Giants Hire College Coach Tony Vitello as New Manager

Veteran player Evan Longoria offers advice to Vitello as he takes on his first MLB role.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:43pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp overlapping planes of color representing the complex dynamics and high-pressure decisions a new manager must navigate.A cubist interpretation of the strategic decisions and high-stakes moments that define a new manager's first season in Major League Baseball.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco Giants have hired Tony Vitello, a former college baseball manager, to be their new MLB manager, a surprising move that has raised some eyebrows in the baseball world. Vitello, who has no prior professional experience, has faced early challenges with the Giants' slow 5-8 start to the season. However, veteran player Evan Longoria has reached out to Vitello to provide mentorship and encouragement as he transitions to the pro level.

Why it matters

Vitello's hiring represents a shift towards bringing in fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to MLB management, which is typically dominated by seasoned veterans and former players. The success or failure of this unconventional move could set a precedent for how teams approach finding new leadership in the future.

The details

Buster Posey, the Giants' president of baseball operations, made the bold decision to hire Vitello, who previously managed at the college level. Vitello has already faced scrutiny from fans and critics as the Giants have struggled to a 5-8 record to start the season. In a gesture of support, three-time MLB All-Star Evan Longoria reached out to Vitello to provide advice and encouragement as he navigates his first professional managerial role.

  • The Giants hired Vitello as their new manager in the offseason prior to the 2026 MLB season.
  • The Giants have started the 2026 season with a 5-8 record through their first 13 games.

The players

Tony Vitello

A former college baseball manager who was hired by the San Francisco Giants to be their new MLB manager, despite having no prior professional experience.

Buster Posey

The president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, who made the unconventional decision to hire Vitello as the team's new manager.

Evan Longoria

A three-time MLB All-Star player who has reached out to provide mentorship and advice to new Giants manager Tony Vitello as he transitions to the professional level.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to reach out and let Tony know that he has my full support. The transition from college to the pros can be challenging, but I'm confident he has what it takes to succeed.”

— Evan Longoria, MLB Player

What’s next

The Giants and their new manager Tony Vitello will look to turn around their slow start to the season and prove that Posey's unconventional hiring decision was the right move.

The takeaway

Vitello's hiring represents a shift towards bringing in fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to MLB management, which could set a new precedent for how teams approach finding new leadership in the future. The success or failure of this move will be closely watched by the baseball community.