure, winning is great, and ultimately that’s our goal, but the overall big picture of being a part of something bigger than yourself is really appealing.”
During Farhan Zaidi’s tenure, the Giants have struggled to return to the World Series since their 2014 championship. They reached the National League Wild Card game and Division Series in 2016 and 2021, but those were the last times the team made the playoffs. Former manager Gabe Kapler led the team from 2020 to 2023 before being dismissed, ushering in the current Bob Melvin era. This season, the team finished with an 80-82 record and missed the playoffs. Issues with drafting, trades, and player development have contributed to the team’s recent struggles.
Posey, with his extensive experience, is viewed as the ideal fit for the organization. Having been with the Giants since he was drafted in 2009, Posey brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He is only the second player in MLB history, after Pete Rose, to win Rookie of the Year, a League MVP, and three World Series titles. Additionally, he played in four no-hitters, catching for three of them.
Now, Posey faces the challenge of finding a new General Manager and bolstering the team’s roster, which is in dire need of talent. He will also need to work closely with the current manager Bob Melvin to improve the team’s performance and cultivate a stronger relationship between the players and management. Melvin, hired last season, struggled to find success in his first year.
“I want a servant leader who can empower people,” said Posey on a new GM. “Ideally someone with a scouting background would be important for me as well. Today’s game is so much about meshing what your eyes see and instincts are with what the data is telling you.”
Statement from Greg Johnson, Chairman of the San Francisco Giants
We have made the decision to part ways with Farhan Zaidi. We appreciate Farhan’s commitment to the organization and his passion for making an impact in our community during his six years with the Giants. Ultimately, the results have not been what we had hoped, and while that responsibility is shared by all of us, we have decided that a change is necessary. While these decisions are not easy, we believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so we can consistently contend for championships. I wish Farhan and his family nothing but the best moving forward.
As we look ahead, I’m excited to share that Buster Posey will now take on a greater role as the new President of Baseball Operations. We are looking for someone who can define, direct and lead this franchise’s baseball philosophy and we feel that Buster is the perfect fit. Buster has the demeanor, intelligence and drive to do this job, and we are confident that he and Bob Melvin will work together to bring back winning baseball to San Francisco.
We are also fully committed to following the Selig Rule and ensuring diversity in our hiring for any of our open positions.
“I want a servant leader who can empower people,” Posey said of what he’s seeking in a GM. “Ideally someone with a scouting background would be important for me as well. Today’s game is so much about meshing what your eyes see and instincts are with what the data is telling you.”
“The opportunity to be a part of a team, to have the chance to elevate staff, elevate players. We’re in a memory-making business,” Posey said during Tuesday’s introductory press conference. “Sure, winning is great, and ultimately that’s our goal, but the overall big picture of being a part of something bigger than yourself is really appealing.”
