After Farhan Zaidi’s departure, Buster Posey stepped in as the San Francisco Giants’ president of baseball operations. In his first press conference, Posey revealed that general manager Pete Putila would be stepping down, allowing for a new hire.
Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Giants’ search for Putila’s successor is gaining momentum. Initially, three candidates emerged: Oakland Athletics assistant GM Billy Owens, Giants assistant GM Jeremy Shelley, and former Giants GM Bobby Evans. However, it was clear that the team wasn’t limiting its search to just these names.
Slusser further reported this week that the list of candidates has expanded. De Jon Watson, previously the Washington Nationals’ director of player development and now a special adviser with the Houston Astros, has drawn the Giants’ interest.
Additionally, Logan White, an executive with the San Diego Padres and formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Scott Sharp, assistant GM for the Kansas City Royals, are also being considered. The search is intensifying, and more names may emerge as the Giants continue to look for the right person to lead their baseball operations under Posey. With a combination of internal and external candidates, the team is conducting a thorough search for the best fit.
Who Will Lead the SF Giants? Latest GM Search Developments
Slusser provided additional insight into the possible roles of Bobby Evans and Brian Sabean within the Giants organization. Evans, the Giants’ GM from 2015-2018, is unlikely to be considered for his former position. Instead, the team might look to place him in an advisory role within the front office. As for Sabean, a three-time World Series champion, Slusser indicates that he would be welcomed back in a similar advisory capacity. However, it’s uncertain if Sabean would leave his current position with the New York Yankees to return to San Francisco.
Potential Candidates for the GM Job
If San Francisco considers options beyond the previously mentioned names, additional potential candidates may come to light.
Kim Ng
The former Miami Marlins GM, a trailblazer in MLB, could be an intriguing option for the open position. Ng made history as the league’s first female GM and brings a strong background, having served as assistant GM for both the Yankees and Dodgers. The Giants had considered Ng in 2018, but she eventually joined the Marlins and led them to a postseason appearance. Her departure from Miami last offseason, though, suggests San Francisco might not be the best fit this time.
Ng reportedly left the Marlins because the organization planned to hire a president of baseball operations above her, which mirrors the current structure under Posey in San Francisco. This setup may cause her to reconsider the opportunity based on her prior experience.
Amiel Sawdaye
The Giants’ search for a new GM has prompted a reassessment of their organizational strategy. While their original plan was to replicate the Dodgers’ success by hiring Farhan Zaidi, they may find a more fitting model in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rebuild.
Arizona’s assistant GM, Amiel Sawdaye, was instrumental in revamping the Diamondbacks’ farm system and executing smart trades, which helped the team reach the World Series last season. Sawdaye’s extensive background includes 15 years with the Boston Red Sox before he joined Arizona in 2016, where he now oversees amateur and international scouting, using his expertise to identify top talent.
Interestingly, the Giants had interviewed Sawdaye for the GM role in 2018, and his track record of success makes him a compelling candidate for the position once again.
Carlos Rodriguez
In 2018, the Giants’ ownership looked to the Tampa Bay Rays as a blueprint for their organizational restructuring. They nearly hired Chaim Bloom from Tampa Bay but ultimately chose Zaidi. Zaidi later considered Rays coach Matt Quatraro for the managerial role before deciding on Gabe Kapler. Now, another Rays executive could become a strong candidate. Rodriguez, the Rays’ assistant GM and VP of baseball operations, has an impressive background that aligns with Posey’s vision.
With over a decade of experience with the Rays, Rodriguez has built his expertise across various roles. He previously worked as an area scout for the Toronto Blue Jays and an international scout for the Rays. He also held positions as director of Latin American scouting and director of international scouting, providing him with deep knowledge of scouting, player development, and baseball operations.
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