Giants' 2-Time All-Star Named as Trade Candidate Amid Disappointing Start
Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants rolled the dice and hired Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as the new manager in the Bay Area.
It was an unorthodox move, and questions swirled about how Vitello would make the transition from the NCAA to MLB.
So far, it hasn't been great, and the Giants enter May 11 with a 16-24 mark, the third-worst in the National League and just half a game ahead of the Colorado Rockies for last place in the National League West.
With that, the Giants already began making moves, including trading catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for a first-round pick in this year's draft.
BREAKING: The Cleveland Guardians are acquiring two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Patrick Bailey in a trade with the San Francisco Giants for the No. 29 pick in this year's draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 9, 2026
The Giants' poor start could lead to even more moves ahead of the deadline, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today named the likeliest trade candidate for the club.
"They may have no choice but to shop their biggest trade chip in starter Robbie Ray, who will be a free agent after the season. Some executives insist they also would listen to offers for ace Logan Webb. Yet, it's highly unlikely the Giants would move him considering that he's a premier starter with three years remaining on his reasonable five-year, $90 million contract," Nightengale wrote.
Webb being linked here is a bit of a surprise, but the top-end starter could bring back a large package at the deadline.
"They've got an old team that's underachieving with a lot of money on their books," one executive said, via Nightengale. "They've had to listen on Webb. It makes too much sense."
Webb is off to a bit of a rough start, putting up a 2-4 record with a 5.06 ERA, but he is a two-time All-Star and should be an interesting option for contending teams, especially with some years remaining on his contract.
Giants Exploring Other Moves
While Posey might not be ready to admit it, the rebuild period might be starting soon.
And, Nightengale added that the Giants could try to get rid of some other contracts this summer.
"The Giants would love to unload outfielder Jung Hoo Lee ($85 million left on his contract), shortstop Willy Adames ($161 million remaining), first baseman Rafael Devers ($226.5 million remaining) and Matt Chapman ($125 million remaining) and start over," Nightengale wrote.
However, that is another obstacle in itself, especially with big money tied to each of them, so Posey and the Giants would have some tough calls to make if they want to get rid of any of those deals.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM.