The Giants continue to confuse the baseball world, and even Ken Rosenthal is calling out how unclear their plan is. On today’s show, we break down Rosenthal’s comments about why San Francisco isn’t spending at the top of the market—especially on pitching—despite already committing major dollars to Devers, Adames, and Chapman. We dive into why Bo Bichette and Brenden Donovan make so much sense as targets, how the messaging between Buster Posey and Tony Vitello seems out of sync, and what Posey’s latest comments on Bryce Eldridge really mean. Plus: the latest Winter Meetings rumblings, the Giants’ interest in Freddy Peralta, potential matches with the Cardinals and Cubs, and the ongoing search for pitching help as Robert Murray reports San Francisco is still waiting for the right move. We close by asking the big question everyone’s dancing around: What are the real chances this Giants team can contend for a World Series in 2026—or is this a wait-and-see year?

Buster Posey finally opened up on Giants Talk, and his comments about Bryce Eldridge, the organizational hitting philosophy, and the club’s approach to trades sent a clear message: the Giants are listening… but they aren’t eager to move their prized young star. Posey called Eldridge a potential 10–15 year impact bat and emphasized the organization’s belief in contact skills that can grow into power — a philosophy that now shapes everything from trade talks to player development. We also dig into the growing industry expectation that the Giants’ next major move might come via trade, not free agency. San Francisco is among the teams showing interest in Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, and multiple league insiders say the Giants are heavily involved in starter conversations — but not close to anything yet. Plus: A full winter meetings roundup, why Posey’s quotes matter more than people think, and how the Giants are positioning themselves for the next wave of roster decisions. 0:00: Buster Posey Speaks 8:50: Freddy Peralta Trade? 20:07 Not close on FAs #sfgiants #FirstListen #Giants #sanfranciscogiants #sanfrancisco #baseball #mlb #tennesseebaseball #tonyvitello #freeagency #mlbfreeagency #mlbtraderumors #japanesebaseball #kbo #junghoolee #jtrealmuto #kyleschwarber #kyletucker #codybellinger #mlbdraft Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Giants made a surprise move, trading for former first-round pick Daniel Susac, adding a high-upside catching prospect to a system that’s still searching for long-term answers behind the plate. We break down the scouting report, why the Giants targeted him, and whether this signals anything about the future of Patrick Bailey, Blake Sabol, or the overall catching depth chart. Plus — Buster Posey and Zack Minasian go out of their way to praise Casey Schmitt as the likely starter at second base, with both leaders highlighting his offensive strides, defensive versatility, and recovery from wrist surgery. Is Schmitt really locked into the job, or is this setting the stage for a spring training battle? We also take a closer look at what Susac’s addition means for the 2026 MLB Draft, especially now that the Giants have jumped into premium position to select an impact bat or frontline pitching talent. Roster moves, prospect breakdowns, and front office signals — everything you need from today’s Giants news cycle.

The Winter Meetings are delivering rumors by the minute — and the Giants are suddenly popping up everywhere. Scott Boras name-drops San Francisco as one of the clubs checking in on Cody Bellinger. The Giants jump up to the No. 4 draft pick. Edwin Díaz heads to the Dodgers. Kyle Schwarber? Staying in Philly. And the biggest twist — yet another former top prospect is gone, as Marco Luciano is claimed off waivers by the Pirates. Where exactly is this front office heading? Is there a master plan behind these aggressive roster decisions… or another offseason of mixed messaging? We break down the buzz, the potential fits, and whether the Giants can keep pace in a tightening NL West race. Plus — your reaction to the Giants moving on from Luciano… where did it all go wrong? Winter Meetings, rumor mill, and Giants drama — it’s all here.

