Buster Posey's Giants Legacy Frays as 50-71 Season Tests $500 Million Bet

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 13

Posey’s standing in San Francisco has shifted from near-universal admiration to anger as the Giants sit 50-71 and head toward a franchise-first fifth straight non-winning season.
More than $500 million in win-now spending has largely misfired: Willy Adames’ seven-year, $182 million deal has flopped, Rafael Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract looks burdensome, and the bullpen gamble backfired.
Tony Vitello’s jump from Tennessee to the majors has added scrutiny, with public clubhouse issues, shaky fundamentals and a June Pride Night fallout that worsened when Posey declined to answer questions.
Posey, 39, says he underestimated how much the job extends beyond baseball, but still believes he can turn the club around through a stronger farm system after a deadline that brought in eight young players.
That leaves 2027 as the likely proving ground: Posey’s three-year deal runs through then, and many around baseball see significant progress next season as crucial to preserving both his job and legacy.