McCovey Chronicles
Where we tend to talk about the recent past a lot
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2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 8
Jacob Bresnahan, the left‑handed pitcher for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, clinches the No. 7 spot on the 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List, jumping four places since last year. The 21‑year‑old, a 2023 13th‑round pick acquired in the Alex Cobb trade, earned Pitcher of the Year honors three straight seasons—from the Complex League to Low‑A and now High‑A Eugene—finishing 2026 with a 2.92 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 98.2 innings, and a late‑season promotion to AA Richmond. Despite a shaky start and a spring injury, his five‑start stretch (29.1 innings, 35 K) turned the tide. The article invites fans to vote for the next prospects and attend his AA (or possible AAA) debut in 2027.
Weekend BP: Favorite non-Giants events at Oracle Park
The author reflects on memorable non‑Giants events held at Oracle Park, recalling a chaotic early‑2000s concert featuring Green Day, Flogging Molly and Jimmy Eat World that nearly turned into a stampede. They describe the unique perspective of watching the show from the field and how it deepened their love for the venue. The post invites readers to share their own favorite non‑Giants Oracle Park experiences, framing the ballpark as a versatile event space beyond baseball.
The San Francisco Giants are the model for MLB’s salary cap
The MLB owners’ latest salary‑cap proposal uses the San Francisco Giants as a benchmark for the league’s most competitive team. The May plan set a $171.2 million floor and a $245.3 million ceiling, counting AAV, health‑care contributions (~$18 M), a $1.667 M pre‑arbitration pool, and amateur/international bonus pools. With the Giants’ 2026 draft picks and trades, their total payroll would hit $246.99 million—just $10,000 under the cap. A revised offer raises the floor to $180.2 million, the cap to $258.2 million, increases the minimum salary to $1 M, and adds a 154‑game schedule with an expanded playoff format.
2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 7
Outfielder Bo Davidson earns the No. 6 spot on the 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List, marking his final year of eligibility after a breakout 2026. The left‑handed slugger, an undrafted free agent signed in 2023, surged from a slow start to posting a .861 OPS and 122 wRC+ by the All‑Star break, then excelled in AAA with a .923 OPS, 138 wRC+, and a 10‑game hitting streak featuring six homers. His hard‑hit metrics rank in the 90th+ percentiles, and he improved power (29 HRs vs. 18 in 2025) while cutting strikeouts and stealing 20 bases. Davidson finished the season with a brief MLB stint, going 7‑20 with a walk.
Yankees’ James Rowson expected to be named the Giants’ Offensive Coordinator
The San Francisco Giants are poised to hire Yankees hitting coach James Rowson as their new offensive coordinator, a role that oversees hitting, baserunning and situational strategy. Rowson, a Mount Vernon native, served as the Yankees’ hitting coach from 2024‑2026 after six seasons as a minor‑league hitting coordinator and stints with the Cubs, Twins, Detroit and as the Marlins’ bench coach. The Giants, who ranked near the bottom in key offensive metrics last season (23rd in wRC+, 30th in walk rate), hope Rowson can replicate the Yankees’ success—second in MLB OPS (.757) and league‑leading walk rate (10.2%). Reports cite former Yankees adviser Brian Sabean may have advocated for the hire.
Wed./Thurs. BP: Behind the scenes of Mike Krukow’s final broadcast
On the holiday of November 11, 2026, the McCovey Chronicles revisits the behind‑the‑scenes footage of Mike Krukow’s final San Francisco Giants broadcast, which aired during the season‑ending game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 27, 2026. The piece reflects on Krukow’s decades‑long partnership with Duane Kuiper, his signature humor and anecdotes, and the emotional farewell that resonated with Giants fans, marking the end of a beloved broadcasting era.
Taira Uematsu named first base coach; Ron Washington and Gary Pattis return
The San Francisco Giants announce a key coaching shake‑up for 2027: longtime staffers Ron Washington and Gary Pettis stay on as defensive coordinator and third‑base coach, while Taira Uematsu is promoted to first‑base coach, becoming the first Japanese‑born base coach in MLB history. The changes follow hitting coach Hunter Mense’s departure to the Kansas City Royals after a season that marked one of the franchise’s worst performances. Uematsu replaces Shane Robinson, who shifts to the minors, signaling the Giants’ intent to revamp their staff while retaining proven talent.
Bummer! Harrison Bader will remain a Giant (for now)
Buster Posey confirms at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas that outfielder Harrison Bader will stay in the San Francisco Giants organization for now, despite a two‑month unpaid suspension and talk of voiding his $13 million 2027 salary. The suspension stems from a drunken incident that ended with Bader crashing into a fire truck and injuring his foot, but it doesn’t fit any standard MLB disciplinary category. While the team may still trade him, his off‑field behavior and hefty contract limit market value. Giants’ GM Zack Minasian hints at a cautious offseason, focusing on internal talent and open‑minded moves rather than big free‑agent splurges.
Tuesday BP: Best Defensive Plays
The Giants’ social media team has compiled a highlight reel of the 2026 season’s top defensive plays, featuring standout moments from games like the May 23 matchup against the Chicago White Sox at Oracle Park. The post invites fans to relive clutch fielding, spectacular catches, and game‑saving throws while asking readers to share their favorite defensive gem.
Eldridge receives two 5th place votes for NL Rookie of the Year
Bryce Eldridge earned only two 5th‑place votes out of 30 in the NL Rookie of the Year tally, falling short of finalist status. The top five were Sal Stewart (Reds, 170 points, 32 HR/112 RBI), Carson Benge (Mets, 107), JJ Wetherholt (Cardinals, 99), Nolan McLean (Mets, 70) and TJ Rumfield (Rockies, 49). Eldridge led NL rookies in wRC+ (131) but lagged in fWAR (1.8) and defensive runs. He posted a .311/.367/.467 slash line in 49 PA, with a late‑season surge to .319/.413/.543. Votes came from MLB.com’s David Venn and The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes, while Bay Area writers did not vote for him.
Player review: Osleivis Basabe
Osleivis Basabe’s 2026 MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants started with a flash—8‑for‑24, three homers and eight RBIs in his first eight games, yielding a +0.637 Win Probability Added. However, the spark fizzled as he went 18‑for‑105 over the remaining 38 games, posting a -1.057 WPA, a .202/.268/.341 slash line, five home runs and a 71 wRC+. Despite reverse platoon splits (.747 OPS vs. right‑handers, .406 vs. left‑handers) and better road production, his on‑field miscues and lackluster defense led the Giants to release him, making him a free agent at 26. The piece evaluates whether Basabe can rebound as a backup infielder or become a forgotten bridge player between eras.
2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 6
The inaugural 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List ranks the Giants' top 44 farm players, with right‑hander Ramon Marquez clinching the No. 5 spot. Acquired in the Luis Arráez trade, the 21‑year‑old Mexican signee posted elite numbers last season: a 1.86 ERA and 2.67 FIP in Low‑A, followed by a 1.50 ERA and 1.99 FIP in High‑A, finishing 12th in ERA and first in FIP among 355 High‑A pitchers. Despite a brief rough stretch after the trade, his fastball/slider combo and devastating changeup make him a must‑watch as he likely heads to Double‑A in 2027. The list also highlights candidates for No. 6, including prospects like Jacob Bresnahan and Bo Davidson.
Monday BP: Patrick Bailey community review
The McCovey Chronicles launches its community player reviews with an analysis of Patrick Bailey’s 2026 season. After being traded from the Giants to the Cleveland Guardians just two months into the year, Bailey’s stint in San Francisco is deemed "incomplete," with the author noting he performed better with Cleveland and questioning the trade’s logic. Readers are invited to weigh in on Bailey’s impact and share favorite highlights, linking to a prior detailed review by staff writer Steven.
How to play in-5 Trivia on the SB Nation app
The SB Nation app now hosts the daily in‑5 trivia challenge, where you guess a former baseball player’s name using up to five clues. The fewer clues you need, the higher your score—post it in the game’s comment thread to compare with other fans. In‑5 covers MLB, NBA, NFL, MMA, and pro wrestling, plus 25 team‑specific games, including a Giants‑focused version and a Niners quiz for football fans. Join the MLB community on the app to start playing and test your sports knowledge against fellow commenters.
Weekend BP: Devers Dingers
The post recaps a highlight from September 12, 2026, when Rafael Devers (Giants #16) belted a first‑inning home run at Oracle Park against the San Diego Padres. It links to a compiled video showcasing all 37 of Devers’ homers for the season, naming him the author’s Player of the Year. Fans are invited to watch the montage while sipping coffee and share which Devers blast they liked best.
Giants trade Reiver Sanmartin for Robert Cranz
The Giants trade left‑hander Reiver Sanmartin to Washington for 23‑year‑old right‑hander Robert Cranz, a promising Minor League reliever. Sanmartin was DFA’d after roster cuts, but the Giants secured Cranz, who logged a 2.25 ERA (2.68 FIP) in High‑A and a 3.42 ERA (2.95 FIP) in AA this season, striking out 67 in 42.1 innings. Though his AAA stint with Sacramento ended with a 13.11 ERA, his 95.2 mph fastball and solid cutter/slider mix give him a chance to bounce back and vie for a Major League role.
