The San Francisco Giants’ 2026 campaign has unfolded as a disaster. While Luis Arraez remains a bright spot and Bryce Eldridge shows promise, the team’s overall performance is abysmal.
All players except Logan Webb could be considered trade candidates this summer, and the Giants are likely to become deadline sellers amid Tony Vitello’s dismal inaugural season as a major‑league manager.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale speculated that, given the dire circumstances, it wouldn’t be surprising if Vitello left his MLB post and returned to the college ranks should the right opportunity arise.
Vitello’s potential move back to college baseball wouldn’t shock insiders
Nightengale wrote, “It might be too embarrassing to fire Vitello after one year, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him return to college baseball if the right opening presents itself.”
The Giants sit at 40‑55, 20.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and barely ahead of the Colorado Rockies for the National League’s worst record.
Given the lofty expectations entering the season, the team’s struggles now rival those of the New York Mets, who also endured a disappointing 2026.
With the Giants poised to become major trade deadline sellers, Nightengale doubts it would be shocking if Vitello pursued a college coaching role after the season.
While the organization may hesitate to dismiss Vitello outright to avoid further embarrassment, his future remains uncertain amid rumors of a return to the collegiate level and the franchise’s ongoing woes.
