Buster Posey Addresses Tony Vitello After Disappointing Giants Season

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Buster Posey Addresses Tony Vitello After Disappointing Giants Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 10:20 AM ET

Buster Posey addressed Tony Vitello’s future after the San Francisco Giants finished the 2026 season with a 65-97 record.

Rather than moving on from Vitello after his first season as an MLB manager, Posey expressed confidence in his ability to grow into the position.

Vitello arrived in San Francisco from the University of Tennessee last October without professional coaching experience, making his first season a significant transition to the major leagues.

Buster Posey on Tony Vitello: “I got to see his work ethic day in and day out all year and still believe in his ability to lead. I do think there’s an adjustment going from coaching to managing. As the season went on, he was starting to make that adjustment.”
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) September 29, 2026

Posey acknowledged the adjustment involved in moving from college baseball to the majors while emphasizing his belief in Vitello’s work ethic and ability to lead the Giants going forward.

The Giants finished fourth in the NL West, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. San Francisco was 65-97, finishing with a .401 winning percentage.

San Francisco also dealt with several injuries throughout the season. Blade Tidwell and Carson Whisenhunt were each recommended for Tommy John surgery, while Rafael Devers underwent season-ending surgery.

Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee finished the season on the injured list, while Logan Webb also missed time late in the year because of blister issues.

San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Giants will now enter the offseason looking to improve after being outscored 760-669 during the regular season. Posey, along with general manager Zack Minasian and Vitello, will have the opportunity to address the roster and prepare for Vitello’s second season in the dugout.

For now, Posey’s public support makes clear that the Giants intend to continue working with Vitello after his first year at the MLB level. The next challenge will be turning that confidence into progress in 2027.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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