SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The San Francisco Giants announced the firing of manager Bob Melvin on Monday after a disappointing fourth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. The decision was revealed by Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, who had previously demonstrated confidence in Melvin by exercising his contract option for the 2026 season on July 1. However, Melvin expressed uncertainty about his future with the team following a season-ending 4-0 victory against the Colorado Rockies.
Melvin, who concluded his second season with the Giants, acknowledged that he had not received any guarantees about his position for the following year. “It is what it is,” he stated about his uncertain future, adding, “we’ll see what the next day brings.” Despite finishing the season with an 81-81 record, which was slightly better than the previous year’s 80-82, the Giants have not reached the postseason since their 2021 NL West title, a season in which they recorded a franchise-high 107 wins.
In a statement, Posey expressed gratitude towards Melvin for his dedication and professionalism. “After meeting with ownership, I met with Bob today to inform him of my decision,” Posey said. He added that after careful evaluation, the organization concluded that a change in leadership was necessary for the team’s future success. Posey highlighted the disappointment and frustration felt by the team in recent months and emphasized the need for a new leader moving forward.
Players voiced their support for Melvin following the season's conclusion. Third baseman Matt Chapman, who played under Melvin during their time with the Oakland Athletics, expressed a strong personal connection, remarking, “You know how I feel about BoMel, I loved him. He’s been my manager for I guess seven years.” Chapman credited Melvin for being consistently honest and supportive, acknowledging that many players, including himself, underperformed during the season.
Bob Melvin, who is 63 years old, returned home to manage the Giants after leaving the San Diego Padres. This marked a significant moment for him as a former player who had always dreamed of leading the Giants. During his managerial career, Melvin has compiled a regular-season record of 1,678 wins and 1,588 losses and has garnered three Manager of the Year awards while making eight postseason appearances with five different clubs, including Arizona, Seattle, Oakland, San Diego, and the Giants.
After replacing Gabe Kapler, who was dismissed with only three days left in the 2023 season, Melvin led the Giants to a mediocre performance in his inaugural year. As someone originally from Palo Alto, California, and an alumnus of the University of California-Berkeley, Melvin had distinct personal ties to the franchise and its fan base. His affection for the Giants was evident in how deeply he cared about his role as manager.
As the season wrapped up, several players, including All-Star pitcher Logan Webb, shared sentiments suggesting that while they recognized the disappointing outcome, they didn’t necessarily anticipate a managerial change. Webb remarked positively on Melvin’s leadership abilities, highlighting that the responsibility for the team’s lack of performance ultimately fell on the players, not the manager. “BoMel’s a great leader of men,” Webb stated, underscoring the respect and admiration his players held for him.
In summary, Bob Melvin’s departure from the San Francisco Giants marks a notable chapter in both his career and the organization’s ongoing quest for success. With the team seeking a new leader to steer them into a more prosperous future, Melvin's legacy of resilience and professionalism will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the Giants.
