If you’re no stranger to McCovey Chronicles, then you’re probably aware that I’ve been pretty critical of Buster Posey during his tenure. Err, during his tenure as president of baseball operations, I should specify. Not sure I ever had a criticism of Posey during his tenure as Face of the Franchise/Captain America/All-World Catcher/Hugger Extraordinaire/Three-Time Champion.
While I’m in favor of giving Posey more time before reaching any grand conclusions, most of the results have been poor. His free
agency signings have been middling. His managerial decisions have backfired. His control of the image of the Giants has been slipping. His unwillingness to address the bullpen has been baffling.
But there’s one area where Posey (and general manager Zack Minasian) have excelled without question: deadline deals.
The 2025 trade deadline was bizarre for the San Francisco Giants. Just a few days before the deadline, the Giants, still clinging to the belief that they could be competitive, were reported to be buyers. Then they lost a few games, admitted defeat, and turned into sellers.
What followed was excellence. The Giants sent out the expiring contract of Tyler Rogers for Drew Gilbert, Blade Tidwell, and José Buttó. They traded Camilo Doval (who currently has a 5.08 ERA this year), and got back Jesús Rodríguez, Parks Harber, Carlos De La Rosa, and Trystan Vrieling. They moved on from Mike Yastrzemski, an impending free agent, and received Yunior Marte in return.
It seems that the Giants are once again heading for sell-town. And they once again have some intriguing options: starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle, and soon-to-be-four-time All-Star second baseman Luis Arráez are all on expiring deals. So too is reliever JT Brubaker. Center fielder Harrison Bader and starting pitcher Adrian Houser aren’t on expirings, but are paid modestly and have veteran cachet.
Barring a shocking winning streak, the Giants will have to fold their hand yet again, and turn their eye to the future. Can they match last year’s impressive deadline wheeling and dealing?
Stay tuned, I guess.
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants kick off a series with the Miami Marlins tonight at 4:10 p.m. PT.
