The San Francisco Giants made significant changes this offseason, starting with the hiring of former star catcher Buster Posey as president of baseball operations. He faces the challenge of restoring the franchise to the level of success it enjoyed during his playing era, when he helped secure three World Series titles. Since his retirement, the team has not reached the postseason, something Posey aims to rectify in the near future.
The acquisition of shortstop Willy Adames in free agency is a positive step, as he fills a key gap in their lineup. Not only is he a skilled fielder, but he also brings power to the batting order, representing a substantial improvement.
However, Adames was the only significant addition to the roster, which contributes to the lackluster projections for the Giants in 2025. They have been consistent but mediocre over the past three seasons, finishing with win totals of 80, 79, and 81. While fans are eager for the team to improve, expectations for the upcoming year remain low.
According to FanGraphs’ projections, the Giants are forecasted to win 81 games, putting them tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the eighth-best record in the National League, which is likely to disappoint fans. They are only five wins short of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are projected to achieve 86 wins and secure the final wild card spot, while the Chicago Cubs are expected to win 84 games and take the NL Central title.
Competing in the NL West poses additional challenges, as two rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, are projected to have better seasons. The Dodgers lead the MLB with a predicted 97 wins, while the Padres are expected to finish just ahead of the Giants with 82 wins.
Frustration is understandable among fans who see these projections, suggesting that while the team is close to contending for a playoff spot, a single impactful free-agent signing might have made a significant difference. However, there are some encouraging signs from Posey’s first offseason, as he appears willing to invest in the team. Although Adames was their sole significant signing, they showed interest in players like Corbin Burnes and were linked to first baseman Pete Alonso at times.
If the new leadership can improve the farm system, which has seen several early-round draft misses under Farhan Zaidi, it could facilitate a more successful rebuild and enhance future projections.
