Bob Melvin's time as manager of the Giants didn't quite hit the high notes many anticipated, which led to his departure last fall. Over two seasons, Melvin's record was 161-163, a surprising outcome given the talent on the roster, especially in 2025.
Recently hired by the Athletics as a special assistant to baseball operations, Melvin reflected on his stint with the Giants in a conversation with John Shea of The San Francisco Standard.
“We started with high hopes, especially after bringing in [Rafael Devers], which felt like a game-changer,” Melvin shared. “But we were inconsistent, like other teams that hit significant streaks, and didn’t perform well leading up to the trade deadline. If you’re looking to critique my time there, that’s the period to focus on.
“It’s disappointing. I returned to manage the Giants for a reason.
Leaving San Diego to come back home was a big move, and not doing better, particularly last year, was tough. Of all my experiences, this one stings the most.”
Melvin's career spans 22 years with five teams, earning him three Manager of the Year awards and placing him 20th all-time in MLB wins with 1,678. Yet, he remains among the top managers without a World Series appearance.
His connection to the Giants runs deep, adding to the disappointment. Growing up in Menlo Park, playing college ball at Cal, and spending three seasons as a Giants catcher from 1986-88, the ties are personal.
Despite the challenges, Melvin values his time managing both Bay Area teams.
“Wearing a Giants uniform and stepping into that ballpark daily was a dream. Managing both the A’s and Giants was beyond my wildest dreams,” he reflected. “I consider myself very lucky.”
At 64, Melvin's future in MLB management is uncertain, and his legacy in the Bay Area is more complex now. It's a story that, while not ending as hoped, remains a significant chapter for Melvin, the Giants, and their fans.