Winter Meetings are here and the Giants are everywhere in the rumors… without actually doing anything yet. Jon Morosi says San Francisco is active on multiple free-agent starters and “in a good position” to land an upper-tier arm, with Framber Valdez already having met with Giants officials at the GM Meetings. At the same time, Marco Luciano is claimed off waivers by the Pirates, and Shayna Rubin reports that Bryce Eldridge — the organization’s most valuable asset — is not off the table in trade talks. We’ll dig into what that combo really says about this front office: are they gearing up for a true blockbuster, or just shuffling value around the margins? Then we shift to Cooperstown, where Jeff Kent finally gets into the Hall of Fame while Barry Bonds receives fewer than five votes, effectively pushing his candidacy to the brink. We’ll react to Buster Olney’s call for current Hall of Famers who used PEDs to come clean, and what it would mean for how we talk about the steroid era going forward. Winter Meetings rumor mill, big-picture Giants strategy, and Hall of Fame fallout — all in one show. 0:00 Winter Meeting Rumors - Framber Valdez 10:33 Eldridge NOT off the table 19:42 Kent IN, Bonds OUT #sfgiants #FirstListen #Giants #sanfranciscogiants #sanfrancisco #baseball #mlb #tennesseebaseball #tonyvitello #freeagency #mlbfreeagency #mlbtraderumors #japanesebaseball #kbo #junghoolee #jtrealmuto #kyleschwarber Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Giants just made one of their best “under-the-radar” additions of the offseason – hiring Ron Washington as their major league infield coach (and possibly third base coach) – and it might end up being as impactful as any player move they make. Today we break down what he brings to San Francisco, how Tony Vitello pushed for him, and why having both Washington and Ron Wotus in the same organization is a massive win for Rafael Devers, Bryce Eldridge, and the entire infield group. We also look at Buster Olney’s note that Max Scherzer could eventually reunite with his good friend Vitello in San Francisco, and whether that’s a realistic “big name” outcome or just wishful thinking. Then we ask: should the Giants be in on Luis Arraez at 2 years, $30 million as a pure bat-to-ball table setter in this era… or is he the wrong skillset at the wrong time? Plus, we close with a look ahead to Sunday’s Contemporary Era Hall of Fame vote on Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens – who’s on the committee, what they’re actually voting on, and why this might be their last real chance to stay in the conversation. Coaching super-team, sneaky veteran targets, and Hall of Fame drama all in one episode.

Are the Giants actually trolling us? Because nobody — media, fans, execs — seems to know what this front office is doing right now. They’re not spending big. They’re not landing top free agents. And now their name keeps popping up in Jeff Passan’s Top Trade Targets list like they’re lurking in the weeds waiting to strike. So what’s the plan? Is this disciplined team-building? Or a masterclass in frustrating fanbases? We dig into why San Francisco appears to be avoiding the deep end of free agency… why they’re sniffing around second-tier arms… and whether a massive trade could be the big swing they’re quietly building toward. Leave your thoughts: Are you OK with the Giants NOT adding a big bat this offseason? Or should they wake up and go get someone? 0:00 Giant troll job? 7:46 Plenty of pitchers out there 16:11 Adding to the lineup #SFGiants #FirstListen #Giants #sanfranciscogiants #sanfrancisco #baseball #mlb #tennesseebaseball #tonyvitello #freeagency #mlbfreeagency #mlbtraderumors #japanesebaseball #kbo #junghoolee #jtrealmuto #kyleschwarber Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Giants are interested in WHO now?! Today we break down the report that San Francisco has checked in on Kyle Schwarber — a 33-year-old, bat-first slugger projected for five years and $145 million — and what that says about their offensive identity and willingness to live with brutal defense for big left-handed power at Oracle Park. We’ll also dive into Susan Slusser’s note that the Giants have already spoken with Zac Gallen about a potential bounce-back deal (two years, $42 million), and how he fits into a rotation that just watched Cody Ponce sign a three-year, $30 million contract in Toronto after the Giants reportedly got priced out at “only” $10 million per year. Are they being smart and disciplined, or timid and late to the market? And if the Jays just replaced Bassitt and Scherzer with Cease and Ponce, does that reopen a lane for the Giants on other arms? We unpack the Schwarber fit, the Gallen risk, the Ponce miss, and what all of it says about whether this front office is truly serious about winning now.

Where do the Giants go next in the pitching market? Today we break down how Cody Ponce — once viewed as a bargain — is now expected to command a three-year deal north of $30–40 million, blowing past previous KBO return contracts. We look at Lucas Giolito’s projected rebound contract, the price tags for Merrill Kelly, Chris Bassitt, Dustin May, Michael Kopech, and Zack Littell, and what this means for a Giants team that keeps signaling they aren’t all-in for top-tier arms. We also touch on Bob Nightengale’s list of the top 10 trade candidates and where the Giants might fit into that landscape as they explore alternative paths to upgrade the rotation. The big question: if the Giants won’t spend big and the mid-tier market is inflating, what exactly is their plan? Are they being smartly cautious — or showing fans they’re not truly pushing to win? A full breakdown of the pitching options, the trade tier, and where the Giants actually stand this offseason.

