Manager Bob Melvin was let go by the San Francisco Giants on Monday following the team’s failure to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Giants president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, made the announcement on Monday, surprising many after he had previously extended Melvin’s contract for the 2026 season in July.
Despite leading the team to a 4-0 victory against Colorado on Sunday, Melvin expressed uncertainty about his future, stating that he had not received any assurances about managing in 2026. The Giants finished the season with an 81-81 record, one more win than Melvin’s first year. The team’s last playoff appearance was in 2021, under former manager Gabe Kapler.
In a statement, Posey mentioned that following discussions with ownership, he decided that a change in leadership was necessary for the team’s best interests. Melvin, who is 63 years old, returned to the Bay Area last year to manage the Giants, fulfilling a dream he had since his time as a player with the organization. This marked his 22nd year as a major league manager with an impressive career record.
Players, including third baseman Matt Chapman, expressed their support for Melvin, highlighting his consistency, honesty, and unwavering support for the team. Melvin, a native of Palo Alto, California, played for the Giants from 1986-88 and has managed several teams throughout his career.
In another managerial change, the Minnesota Twins parted ways with Rocco Baldelli after a disappointing season. The Twins, who finished with a 70-92 record, experienced a significant selloff before the trade deadline, resulting in a decline in performance over the final months. This marked their worst season since 2016, leading to Baldelli’s departure after seven years with the team.
Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will miss the American League wild-card series due to an elbow injury. The right-hander had a successful season, but the injury will sideline him for the crucial series against the New York Yankees. The average time of a nine-inning MLB game slightly increased this season, despite efforts to reduce game length with the pitch clock.
MLB experienced a slight increase in overall attendance for the third consecutive season, although the average attendance per game dipped slightly due to fewer doubleheaders caused by weather disruptions. The Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays faced attendance challenges due to venue changes, impacting their home game attendance for the season.