Buster Posey has already achieved more in one baseball career than most could dream of. Now, in his new role as president of baseball operations, he’s building a legacy that could rival his playing days
John Smoltz’s endorsement only adds credibility to what fans are already feeling: the San Francisco Giants are back on the rise.
Posey brings vision, balance, and championship pedigree. With a competitive roster, a solid start to the season, and a front office grounded in both data and instinct, the Giants are poised for something special.
Whether or not 2025 ends with a World Series parade remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: under Buster Posey, the Giants are in very good hands.
While some teams lean on superstar firepower or massive payrolls to find success, the 2025 San Francisco Giants are writing a different script—one authored by a legendary catcher turned front-office leader.
With pitching as their backbone, guided by the wisdom and philosophy of Buster Posey, and validated by John Smoltz’s praise, this team is reminding baseball fans that there’s more than one way to win.
In a division where every win counts, the Giants’ combination of strategy, talent, and timing might just be the formula they need to return to October—and maybe even make some noise once they get there.
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John Smoltz: Buster Posey Takes the Helm
The San Francisco Giants have entered a new chapter in their storied history with franchise icon Buster Posey now leading the front office.1
After a decorated playing career that spanned over a decade, Posey was appointed as the Giants’ president of baseball operations following the 2024 season.
His appointment was met with enthusiasm and optimism, not just from Giants fans but also from some of baseball’s most respected voices—including Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz.
On a recent appearance on the Flipping Bats podcast, hosted by Ben Verlander, Smoltz shared his positive outlook on the Giants’ chances in 2025 under Posey’s guidance. The Hall of Famer believes Posey’s leadership is already proving to be a stabilizing force for the club.
He played 22 seasons
— John Smoltz (@smoltz_john) April 10, 2017
Posey’s Storied Past Lends Credibility to His New Role
Buster Posey is no stranger to success. Drafted fifth overall in 2008, Posey quickly rose through the ranks and became a key figure for the Giants, helping them capture three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
He was named the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year and won the NL MVP in 2012. More than just a talented catcher, Posey was the emotional and strategic anchor of the team for years.
After retiring in 2021, many speculated that Posey would remain close to the game. His return to San Francisco in an executive capacity fulfills that prophecy.
Posey’s intelligence, calm demeanor, and intimate understanding of the organization make him an ideal fit for this role.
John Smoltz on Posey: A Voice of Reason and Stability
In his podcast appearance, John Smoltz emphasized Posey’s value not just as a former player but as a leader who understands the balance between data-driven strategies and traditional baseball instincts.2
“Buster Posey is going to be an important byproduct of their success,” Smoltz stated. “I think he brings stability and sanity to the organization… I think they know how to win in San Francisco.”
Smoltz’s words underscore a crucial point. In today’s MLB, front offices often lean heavily on analytics.
While numbers have their place, Posey’s presence ensures a blend of data and feel for the game—a hybrid approach that many successful teams now employ.
Giants’ 2025 Roster: Built to Win at Oracle Park
As of mid-April, the Giants boast a 13-6 record, giving them the third-best winning percentage in all of baseball.
However, they sit third in the hyper-competitive National League West, which currently features the three top-performing teams in the league.
The Giants’ roster seems built for their home field. Oracle Park is known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions and Posey, understanding this better than anyone, has helped shape a roster that thrives in such an environment.
The team has leaned on strong pitching, timely hitting, and airtight defense—all hallmarks of championship-caliber baseball.
Verlander’s Addition Adds Depth and Experience
One of the more high-profile moves in Posey’s brief tenure was the signing of Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million contract.
The three-time Cy Young winner brings veteran leadership to a rotation that already has solid arms. Even at 42, Verlander’s presence in the clubhouse is invaluable.
Ben Verlander, who hosts the Flipping Bats podcast, noted how excited his brother was to join the Giants and help mentor their younger pitchers.
It’s another smart move by the front office, which understands the importance of blending youth with experience.
John Smoltz: Finding Their Identity in a Competitive Division
The NL West is shaping up to be a dogfight. With powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres both off to hot starts, the Giants face stiff competition.3
But this isn’t unfamiliar territory. The Giants have long thrived when cast in the underdog role.
The challenge will be consistency. As Smoltz noted, “As long as they don’t have to push a million buttons to try and be successful and have more stability in their roster, yes, they can make a push [for a playoff spot].”
Stability has been the theme—and so far, it’s paying off.
Posey’s Influence Beyond the Dugout
While Posey isn’t putting on the gear behind the plate anymore, his impact can be seen everywhere.
From roster construction to clubhouse culture, Posey’s fingerprints are all over the team. Players and coaches have spoken about the renewed sense of calm and purpose around the organization.
This cultural shift might be Posey’s most important contribution. A front office that understands the game from a player’s perspective can make more informed, empathetic decisions.
That balance is rare—and invaluable.
The Giants’ Farm System: Future Looks Bright
Posey’s vision isn’t limited to the current roster. He has taken a keen interest in the Giants’ farm system, placing emphasis on player development and long-term sustainability.
With prospects like Carson Whisenhunt and Marco Luciano showing promise, the future looks bright in San Francisco.
