Giants Hire Tony Vitello As Manager - MLB Trade Rumors
Original story by: MLB Trade Rumors
Last updated: Oct 23, 2025
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- Context: The San Francisco Giants have hired Tony Vitello, the highly successful college baseball coach from the University of Tennessee, as their 40th manager. This move marks a significant departure from traditional managerial hires, as Vitello has no prior professional baseball experience.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Tony Vitello has been hired as the new manager for the San Francisco Giants, reportedly signing a three-year contract worth $3.5 million annually with a 2029 vesting option.
- Giants' president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, praised Vitello as an innovative and respected college coach, expecting him to bring energy and direction to the team.
- Vitello is a unique hire, being a lifelong collegiate coach with no professional playing, coaching, or managing experience in Major League or minor leagues.
- Vitello has a decorated college coaching career, including leading Tennessee to a national championship in 2024 and making multiple College World Series appearances. He also coached at Missouri, TCU, and Arkansas.
- Several of Vitello's former players, including Max Scherzer, have reached the major leagues, and he has developed numerous first-round draft picks. The Giants have four former Tennessee players in their organization, which may have influenced the hiring decision.
- This hire follows the dismissal of Bob Melvin, who was a veteran MLB manager. The Giants' decision to move from Melvin to Vitello is seen as a significant shift in managerial approach.
- Vitello has expressed views on player development and understanding the game, suggesting that a lack of coaching and accountability can hinder players' ability to win. These sentiments appear to align with Posey's own critiques.
- Initial reports suggested Nick Hundley as a potential candidate, but he withdrew his name. Brandon Hyde was the only other candidate with MLB managerial experience. The Giants' hiring process suggests a lower priority for traditional managerial resumes.
- Despite the gap between college and professional baseball, Vitello is recognized as a strong leader and motivator, with former players speaking highly of his abilities.
- The Giants are now among several MLB teams who have recently made managerial changes.
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