After leading the San Fransico Giants to 107 wins just a couple of seasons ago, the organization seemingly asked manager Gabe Kapler what he's done for them lately — firing him before the season's final series even started.
The Giants were 295-248 in Kapler's four seasons as manager. He won NL Manager of the Year in 2021.
Kapler appears to be the fall guy for a failed roster not built for long-term success, even with many pre-arbitration young players. Farhan Zaidi, Giants president of baseball operations, plans to have team principal partner and legendary catcher Buster Posey be a "key component" in their search for a new manager and recruiting free agents to come to play for the Giants.
Zaidi has been vocal in making it known he does seek out Posey's opinion. It wouldn't be shocking if he became a contender for the managerial position. While he may be content in his role with the team's ownership and as an advisor, he would be a fan favorite to get the job.
After getting a new manager, Zaidi's to-do list includes replacing some key figures who will likely not be back with the Giants in 2024.
4. Brandon Crawford won't be back with the Giants next season
Brandon Crawford grew up in the Bay Area and was a Giants fan. Crawford had a dream-come-true moment when the Giants drafted him in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. He went on to play for his favorite team for 13 seasons, helping them win World Series championships in 2012 and 2014.
This season was the final of his current two-year contract worth $32 million. Crawford hasn't announced his retirement, but he was able to say goodbye to Giants fans in his final home games at Oracle Park. If Crawford doesn't retire, he will likely have to play elsewhere as the Giants plan to move on to the shortstop position.
Crawford was a three-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger winner. For his career, Crawford hit .250/.319/.396 with 1,392 hits, 290 doubles, 146 home runs, 669 runs scored, and 744 RBI.
He is without a doubt a Giants legend and will be a hard personality and performer to replace.
3. Alex Wood won't be back with the Giants next season
Wood's 2023 season was a real struggle for the once-dependable lefty. He went 5-5 in 29 games for the Giants, 12 of which he started and two of which he finished. He had a 4.33 ERA over 97.2 innings.
The Braves drafted wood. He was traded to the Dodgers, where he stayed for four seasons. He was part of a multi-player deal that sent him and Yasiel Puig to the Cincinnati Reds, where he remained for a season. He was signed back to the Dodgers in free agency for another season. He went to the Giants in free agency in 2021.
In a good season, Wood is an excellent low-end rotation option in a good season. But due to injuries, his role has changed as he's more of a long relief option. But he's a real risk and that's why he will not be back with the Giants as they are ready to move on.
2. Joc Pederson won't be back with the Giants next season
Pederson was the highest-paid athlete on the Giants in 2023. With a one-year deal worth $19.65 million, he was a highly-paid designated hitter and occasional corner outfielder.
He hit .235/.348/.416 with 14 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 59 runs scored, and 51 RBI. This was an actual drop from how he did for the Giants in 2022, when he hit .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs, 57 runs scored, and 70 RBI.
It's a real headscratcher that Pederson would be the player receiving the largest salary. Sure, they lost out on Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. Yes, Pederson is a dynamic personality. It seems Ziadi was taking a chance, hoping that Pederson would become something he is not — a superstar. Pederson's numbers don't reflect that of a superstar. A fun role-player? Yes.
Ziadi likely feels burned from his gamble on Pederson and will likely move on in search of a true star.
1. John Brebbia won't be back with the Giants next season
Brebbia has one of the most unique personalities in baseball. But after a season of struggles in 2023, Brebbia will likely move on from San Fransico this offseason in search of new adventures.
Brebbia was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2011. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2017, where he stayed until 2019. He gained a lot of popularity amongst the fanbase for his quirky personality. The popularity expanded to San Fransico in 2021 when he signed with them during free agency.
Brebbia pitched in 40 games this season, starting 10 of those games. He was 3-5 over 38.1 innings, striking out 47 batters. He had a bit of a decline this season after a pretty memorable 2022 season in which he was 6-2 over 76 games, 11 of which were starts. He pitched 68 innings and struck out 54 batters.
The Giants are likely to move on from Brebbia in hopes of getting more consistency from a polished long reliever who could do a piggyback start if needed. Brebbia is a talented pitcher but did seem to struggle and decline this season after a massive jump in his performance from 2021 to 2022. It will be interesting to see what type of role Brebbia signs himself up for next season.
