For Giants fans, the last four seasons have been anything but underwhelming. After an improbable 2021 season, when they finished with a regular-season record of 107-55, the Giants have yet to make a postseason appearance or have a season above .500, most recently finishing 81-81 in the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, leaving fans questioning if the Giants will ever be able to replicate their success in the 2010s.
With most of the offseason’s target names, such as Freddy Peralta, Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and others off the board, it feels frustrating for fans that the Giants haven’t pursued big names like their in-division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, considering that the Giants are only in Buster Posey’s third year as President of Baseball Operations, Giants fans should have cautious optimism heading into the next few MLB seasons.
In 2025, we got a slight preview of what this Giants team could be. By the 2025 All-Star break, the Giants were 52-45, the division-leading Dodgers. The Giants’ early start was powered by reliable pitching led by All-Star Logan Webb, who posted a 3.22 Earned Run Average (ERA) in 207 innings pitched in 2025, and breakout All-Star Randy Rodriguez, who posted a 1.78 ERA in 50.2 innings.
The Giants would eventually fizzle out after the break as problems with both the bullpen and offense arose, finishing 29-36 after the All-Star break.
One reason for this collapse is the Giants’ actions at the 2025 trade deadline, which saw them bring in star designated hitter Rafael Devers but send away relievers Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers, as well as veteran outfielder Mike Yaztremski.
Losing two key pieces of the Giants’ bullpen to trade, despite Doval’s struggles in the 2025 season, as well as Randy Rodriguez needing to undergo season-ending surgery, was a big reason for the pitching collapse.
Potentially more surprising was the Giants’ offensive woes the entire season. Despite big names like Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers, the Giants ranked 17th overall in runs per game in 2025. Devers specifically struggled with a high strikeout percentage in 2025.
The Giants, on paper, have enough big names for a playoff appearance. What the Giants lack is consistency in the bullpen and the offense. The Giants wisely picked up some starting pitcher depth this offseason, acquiring Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle. However, the biggest issues still need to be addressed.
The Giants’ bullpen lacks strikeout pitchers and a true closer. As of right now, it appears that Ryan Walker will fill the closer role while Rodriguez is still injured. But Walker blew seven saves in an inconsistent 2025, raising questions and concerns.
The Giants could very easily treat 2026 as a gap year and wait for Rodriguez to return healthy, especially considering that the free agent market for relievers has died down.
The offense, on the other hand, has a clear fix for the 2026 season. In 2025, the offense simply struggled to score runs. The Giants were extremely inconsistent, went hot and cold and couldn’t score with runners in scoring position.
The Giants’ first priority should be addressing the issues with Rafael Devers. Devers had a career-high 26.3% strikeout percentage. Bringing that number down will provide some much-needed relief.
The Giants’ top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, will bring some power to the Giants’ lineup that is currently lacking.
Another issue the Giants have already addressed is the manager. Giants fans should have faith in new manager Tony Vitello.
The Giants won’t immediately be in contention for the National League West (NL West) in 2026, especially considering the lengths the Dodgers are going to secure that first-place finish, but Giants fans can count on the Giants to take a step forward in 2026, not a step back.
