The San Francisco Giants entered the 2026 season with high hopes, but instead, they've stumbled to a disastrous 13-21 start—worse than even the Colorado Rockies in the NL West. How did a team that should be contending fall so far? Let's break down the five critical mistakes that have left Giants fans shaking their heads.
1. Betting on a Rookie Manager
First-year skipper Tony Vitello made the jump from college baseball to the big leagues, and the transition has been anything but smooth. As Tim Boyle of Fansided.com notes, "Vitello's record will ultimately determine whether or not he's a fit in San Francisco. With this in mind, it's about as awful as it gets." The offense is anemic, the pitching staff is lackluster, and the team looks lost on the field.
2. Building Around Rafael Devers
"Trying to build around Rafael Devers is a mistake that continues to haunt the Giants," Boyle writes. The slugger was supposed to be the cornerstone, but his production has fallen off a cliff this season. He's not hitting anywhere near his 2025 levels, and the massive contract and trade cost to acquire him now look like an albatross around the team's neck.
3. Neglecting the Starting Rotation
The Giants entered the offseason desperately needing arms, but instead of pursuing top-tier starters like Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, or Japanese star Tatsuya Imai, they settled for Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. As Boyle puts it, "Letting Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser headline the starting pitcher additions is brutal." The results have been predictable—a rotation that can't keep the team in games.
4. A Roster Without Depth
Beyond the big names, the Giants have failed to build a supporting cast that can step up when stars struggle. Injuries and slumps have exposed a thin bench and a farm system that hasn't produced reliable contributors. When your stars are scuffling, there's no cavalry coming to save the day.
5. Misreading the Division
In a division that includes the powerhouse Dodgers and an improving Padres squad, the Giants gambled that they could patch together a contender on the cheap. Instead, they've fallen behind even the rebuilding Rockies. The front office, led by Buster Posey, miscalculated how competitive the NL West would be—and how much work their own team needed.
The result? A 2026 season that's quickly spiraling out of control. For Giants fans, it's a painful reminder that in baseball, there's no shortcut to success—and every mistake leaves a mark.