2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 5
The 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List ranks San Francisco Giants shortstop Jhonny Level as the No. 4 prospect, a slight drop from last year despite a breakout 2026. The 19‑year‑old Venezuelan switch‑hitter posted a .325/.392/.576 slash line with 10 homers in Low‑A San Jose and a .302/.363/.473 line with eight homers in High‑A Eugene, stealing 26 bases and earning league All‑Star honors. His OPS ( .968 and .836) and wRC+ (134 and 119) rank among the best for his age, and scouts note his elite contact, power, speed, and defense at shortstop. The article predicts Level will start 2027 in AA and could become a top‑50 prospect if he repeats his performance against higher competition.
Friday BP: Best home runs of the year
The McCovey Chronicles highlights the top home runs hit by the San Francisco Giants in the 2026 season, using Statcast data and a fan‑curated video compiled by the team's social media crew. Despite a generally thin highlight reel, the Giants delivered several standout dingers at Oracle Park, showcased in a longer-than-usual compilation. Fans are invited to relive the season’s most impressive blasts while sipping coffee.
Giants lose hitting coach Hunter Mense to the Royals
The San Francisco Giants part ways with hitting coach Hunter Mense after just one season, as he heads to the Kansas City Royals. Despite a strong early offensive outlook, the Giants finished the year with a .245/.306/.400 line, 3% below league average, ranking 26th in runs (669). Critics, including GPT analysis, link the team's sluggish start to Mense's instruction, while noting improvements later in the season with players like Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge. Mense's move appears tied to his Missouri roots and friendship with Royals manager Tony Vitello, leaving the Giants to scramble for a replacement amid a lockout‑affected off‑season.
Rafael Devers is a Silver Slugger Award finalist
Rafael Devers lands among the Silver Slugger finalists, showcasing his power despite an injury‑cut season for the San Francisco Giants. He posted 37 homers, 36 doubles, 88 RBI and a .525 slugging percentage over 148 games, earning a .258/.340/.525 slash line and a 136 wRC+. Though his wRC+ ranks 14th league‑wide, Devers joins Jake Bauers, Alec Burleson and Matt Olson in the final round, adding to his two previous Silver Slugger wins (2021, 2023). Highlights include clutch multi‑home‑run games against Atlanta and the Dodgers, and his first Giants walk‑off versus the Angels.
Thursday BP: Former Giants in free agency
MLB free agency is dragging on, but former San Francisco Giants are still on the radar. Second baseman Luis Arráez tops the list, ranked No. 11 by Fangraphs and No. 12 by ESPN, with projected deals of $38 M (2‑yr) to $54 M (3‑yr) after a dip in performance with the Phillies. Pitchers Kevin Gausman and Tyler Mahle follow, projected for $17 M (1‑yr) to $51 M (3‑yr) for Gausman and $30 M–$49.5 M for Mahle. Utility man Mauricio Dubón and pitcher Matthew Boyd also appear, with contracts ranging from $8 M to $10 M. The piece also notes other ex‑Giants like Robbie Ray and Joc Pederson still available.
2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 4
The 2027 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List ranks the top 44 San Francisco Giants prospects, and shortstop Luis Hernández jumps to No. 3 after an impressive 2026. The 18‑year‑old Venezuelan hit .298/.382/.535 ( .917 OPS, 117 wRC+ ) with six homers in the Arizona Complex League, then posted a .231/.276/.319 line in Low‑A San Jose despite a small sample and an injury. Giants fans are urged to vote and nominate players for Friday’s CPL, with additional candidates like Jacob Bresnahan, Bo Davidson, Jhonny Level and Ramon Marquez highlighted. Hernández’s elite instincts and power suggest a rapid climb through the system in 2027.
Wednesday BP: Watch the best strikeouts of 2026
The McCovey Chronicles spotlights the San Francisco Giants' top strikeout moments of the 2026 season, featuring a social‑media curated video reel. After recapping the team's walk‑off wins, the post invites fans to relive dazzling K‑shows from pitchers like Logan Webb and Jordan Walker, highlighting the most electrifying outs captured at Oracle Park. Readers get a quick visual tour of the season’s best strikeouts and are encouraged to share their favorite moments.
Tuesday BP: Watch every walk-off of the 2026 season
The post spotlights a highlight reel of every walk‑off win the San Francisco Giants recorded during their 2026 season, despite an overall disappointing campaign. Featuring a short video compiled by the team’s social media, the montage showcases dramatic late‑game heroics that offered fans moments of excitement at Oracle Park. Readers are invited to recall their favorite walk‑off as the Giants reflect on the season’s bright spots.
Giants round out cut day by designating Reiver Sanmartin for assignment
The San Francisco Giants finalize their post‑World Series roster shake‑up by designating left‑handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin for assignment. Sanmartin, 30, posted a 4.22 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 21.1 innings in 24 games this season. He joins eight other players cut or claimed earlier in the day, leaving the Giants with exactly 40 men on the roster. The club also declined the option on veteran right‑hander Rowan Wick, hinting at a possible non‑tender and minor‑league re‑sign. With Rule 5 deadline looming Nov 17, more moves are expected.
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