San Francisco Giants fire manager Gabe Kapler
Sep 29, 2023, 2:23 PM | Updated: 2:56 pm
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Not even 24 hours following San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi’s cryptic comments regarding manager Gabe Kapler’s future with the team, a change has been made in the Bay Area.
The Giants have parted ways with Kapler following back-to-back disappointing seasons.
Kapler, 48, was named National League Manager of the Year in 2021 after leading San Francisco to a franchise-record 107 wins, but back-to-back seasons without a postseason berth spelled the end of the line.
The team confirmed the news shortly following Passan’s report:
The #SFGiants announced that the club has dismissed manager Gabe Kapler.
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 29, 2023
During an interview on KNBR 680 on Thursday, Zaidi hinted at a possible managerial change after previously voicing his confidence in Kapler as the Giants’ skipper.
“I really appreciate the support from ownership and the plan to have [himself and Kapler] back. Right now, our focus is just kind of getting through these last three games strong, finishing at .500. I think we all have to just look at how we can improve across the board. That’s the personnel on the roster.
“That’s, you know, our culture in the clubhouse, which again, I think that’s when you’re playing well, certain things culturally are portrayed positively like, ‘Hey, this group loves being together. They’re having fun.’ But when you’re not doing well, those things can be seen in a negative light.”
San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi – 9/28/23
One day later, Zaidi shared the following statement regarding Kapler’s dismissal:
“After making this recommendation to ownership and receiving their approval, I met with Gabe today to inform him of our decision,” said Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi.
“In his tenure as Giants manager, Gabe led our team through an unprecedented pandemic in 2020 and a franchise-record 107 wins and postseason berth in 2021. He has been dedicated and passionate in his efforts to improve the on-field performance of the San Francisco Giants and I have tremendous respect for him as a colleague and friend.”
“On behalf of the Giants organization, we wish Gabe the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions over the last four years.”
San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi – 9/29/23
Kapler, who was hired before the COVID-shortened 2020 season, compiled a record of 295-248 (.543) during his four seasons with San Francisco.
During those four years, the Giants secured one National League West title (2021), the franchise’s first since 2012, and went 2-3 in the 2021 NLDS against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
It’s clear that San Francisco needs several changes this offseason, and Zaidi isn’t wasting time in turning the page on a rough couple of seasons. Kapler’s exit means that Zaidi will be watched even closer this offseason as the Giants hope that this will be the offseason they will finally attract star talent in free agency.
After missing out on stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Carlos Correa in recent years, can Zaidi make a splash and bring a talent like Shohei Ohtani or Cody Bellinger to Oracle Park?
Significant changes are needed, and Kapler’s exit will need to be the tip of the iceberg if the Giants are to make a return to relevancy.
Upcoming San Francisco Giants Schedule
- Friday, September 29th-Sunday, October 1st – vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
End of MLB regular season
MLB Playoffs Schedule
- Wild Card Round – October 3rd-5th
- Division Series – October 7th-14th
- Championship Series – October 15th-24th
- World Series – October 27th-November 4th
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
