Everything feels different at Oracle Park lately. Maybe it's because Buster Posey is finally the one pulling the strings from the front office, or maybe it's just the fact that the sf giants starting lineup actually looks like it belongs in a pennant race for once.
Honestly, for a few years there, things were getting a little stale. You had a bunch of "platoon" guys who were fine, but they didn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of the Dodgers. That's changed. With Tony Vitello coming over from the college ranks to manage—which is still a wild move if you think about it—the vibe in San Francisco is a weird mix of old-school grit and high-end star power.
You've probably seen the headlines about the massive contracts, but the real story is how the diamond is actually going to look when they take the field in April.
The Big Bats: How the Infield Settled Out
If you told a Giants fan three years ago that the left side of the infield would be anchored by Rafael Devers and Willy Adames, they would have called you crazy. Yet, here we are.
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Rafael Devers is the big one. Bringing him in was a statement. He's basically the designated hitter most days, though he'll see some time at first base when things get weird with the rotation. The guy just hits. Then you have Willy Adames at shortstop. He’s got that seven-year deal worth $182 million, and while some people worry about how that contract will age in his mid-30s, right now he’s the heartbeat of the defense.
- Third Base: Matt Chapman (The vacuum is still there, and that extension looks smarter every day).
- Shortstop: Willy Adames (The $182 million man).
- Second Base: This is where it gets interesting. Casey Schmitt is coming off wrist surgery, so expect a heavy dose of Christian Koss or Tyler Fitzgerald early on.
- First Base: Bryce Eldridge.
Keep an eye on Bryce Eldridge. He’s 6'7" and hits the ball harder than almost anyone in the system. The 2026 season is basically his coming-out party. There’s a lot of pressure on a 21-year-old to hold down first base for a team with playoff aspirations, but the kid has a 25% barrel rate. That’s elite.
The sf giants starting lineup in the Grass
The outfield is... a work in progress. Let's be real.
Jung Hoo Lee is the guy in center. We know that. He’s got the contract and the bat-to-ball skills that make him a fan favorite, even if his defensive metrics weren't sparkling last year. Joining him in the corners is where the competition gets fierce. Heliot Ramos has basically locked down left field after finally proving he can handle big-league pitching.
Right field is the question mark. Luis Matos and Grant McCray are fighting for reps, but keep an eye on Drew Gilbert. He came over in the Tyler Rogers trade and has that "it" factor, even if his early numbers with the Giants were a bit putrid. Vitello likes guys who play hard, and Gilbert fits that mold perfectly.
The Rotation: Webb, Ray, and a Whole Lot of Youth
Logan Webb is the horse. He’s going to throw 200 innings, he’s going to induce ground balls, and he’s going to look frustrated when the defense misses a double play. That’s just Logan.
Behind him, it gets a bit more experimental. Robbie Ray is still there, providing that veteran lefty presence that every rotation needs. But after those two? It’s a bit of a "choose your own adventure" situation.
- Logan Webb (RHP)
- Robbie Ray (LHP)
- Adrian Houser (The new $22 million addition)
- Landen Roupp (If his knee holds up)
- Tyler Mahle or Hayden Birdsong
The Giants signed Adrian Houser to a two-year deal this offseason to provide some "reliable volume," which is front-office speak for "please just give us six innings and don't give up five runs." The fifth spot is a total toss-up. Hayden Birdsong has the upside, but Trevor McDonald and Blade Tidwell are breathing down his neck. Tidwell, specifically, has a five-pitch arsenal that could play really well in the big gaps of Oracle Park.
The Bullpen Shuffle
Camilo Doval is a Yankee now. It’s still weird to say. Ryan Walker has stepped into the closer role, and honestly, he’s been lights out. He’s got that funky delivery that makes hitters look foolish.
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The Giants also brought in Jason Foley and Sam Hentges to beef up the late innings. Hentges is a big lefty who can be dominant if his shoulder stays attached. It's a high-ceiling, high-risk group.
What Most People Miss
People see the big names like Devers and Adames and think the Giants are just trying to buy a championship. But look at the international market. They just dropped $5 million on Luis Hernández, the top international prospect.
Buster Posey is clearly building for 2026 and beyond, not just a one-year window. They have a surplus of shortstops in the minors—Gavin Kilen, Josuar Gonzalez, and now Hernández. That’s trade bait. Don't be surprised if the sf giants starting lineup you see in April looks different by July because they moved one of those kids for another frontline starter.
Key Factors for 2026 Success
- Health of the Young Arms: If Birdsong or Whisenhunt can't take the next step, the rotation is thin.
- Eldridge's Adjustment: Can the 6'7" rookie handle MLB breaking balls?
- Vitello's Management: How does a college coach handle 162 games of professional egos?
The Giants aren't the favorites in the NL West—that's still the Dodgers' world—but they aren't pushovers anymore. They have power. They have a legit ace. And for the first time in a long time, they have a clear identity.
If you're looking to follow this team, start by watching the spring training battle for that final rotation spot. That's going to tell you a lot about how much faith the front office really has in their "youth movement." Also, keep an eye on the waiver wire. Zack Minasian has been active, and this roster is far from a finished product.
Go grab a ticket for a night game, buy a ridiculously expensive crab sandwich, and watch the new-look Giants. It’s going to be a wild ride.
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Next Steps for Fans
Check the official 40-man roster updates as spring training starts to see who is actually making the trip to Scottsdale. You should also watch the underlying stats for Bryce Eldridge in the Cactus League—specifically his strikeout rate against lefties—to see if he’s ready for the Opening Day nod. Lastly, keep tabs on the bullpen's velocity in early March; if Walker or Hentges are sitting lower than usual, the Giants might be back in the trade market for a late-inning arm sooner than expected.