After a season that began with the signing of high-priced free agents and postseason expectations ended with a losing record, the San Francisco Giants said Monday they have fired President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi.
Zaidi will be replaced by former Giants star catcher Buster Posey.
“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,” said team chairman Greg Johnson in a statement. “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.”
Posey, a member of the Giants’ three most recent World Series championship teams and a former National League Most Valuable Player, joined the team’s board of directors and ownership in Sept. 2022. Posey had been rumored for weeks as a possible replacement for Zaidi, after he reportedly took the lead in re-signing star third baseman Matt Chapman toward the end of the season.
“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.”
Greg Johnson, San Francisco Giants team chairman
“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,” Johnson said. “Buster has the demeanor, intelligence and drive to do this job, and we are confident that he and (manager) Bob Melvin will work together to bring back winning baseball to San Francisco.”
Zaidi served for four years as the general manager of Giants’ rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers before taking over the Giants operations in 2018. The team has since disappointed, with only one trip to the playoffs under Zaidi’s leadership.
Before Zaidi worked for the Dodgers, he spent about a decade working in the Oakland A’s front office.
The post ‘Change is necessary’: Buster Posey elevated to leadership role after Giants’ failed season appeared first on Local News Matters.