The Giants are backing away from Tatsuya Imai — and the reasons stretch far beyond baseball. Today we break down the latest reporting from Andrew Baggarly that San Francisco is not inclined to spend at the level required to sign Imai or any of the top free-agent arms, despite meeting with Scott Boras and doing full medical homework. We go through why financial realities like Blake Snell’s deferred payments, managerial payouts, private-equity optics, and declining RSN revenue are pushing the Giants toward short-term, lower-cost pitching options instead of real frontline upgrades. We also dig into the long-running Posey–Boras tension, why the Giants haven’t landed a Japanese star in a decade, and why Buster Olney says SF is going cheap even as national outlets keep connecting Imai to the Giants. Plus, we take a hard look at top prospect Josuar Gonzalez — now being floated as a potential trade chip — and why fans should mentally prepare to lose one of the organization’s prized teenage shortstops if the Giants want to upgrade the rotation. Big episode today with spending philosophy, trade realities, and a frank look at how close — or far — the Giants are from joining the top tier of the league.

Could Freddy Peralta be the sneaky trade target for the Giants? Today we break down why Peralta was named by MLB executives as one of the top trade candidates of the entire winter — tied with Joe Ryan and Ketel Marte — and why his combination of swing-and-miss stuff, team-friendly contract, and playoff experience makes him a perfect fit for what San Francisco claims it wants to build. We look at what a Giants–Brewers trade package might realistically look like, including how a fast-rising Giants prospect (ranked No. 3 on Rotoprospects’ fast risers and No. 4 in the Giants system) could factor into the conversation. We also touch on the newest bullpen addition, lefty reliever Sam Hentges, and what his pitch mix and recent numbers suggest about his role under the Giants’ revamped pitching infrastructure. Big episode today: front-office intel, trade theory, prospect impact, bullpen updates, and what it all means for the Giants’ offseason plan.

MLB executives just revealed who they believe the Giants will actually land this offseason — and the results are eye-opening. Today we break down Jesse Rogers’ survey of 16 MLB executives and why the Giants were the top predicted destination for Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, even beating out the Yankees and Dodgers. We go through the exec predictions on Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suárez, why the Giants only showed up once in that group, and what it says about their perceived willingness to spend. We also look at the latest buzz on JT Realmuto and why Buster Posey’s influence — plus his relationship with Realmuto’s former agent — makes San Francisco more of a player than people realize. Then we wrap with Part 1 of “Who might surprise us in 2026?” featuring Tyler Fitzgerald, a legitimate breakout candidate with rare athleticism, sneaky pop, and the versatility to survive the Giants’ overloaded outfield mix. Big episode with real insight into how the league views the Giants, who they’re targeting, and who could make an unexpected leap.

Today we break down a theory that actually makes a lot of sense: are the Giants adding all these outfielders because they’re preparing to move Jung Hoo Lee to right field? With Buster Posey repeatedly emphasizing the need for better outfield defense, the recent additions of Justin Dean and Joey Wiemer look a lot more strategic. Shifting JHL to right could protect his body, take pressure off his transition to MLB, and allow him to focus more on hitting. We dive into why this move lines up with league-wide trends and why a glove-first center fielder makes inconsistent offense easier to swallow. Plus, we go over Bleacher Report’s bold projected rotation with Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen, and check in on the overseas market with Tatsuya Imai calling out the Dodgers and Cody Ponce winning MVP. A packed episode with theory, roster construction, and a whole lot of Giants offseason buzz.

When are the Giants actually going to spend money? That’s the question as the front office continues adding fringe outfielders like Joey Wiemer instead of making the big splash fans are waiting for. Today we break down the Wiemer trade, what his speed, defense, and below-average hit tool really mean, and why his lack of minor-league options raises the stakes immediately. We also look at the flurry of smaller moves — DFA’ing Andrew Knizner, non-tendering Joey Lucchesi, tendering JT Brubaker — and whether these are simply roster cleanups or signs of a bigger plan. On top of that, the Giants have added yet another coach from Tennessee, longtime pitching developer Frank Anderson, continuing their heavy investment in building a new pitching infrastructure under Tony Vitello. But does all this mean a major free-agent move is coming… or that San Francisco is preparing to bargain shop its way through another offseason? Full breakdown, full honesty, and a full look at where the Giants actually stand.

