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 potential MLB realignment that could shake up the entire National League.

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 farm system, which positions they must prioritize this offseason (spoiler: starting pitching tops the list), and how Vitello’s culture-first approach could reshape the identity of the organization from the clubhouse to the minors. This isn’t just another hire — it’s a full-on culture shift, and the countdown to Vitello’s MLB debut has already begun.

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 rebuild their farm system to reflect Vitello’s winning formula from Tennessee — a mix of swagger, structure, and player development that built an SEC powerhouse. It’s not just a new hire — it’s a culture shift.

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, and what success really looks like for a franchise trying to rediscover its soul.

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 set expectations for his first year in San Francisco: the culture shift, the clubhouse tone, and the benchmarks for success in 2026.

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.

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, staffing structure, lack of MLB experience), and what to expect next if the deal gets finalized. Plus, we react to Nick Hundley officially withdrawing from consideration, how that opened the door wider for Vitello, and why the Giants’ search feels like it’s approaching a franchise-defining moment.

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 roots make this story even better, and why the timing might finally be right for the front office to swing big. Plus, the latest on the Giants’ managerial search — with Nick Hundley still very much in the mix — and a full player profile on rising pitching prospect Jacob Bresnahan, who continues to climb through the organization.

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 excellence defines the team’s new identity under Posey’s leadership. Between elite defense, intriguing managerial candidates, and a looming rivalry with San Diego, this episode has everything Giants fans need to stay locked in on what’s next for San Francisco.

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 offseason’s quietest but most important debates: No, you don’t have to trade Patrick Bailey… but the Giants absolutely need a better backup catcher. From roster upgrades to clubhouse leadership, this episode covers what the front office needs to do to get the Giants back in contention in 2026.

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 — a “pitching and defense” identity? Or would his recent firing in Baltimore and rebuilding reputation make him a risky choice for a Giants team expected to win now? Plus, we dig into the latest updates around Grant McCray’s future, whether his elite defense can keep him in San Francisco, and a full prospect profile on Diego Velasquez, one of the most polished young hitters in the system.

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-league relevance. Together, these stories map out how Posey might reshape identity, allocate playing time, and lean on young arms going forward.

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 linking him to both the Braves and Giants openings, we ask the question: is Vitello a bold home run swing or too big a gamble for a team in transition?

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 spotlight one of the most exciting young players in the Giants system: shortstop Jhonny Level. The 17-year-old Venezuelan switch-hitter has been climbing prospect lists thanks to his advanced bat speed, plus athleticism, and elite production in the Arizona Complex League. Could he be the future centerpiece up the middle for San Francisco?

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 MLB playoffs roll on, it’s also impossible not to compare what we’re seeing from October contenders to the current state of the Giants — whether that gives you more confidence in the team’s direction or highlights just how far they have to go to rejoin baseball’s elite. 0:00 Ball in Hundley’s court 10:49 Can Posey be objective? 20:32 Does watching the playoffs help or hurt? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-san-francisco-giants/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #SFGiants #FirstListen #Giants #sanfranciscogiants #sanfrancisco #baseball #mlb Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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’ll discuss what kind of arms could be realistic targets and whether Justin Verlander should be part of that conversation. Then we’ll zoom out to the rest of the league — from the Rangers hiring Skip Schumaker to new vacancies with the Angels, Braves, Rockies, Twins, Orioles, and Nationals. MLB.com reports that this is one of the most active managerial markets in years, with multiple contenders rethinking their leadership philosophies. The Giants’ decision will be judged against that backdrop, as Posey looks for someone who can embody a “pitching and defense” identity in a league chasing more offense.

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 has “no regrets” but admitted he was never given a clear explanation for his dismissal. What do Melvin’s words reveal about how things ended — and what they mean for Posey and the front office going forward? From potential new hires to reflections on the past, this episode dives into what the Giants’ next move says about their future direction under Buster Posey.

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 their teams around quickly, and whether Posey can follow that path.