SF Giants Spring Training: Tony Vitello Sets the Tone, Ron Washington Gets to Work, and Young Arms Make Early Noise
Spring has arrived in Scottsdale, and with it, a fresh chapter for the San Francisco Giants. Earlier this week, pitchers and catchers reported to camp, officially kicking off the Tony Vitello era. And while the games are still weeks away, there’s already plenty to unpack-from the structure of Vitello’s coaching staff to Ron Washington’s specialized role, and a few names making early impressions on the mound.
Vitello’s Coaching Blueprint: Familiar Faces, Strategic Additions
When Tony Vitello met with the media on Wednesday, he laid out a clear vision for his coaching staff-one that blends continuity with calculated change. While the Giants finalized the staff just last week, many of the coaches had already been working behind the scenes in Arizona, getting a head start on implementing the new regime’s approach.
One of the headline additions is Ron Washington, who joins the staff as the infield coach. Washington brings a wealth of experience, most recently from his time with the Atlanta Braves, where he was widely respected for his work with infielders. He won’t be handling third base coaching duties this time around-Vitello made it clear that Washington’s focus will be squarely on refining the infield, particularly the right side.
Also joining the big-league staff is Frank Anderson, who steps into a somewhat unconventional role as director of pitching. While that’s not a title you see on every MLB staff, Anderson will travel with the team and work the same schedule as the rest of the coaches.
His job? Elevate the pitching infrastructure, top to bottom.
Vitello’s staff also includes some holdovers from the previous regime, a nod to the value of continuity. Oscar Bernard (assistant hitting coach), Taira Uematsu (quality control coach), and Eliezer Zambrano (bullpen catcher) are all back, providing familiarity and stability as the team transitions under new leadership.
Two more names to know: Shane Robinson and Hector Borg. Robinson, who was a minor league coordinator last year, will serve as the first base coach and work with the outfielders. Borg, a longtime presence in the Giants organization both as a player and coach, will handle third base duties.
Ron Washington’s Specialty: Building the Infield, One Rep at a Time
While Washington’s title is infield coach, his impact could be much broader-especially given the Giants' mix of veterans and developing talent around the diamond. Vitello emphasized that Washington wasn’t seriously considered for third base coach duties, despite his experience there. Instead, he’s being asked to do what he does best: mold elite infielders.
So far, Washington has already been hands-on with Luis Arráez at second base, working on refining footwork and positioning. But it’s the right side of the infield that will require the most attention. Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge are both still getting comfortable at first base, and Washington’s job will be to accelerate their learning curve.
The left side, meanwhile, looks like a potential defensive stronghold. With Matt Chapman locked in at third base and Willy Adames at shortstop, the Giants have two proven gloves anchoring the infield. If Washington can bring the right side up to speed, the Giants could field one of the more balanced infields in the National League.
Early Standouts: Young Arms Turning Heads
Spring training is always a proving ground for young talent, and Vitello didn’t hesitate when asked about early standouts. Three names jumped out: Blade Tidwell, Carson Whisenhunt, and Hayden Birdsong.
Tidwell, a right-hander who pitched under Vitello at Tennessee, joined the Giants last summer and wasted no time making an impression. He posted a 1.50 ERA over 18 innings at Triple-A and is already generating buzz in camp. With his familiarity with Vitello’s system and a live arm, he’s a name to watch as the Giants sort out their pitching depth chart.
Birdsong is another intriguing case. He showed flashes of mid-rotation potential in 2024, but command issues derailed his progress.
After transitioning from the bullpen to the rotation midseason, he struggled to find consistency. Still, the coaching staff remains high on his upside and has made him a focus early in camp.
If he can harness his stuff, Birdsong could re-emerge as a legitimate rotation candidate.
As for Whisenhunt, while details were limited, his inclusion in that group speaks volumes. The left-hander has long been seen as a potential contributor, and it appears he’s starting to turn heads at just the right time.
The Giants are still in the early stages of building their identity under Tony Vitello, but the foundation is already taking shape. With a coaching staff that blends experience and innovation, a defensive focus led by Ron Washington, and some promising arms showing early flashes, there’s a quiet confidence brewing in Scottsdale. It’s only February, but the groundwork for 2026 is already well underway.