Giants Insights: Vitello and Hyde Shape Coaching Staff

The San Francisco Giants recently introduced Tony Vitello as their new manager. The announcement took place during a press conference on Thursday. Vitello, 47, previously coached at the University of Tennessee, where he gained recognition as one of the top college baseball coaches in the nation.

Tony Vitello’s Contract Details

Vitello has signed a three-year contract with the Giants. His annual salary is reported to be $3.5 million. The contract includes a vesting option for 2029, which becomes active if the Giants reach the playoffs in 2028.

Initial Costs for the Giants

• The Giants also paid a $3 million buyout to Vitello’s previous contract at Tennessee.
• Moreover, they incurred an additional $4 million in “dead money” after exercising an option on Bob Melvin’s contract.
• Overall, the move to hire Vitello will cost the Giants approximately $10.5 million in his first year, factoring in these buyouts.

Firing Bob Melvin and hiring Vitello were two distinct decisions. President of baseball operations Buster Posey had already decided to part ways with Melvin long before the season ended. The Giants experienced a rough patch with a 9-15 record in July. This poor performance influenced the eventual decision to replace Melvin.

Hiring Process and Other Candidates

In the search for a new manager, the Giants explored various candidates. They interviewed several individuals, including:

• Nick Hundley, special assistant with the Rangers
• Vance Wilson, third base coach for the Royals
• Brandon Hyde, former manager of the Orioles

Hundley withdrew his name from consideration due to family obligations, while the nature of Hyde’s discussions with Posey was clarified as a formal interview.

Building the Coaching Staff

Vitello has begun discussions about assembling his MLB coaching staff. One potential candidate is Jayce Tingler, a former college teammate and current bench coach for the Minnesota Twins. Tingler has experience managing in MLB and has been a top assistant for several seasons.

Another name on the Giants’ radar is Antoan Richardson. He previously served as the outfield and first base coach for the Giants before accepting a position with the Mets. His contract with the Mets reportedly fell through, leaving the opportunity open for a return to the Giants.

With the recent hiring of Vitello, the Giants aim to revitalize their strategy and performance on the field as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.