John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports this unexpected news, and it’s worth noting that his reporting played a key role in Gabe Kapler’s firing.
Yesterday afternoon, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reported a surprising detail: Farhan Zaidi and Bob Melvin did not receive 3-year contracts last offseason as previously believed. Instead, they were given 2-year guarantees with a 3rd-year club option. The Giants never corrected the widespread belief that the deals were for three years, but they are only obligated for two years, with the third being optional. If the Giants decide to move on from either Zaidi or Melvin, they would still be responsible for the guaranteed year’s salary unless either coach is allowed to interview elsewhere, which seems highly unlikely given their track records.
Ownership’s decision to structure the contracts this way was sound. By opting for a 2-year deal with a club option, they preserved their flexibility, aligning with Zaidi’s approach of keeping options open. This setup also gives the team time to address lingering questions: Was Gabe Kapler the main problem? Did the team lean too far into analytics, neglecting traditional baseball wisdom? Are they close to seeing a significant impact from their prospects?
Zaidi’s overall track record has been mediocre, and Melvin’s managing has not made the Padres regret letting him go to a division rival. The Giants’ choice of a short-term deal provides an easy exit strategy if things don’t improve. The team has clearly been a disappointment; Zaidi’s tenure has been marked by mediocrity, and Melvin’s success has been largely attributed to his time with the A’s. If the plan doesn’t work out, moving on is a reasonable next step.
John Shea’s reporting is notable here, as he is not just a national baseball writer but also seems to reflect the sentiments of some influential season ticket holders who pushed for Kapler’s departure. Now, Shea’s criticism has shifted toward Zaidi as the Giants continue to underperform. If the organization loses patience and makes changes in baseball operations, Zaidi’s 2025 salary would still need to be paid, and Melvin could end up working under a new boss.
Melvin’s blend of old-school and new-school approaches has generally been welcomed, but Zaidi and his staff still play a significant role in decision-making. The Giants’ pitching has suffered this season, partly due to Melvin’s choice of pitching coach and the removal of bullpen games that had been effective in previous years, further fueling criticism of Zaidi.
The Zaidi-Melvin partnership has fallen short of expectations, and Zaidi’s longer tenure has made him the primary target of criticism. While recent articles have attempted to weigh the pros and cons of keeping Zaidi through 2025, it’s clear that the Giants are giving their front office a reasonable amount of time to prove their approach is right for the team. Zaidi has been given seven years, including the Bruce Bochy farewell and pandemic seasons, to turn things around. If you advocate firing one, it logically follows that both should go. The Giants have tied Zaidi and Melvin’s fates together, and it makes sense for them to see this through—unless September turns into a complete disaster.
Be the first to comment