The San Francisco Giants are heading into a pivotal offseason, and after four straight years of hovering around the .500 mark, the organization is signaling it’s ready to turn the page. The last time the Giants saw postseason action was back in 2021, and the fan base is hungry for a return to October baseball in 2026.
There’s a new wave of optimism in the Bay Area, and it starts at the top. The Giants made a bold move by hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager.
Vitello, fresh off leading the University of Tennessee to a national championship in 2024, brings a fresh perspective and a winning pedigree. While he’s making the jump from the college ranks to the majors, his track record of building a winning culture is exactly what San Francisco has been lacking.
Now the focus shifts to the roster-and more specifically, the starting rotation. Logan Webb remains the ace of the staff, and the addition of a healthy Robbie Ray gives the Giants a strong one-two punch.
But if this team wants to compete in a loaded National League, they’ll need more depth on the mound. They may not be in the market for a top-tier arm like Framber Valdez, but there’s still plenty of talent available that could slot in as a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter.
One name to watch: Nick Martinez. The veteran right-hander is drawing interest from several teams this winter, and the Giants are reportedly in the mix.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Martinez's versatility and clubhouse presence make him an appealing target. He’s not just a traditional starter-he’s the kind of pitcher who can seamlessly shift between the rotation and the bullpen, giving the team options based on need.
That swingman role might not be flashy, but it’s incredibly valuable over the course of a 162-game season. Martinez has shown he can handle both starting and relief duties, which could give the Giants some much-needed flexibility. Whether he’s filling in for an injured starter, eating innings in long relief, or stabilizing the back end of the rotation, Martinez brings a level of reliability that’s hard to find on the open market.
San Francisco isn’t the only team eyeing Martinez. The Padres, Mets, and Braves are also potential landing spots, and a return to San Diego remains on the table. But if the Giants are serious about making a postseason push, this is the type of under-the-radar move that could pay real dividends.
The Giants have already taken a big swing with their managerial hire. Now, it’s about building a roster that can support that vision. Adding a versatile arm like Martinez could be a smart next step in that process.