Buster Posey Appointed as Giants’ President of Baseball Operations

The San Francisco Giants have fired their president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, and appointed franchise icon Buster Posey as his replacement, the team announced on Monday. Zaidi’s tenure lasted six seasons, with the team achieving only one winning record – a franchise-best 107-win season in 2021. However, the subsequent seasons were less remarkable.

Buster Posey, a former seven-time All-Star and National League MVP, will assume the role despite a lack of traditional front office experience. Posey, 37, who played his entire 12-year career with the Giants, retired after the 2021 season. Since retiring, Posey has held a position in the Giants’ ownership group and participated as part of the board, acquiring a larger influence within the team’s operations.

The Giants Chairman, Greg Johnson, expressed confidence in Posey’s capabilities. “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,” Johnson stated. Posey’s recent involvement in securing a six-year, $151 million contract extension for a player signified a shift in the team’s operational dynamics, setting the stage for his new leadership role.

Farhan Zaidi joined the Giants in 2019 with the expectation of revitalizing the team. Despite an impressive 2021 season where the Giants won the National League West, Zaidi faced challenges replicating that success in following seasons. The team’s stagnation led to the decision for new leadership. Johnson conveyed gratitude for Zaidi’s efforts and wished him well. “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,” Johnson added.

Under Zaidi, the team surpassed the luxury-tax threshold during the winter, backing him with significant investments in free agency, yet the results did not meet expectations. Despite excellent individual performances, the Giants concluded their 2023 season with an 80-82 record, falling behind in a highly competitive division.

Posey’s appointment marks a notable transition for the Giants as they look to rejuvenate their pursuit of consistent championship contention. The integration of Posey in a front office leadership role aims at fostering a new direction, blending his on-field experience and fresh organizational influence.