Giants Hire First-Time Manager Tony Vitello, Receive Advice from Veteran Evan Longoria

Longoria's mentorship could be key as Vitello navigates his inaugural MLB season with the struggling Giants

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:00am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with players and the field represented as abstract shapes and forms in a dynamic, overlapping composition that captures the energy and motion of the sport.Veteran Giants player Evan Longoria's mentorship of first-time manager Tony Vitello could be the key to unlocking the team's potential this season.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco Giants have appointed Tony Vitello as their new manager, a bold move that has raised eyebrows given his lack of prior MLB experience. However, Vitello has received valuable guidance from veteran Giants player Evan Longoria, which could prove crucial as the young manager looks to turn the team's slow start to the season around.

Why it matters

Mentorship is a powerful tool in professional sports, and Vitello's relationship with the three-time All-Star Longoria could provide him with invaluable insights to help navigate the challenges of managing an MLB team. The Giants' decision to hire Vitello, a relative newcomer, is a strategic move that hinges on his ability to leverage this mentorship and lead the team to success.

The details

Vitello, a 38-year-old with no prior MLB managerial experience, was hired by the Giants after the team parted ways with longtime manager Bob Melvin. While Vitello's appointment was met with some skepticism, he has received guidance from veteran Giants player Evan Longoria, who has shared his own experiences and advice to help the young manager adjust to his new role.

  • The Giants hired Tony Vitello as their new manager in the offseason, prior to the start of the 2026 MLB season.
  • Vitello has been receiving ongoing mentorship from Evan Longoria since taking the job.

The players

Tony Vitello

The 38-year-old first-time MLB manager hired by the San Francisco Giants to lead the team.

Evan Longoria

A three-time MLB All-Star and veteran player for the San Francisco Giants, who has been providing mentorship and advice to the new manager Tony Vitello.

Bob Melvin

The previous manager of the San Francisco Giants, who the team parted ways with prior to hiring Tony Vitello.

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What they’re saying

“Evan has been an incredible resource for me as I navigate my first season as a manager. His insights and advice have been invaluable, and I'm grateful to have someone with his experience in my corner.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

What’s next

The Giants will be closely monitoring Vitello's progress and the team's performance as the season continues. If the team is able to turn things around with Vitello's leadership, it could validate the Giants' decision to hire the young manager and the value of Longoria's mentorship.

The takeaway

The Giants' decision to hire Tony Vitello as their new manager, despite his lack of prior MLB experience, highlights the importance of mentorship in professional sports. Vitello's relationship with veteran player Evan Longoria could prove to be a crucial asset as he navigates the challenges of leading an MLB team, and the success or failure of this partnership will have significant implications for the Giants' future.