SF Giants: Avoiding the ‘Now What?’ in 2026

Apologies to those hoping for a traditional season preview – best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios. For the San Francisco Giants, that format feels…stale. Over the past several seasons, the Giants have consistently hovered around .500, making it difficult to predict anything dramatically different. Instead of focusing on probabilities, let’s explore what constitutes a *good* season for the 2026 Giants, and, crucially, what would define a truly *bad* one.

Beyond Wins and Losses: The ‘Now What?’ Factor

A high loss total or a string of injuries are obvious indicators of a poor season. But a truly disastrous year for the Giants in 2026 wouldn’t just be about the scoreboard. It would be defined by two chilling words: “Now what?”

There can be no fundamental shift in organizational identity. No revisiting the drawing board. No questioning the long-term plan. If the post-season assessment revolves around anything other than “More of this, but with better players,” then the 2026 season will be considered a failure.

The Tony Vitello Experiment

The Giants have invested heavily in new manager Tony Vitello – nearly $10 million when factoring in buyouts. While his spring training performance has been encouraging, a disappointing season could quickly lead to the dreaded question: “Now what?” regarding the managerial position. Vitello is an unknown quantity, and a bust would inevitably raise questions about the decision-makers who brought him on board. You can read more about the managerial landscape at MLB.com.

The Core and the Future

Let’s look at the Giants’ core players and their contracts:

Asking “Now what?” about Heliot Ramos is concerning, but not franchise-altering. However, questioning the future of players like Webb or Chapman would signal a significant problem. This core has a window of opportunity, and the Giants need to capitalize on it.

Developing the Next Generation

The Giants’ long-term success hinges on developing a pipeline of young talent. Players like Bryce Eldridge and Jesús Rodríguez offer hope, but if the organization fails to cultivate a new generation of everyday players, the window will close. The importance of farm system development is highlighted by Fangraphs’ farm system rankings.

Avoiding the Existential Crisis

A single injury to a key player, while disappointing, wouldn’t necessarily trigger an existential crisis. The Giants have demonstrated an ability to rebuild the rotation and maintain a competitive spirit. However, widespread questions about the front office, the coaching staff, or the core players would be a sign of a truly disastrous season.

Ultimately, the 2026 Giants need to avoid the “Now what?” scenario. They need to demonstrate a clear path forward, even in the face of adversity. A season filled with uncertainty and questioning would be a far greater failure than any number of losses.

This season feels particularly unpredictable, with potential for both exciting progress and concerning setbacks. Be careful out there, Giants fans – there might be wolves, but there might also be wolf cubs.

Grant Brisbee is a senior writer for The Athletic, covering the San Francisco Giants.