The San Francisco Giants are struggling not even halfway through the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Despite a recent win against the Atlanta Braves, the Giants hold a 30-43 record. This puts them 17 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. Even with the league adding a third wild-card spot, San Francisco is eight games behind contenders like the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals.
To make matters worse, they must overcome several teams, including the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Marlins, Reds, and Mets, to secure that wild-card position. Within the National League, only the Colorado Rockies have a worse record.
Not surprisingly, news has emerged that the Giants’ front office plans to trade players before the league’s deadline. Reports by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and ESPN’s Buster Olney indicate that San Francisco is open to selling, particularly focusing on their expensive players.
This list includes Rafael Devers, their designated hitter, shortstop Willy Adames, and third baseman Matt Chapman. However, important players like star pitcher Logan Webb are reportedly not up for trade.
In October 2024, Buster Posey was appointed as president of Baseball Operations. A legendary figure for the franchise, Posey had limited experience in modern, analytical baseball evaluation methods. His tenure aimed to depart from the data-driven approach of predecessor Farhan Zaidi, who despite successes, was fired after consistent mid-level performance.
Under Posey, the Giants went 81-81 in his first year and are performing worse in the second year, with payrolls increasing from $175 million in 2024 to $210 million in 2026. Some of Posey’s major decisions have not panned out, contributing to their current slump.
Some major player acquisitions have underperformed, and recent trades have benefited other teams more significantly.
Devers, initially a star in Boston, was intended as a centerpiece around whom the Giants would build. Instead, he has underwhelmed, with only nine home runs and a .234 average in 2026. His performance, valued below replacement, places him on the trading block.
The trade cost San Francisco top prospects like Kyle Harrison, who has excelled with the Brewers, and James Tibbs III, who thrives in the Dodgers’ farm system. These prospects highlight miscalculations in the Giants’ strategy.
There are promising players like Bryce Eldridge and Josuar Gonzalez, and Luis Arraez has proven reliable. Yet, the pitching staff’s performance has disappointed, and farm system depth is lacking. The Giants, despite their resources, have not built a comprehensive team roster.
In contrast, the Dodgers, despite facing significant injuries, are succeeding due to deep talent reserves and strong analytical abilities. Analytics-driven strategies and depth have proven critical for their continued success.
Posey’s moves have not met expectations, as seen in the underwhelming Devers trade and disappointing signings like Adames. The Giants face a challenging path forward, requiring strategic reassessment and potential rebuild.