Smoltz even alluded to the importance of growing talent internally, suggesting that sustained success will come not just from big-name signings but from developing a strong pipeline of homegrown players.
Can San Francisco Return to October Glory?
With their strong start to the 2025 season, the Giants have a realistic shot at not just reaching the postseason, but making noise once they get there.
Their recipe for success—experienced leadership, a well-balanced roster, and a revitalized front office—feels familiar to those who remember the dynasty years of the early 2010s.
October baseball in San Francisco has a certain magic. And with Posey at the helm, fans have every reason to believe that magic could return this fall.
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John Smoltz on Buster Posey-Led Giants
A Hall of Famer’s Endorsement
When John Smoltz, a Hall of Fame pitcher and one of the most respected voices in baseball commentary, praises a pitching staff, people listen.
Recently, Smoltz shared his optimistic outlook for the San Francisco Giants, attributing their promising start in the 2025 season largely to the influence of Buster Posey and a balanced pitching unit.
Posey, now serving as a central figure in the Giants’ front office and leadership group, has helped mold the staff into a force that could drive the team to October baseball.
A Fast Start in a Fierce Division
The Giants’ early-season momentum has positioned them well in what is arguably the most competitive division in Major League Baseball—the National League West.
Competing against perennial powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and a resurgent Arizona Diamondbacks team, any edge matters. Smoltz pointed to the Giants’ strong start as a critical head start, noting that the NL West teams had yet to engage in heavy intra-division play.
“It’d be interesting to see how things are right now,” Smoltz said. “A good head start for that team.”
That head start could be the difference in a late-season wildcard scramble or even a surprise division title run.
The Posey Effect: From Behind the Plate to Behind the Scenes
Buster Posey’s legacy in San Francisco is secure after a decorated playing career that included three World Series championships, a National League MVP award, and seven All-Star selections.
Now in an executive role, Posey’s fingerprints are all over the 2025 Giants roster—especially the pitching staff.
Smoltz credited Posey with helping to build the current pitching unit, praising the former catcher’s insight and influence.
As someone who spent his entire career reading pitchers and working with different arms, Posey’s transition into a front office role has paid dividends.
“It’s no surprise that someone like Posey would emphasize pitching,” Smoltz remarked. “He understands what it takes to win, and it starts on the mound.”
A Balanced and Versatile Staff
- The Giants’ pitching staff in 2025 is a blend of experience, youth, and strategic versatility.
- There are power arms, finesse pitchers, and several multi-inning relievers capable of navigating high-leverage situations.
- The rotation has been among the most consistent in the league through the first month of the season, with a collective ERA in the top five of the National League.
- Smoltz emphasized the staff’s balance. “You’ve got a lot of balance, and they haven’t played each other yet,” he said, highlighting how crucial it will be to maintain that balance as they face divisional rivals.
- Veterans like Logan Webb and new acquisition Shane Bieber have anchored the rotation, while young arms such as Kyle Harrison and Mason Black have stepped up as dependable contributors.
- The bullpen, led by Camilo Doval, remains one of the stingiest in the game.
John Smoltz: Learning From Past Playoff Droughts
Since their surprise 107-win season in 2021, the Giants have struggled to find consistent postseason form.
That campaign was followed by regression in 2022 and 2023, and a near-miss in 2024. Now, with renewed focus and a revamped organizational structure, the Giants seem determined to make 2025 a turning point.
Smoltz acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but expressed confidence in their trajectory this season.
“They’ve had some tough years, but this year feels different,” he said. “You can sense a new energy, and a lot of that stems from the pitching staff’s reliability.”
Developing Depth Over Star Power
One of the Giants’ strategies under Posey’s leadership has been to develop depth rather than chase expensive free-agent signings.
While they’ve made smart acquisitions, such as Bieber and middle reliever Reynaldo López, the core of their pitching strength comes from homegrown talent and savvy scouting.
This approach reflects Posey’s player-first philosophy. By nurturing pitchers through their system and easing them into larger roles, the Giants have built a more sustainable model.
Smoltz pointed out that such a strategy builds confidence within the clubhouse and reduces the pressure on any one individual.
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Defense and Game Management Complementing Pitching
It’s not just the arms that are helping the Giants win games—it’s the defense behind them. Posey, having been a Gold Glove catcher, always valued the importance of sound defensive fundamentals, and the 2025 team reflects that mindset.
From slick-fielding shortstop Marco Luciano to a defensively improved outfield, the Giants have turned more balls in play into outs, boosting the staff’s effectiveness.
Manager Bob Melvin, now in his second season with the team, has also been lauded for his handling of the pitching staff.
His experience and ability to manage bullpen matchups have helped the Giants close out tight games, a crucial skill in playoff races.
Camilo Doval: The Anchor in the Bullpen
Closer Camilo Doval continues to blossom into one of baseball’s premier ninth-inning weapons.
His triple-digit fastball and devastating slider have made him nearly untouchable in the early going. He’s converted 11 of 12 save opportunities and sports an ERA below 1.50.
Smoltz, no stranger to high-leverage innings himself, praised Doval’s mentality and stuff. “You need a guy at the end who shuts the door, and Doval is that guy,” he said.
Doval’s presence gives the Giants confidence late in games, and allows Melvin to be aggressive with bullpen usage in the middle innings.
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