The San Francisco Giants are having a rough season. They’re 42-56, fans are booing, and manager Tony Vitello’s job is reportedly on the line. But one thing Justin Verlander won’t tolerate is people using this mess to take shots at Buster Posey’s legacy.
Verlander came to Posey’s defense after a reporter suggested the Giants’ struggles under Posey as president of baseball operations might somehow ding his Hall of Fame credentials as a player. Verlander didn’t hold back.
“That’s ridiculous,” Verlander said. “That’s a ridiculous question.”
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that Verlander thinks it’s ludicrous anyone would believe Posey’s catching career could be diminished by front-office results. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with him. Posey was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time World Series champion, and the 2012 NL MVP. What he’s doing now as an executive doesn’t erase any of that.
The Giants’ gamble on Posey hasn’t paid off yet
Posey took over as president of baseball operations in 2024 and immediately started swinging big. He traded for Rafael Devers in 2025, which was a massive move. Then before the 2026 season, he hired Tony Vitello as manager — a guy who won big in college baseball but had zero MLB coaching experience.
That gamble hasn’t worked. The Giants are on pace to miss the playoffs for the third straight year under Posey’s leadership. Vitello’s seat is getting hot, and rumors suggest he might be gone after this season. San Francisco entered Sunday having won just five of its last 10 games, with a matchup against the Mariners ahead.
Fans expected more, and they’re letting the team hear it
Giants fans had high hopes when Posey moved into the front office. Instead, they’ve watched the team trend from bad in 2025 to worse in 2026. The boos at Oracle Park have been noticeable. But Verlander’s point stands: Posey’s time in the front office is separate from what he did on the field.
Nobody’s arguing Posey has been perfect as an executive. The Vitello hire was a risk that hasn’t worked. The Devers trade hasn’t turned the team around. But Posey’s playing career — the three rings, the MVP, the Gold Gloves — none of that goes away because of a couple bad seasons in the front office.
Verlander isn’t wrong. That’s a ridiculous question.
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