San Francisco Giants Hire Pete Putila As New General Manager
Oct 11, 2022, 8:29 AM
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The San Francisco Giants announced on Monday that they have hired Houston Astros assistant general manager Pete Putila as their new general manager.
Putila, 33, will work with the Giants’ President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi after spending the past 12 seasons with the Houston Astros.
The #SFGiants have hired Houston Astros Assistant GM Pete Putila as the club’s new General Manager, President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi announced tonight. pic.twitter.com/syMnFEGxmQ
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 11, 2022
“One of the things that really excited us about Pete is the fact that he has an extensive background in player development,” Zaidi said during a Zoom call with reporters on Monday night.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re limiting the scope to the Minor Leagues. We’ve talked a lot over the last couple of years about how much we value continued player development through and including the Major League level and think players can continue to improve. That’s really been a point of emphasis throughout Pete’s very successful career with the Astros.”
According to MLB.com, Houston held a record of 230-154 (.599) during Putila’s three years as an assistant GM, the second-best winning percentage in Major League Baseball, only trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers (260-124, .677).
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” Putila said of the opportunity to join San Francisco. “One important part of the interview process was to get to spend time with Farhan and the leadership staff, including [manager Gabe Kapler]. I was just really impressed with the team in terms of their humility and desire to improve in every area. That’s something that excites me. I think it’s what makes going to work every day a lot of fun. Just trying to figure out ways to acquire the best players, develop players and support them.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunities that are received with the Astros. I want to thank everyone there. I’m really excited to start this new chapter.”
Putila and Zaidi will have their hands full this offseason as they aim to retool a Giants team that finished the 2022 season with a .500 record of 81-81–the first .500 record in the team’s history.
