The San Francisco Giants finished 2026 with 97 losses and missed the postseason for the ninth time in 10 seasons. President of baseball operations Buster Posey still believes they can contend next year.

Why it matters: With the World Series underway without them, the Giants' winter moves will decide whether 2027 is a rebound year.

Vitello stays

Posey told the San Francisco Chronicle that he has "explicitly" told Tony Vitello he'll be back as manager in 2027, CBS Sports reported. Vitello is signed through 2028, with a vesting option for 2029.

The big questions

  • Rotation: Hayden Birdsong, Trevor McDonald, Carson Whisenhunt and Blade Tidwell all had Tommy John surgery. That leaves Logan Webb and Landen Roupp as the only sure starters.
  • Bullpen: Camilo Doval is arbitration-eligible after earning $6.1 million, and Randy Rodríguez is due back from Tommy John surgery.
  • Coaching staff: Big changes aren't expected, but some moves are possible.

"Do you think we can contend next year? I do," Posey said. The Giants were named the 2026 MiLB Farm System of the Year.