Could Cody Ponce be the most underrated move the Giants make this offseason? Today we break down Jeff Passan’s report on Ponce’s surge in the KBO, how he rebuilt his body, added velocity, developed a plus splitter, and why he might be the next Merrill Kelly instead of the next failed returnee. We look at how his profile fits San Francisco’s pitching philosophy and why the Giants could sign him and still chase someone like Imai or Shota Imanaga. We also revisit the Heliot Ramos conversation after viewer feedback — not to pile on Ramos, but to explain why he naturally comes up when discussing potential trades and roster upgrades. Plus, with Buster Posey openly saying the outfield “has to be better,” we examine whether players like Ramos, Jung Hoo Lee, Drew Gilbert, and more should be considered untouchable… or movable in a pitching-heavy offseason. And we finish with which Giants actually should be off the table heading into winter. Big episode with pitching intrigue, outfield questions, and some real talk about building a contender.

Are the Giants really in position to sell the farm for Tarik Skubal — and should they even be considering it? Today we dig into whether San Francisco has enough real assets to be a serious player for Detroit’s ace, what a potential package would look like, and whether Skubal is the type of move that could actually change the franchise’s direction. We also dive into the Heliot Ramos question: after a step back in 2025 and continued defensive inconsistencies, is he quietly becoming one of the more likely pieces to be moved in a pitching-focused deal? Plus, we break down the latest minor move with upside — the signing of 6’5” right-hander Wilkin Ramos, a ground-ball machine who could be another “hidden gem” swing the Giants hope pays off. Loaded episode with big-picture pitching questions, roster-building strategy, and a realistic look at what the Giants can and cannot afford to do.

The Giants have finally found their pitching coach — and it’s Justin Meccage, a long-time Pirates developer who just spent a season working with Milwaukee’s Triple-A staff. Today we break down what this hire actually means for a pitching-first front office that keeps preaching “great pitching and great defense” as their formula. We dig into Meccage’s track record, why he was let go in Pittsburgh, and how he fits with Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and the young arms like Roupp and Birdsong who are expected to take real steps in 2026. We also dive into the Giants’ surprising decision not to protect any eligible players from the Rule 5 Draft — and what that says about their recent failures in talent evaluation, from Bednar to Bishop to Crawford. Plus, could Framber Valdez be the frontline arm Posey is talking about? We break down the fit, the risk, the contract projection, and whether the Giants are finally ready to make a real investment at the top of the rotation. Loaded episode with pitching at the center of everything.

Are the Giants finally ready to spend big on international free agency? Today we dig into whether San Francisco will actually make a real push for top global talent like Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and more — and what Buster Posey’s comments on Giants Talk really mean for their offseason strategy. We also break down why the choice to trade for Rafael Devers complicates the Murakami interest, how Imai might be the perfect rotation fit, and whether the Giants are risking another year of half-measures. Plus, we dive into Patrick Bailey’s late-season surge and debate whether ABS could unlock another level of his bat in 2026. We finish with a look at breakout prospect Gerelmi Maldonado and the upcoming 40-man decisions that could reshape the organization’s depth. Loaded episode — let’s get into it.

The Giants just made another major off-field addition — and this one might be the most important hire of the Tony Vitello era so far. Today’s episode breaks down the arrival of Quentin Eberhardt, Tennessee’s elite Director of Performance and the architect behind the most powerful college baseball program in the country. We dig into what his strength, conditioning, sports science, and development systems produced at Tennessee — from historic home run totals to record strikeout numbers — and what that could mean for the Giants’ long-term identity under Vitello. We also dive into whether the Giants should target Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander as the veteran rotation stabilizer, and why Vitello’s comments about his long relationship with Scherzer make the conversation more complicated than it seems. Plus: – Full breakdown of Logan Martin, the right-hander acquired in the Mason Black trade – How he fits into the Giants' developmental ladder – Whether his pitch mix is enough to matter by 2026 Loaded episode today — coaching staff philosophy, player development, free-agent pitching strategy, and how Vitello’s culture is already reshaping the franchise. Tap in.

The Giants’ offseason has officially reached “hold-your-breath” territory. In today’s episode, we dive deep into Buster Posey’s strongest comments yet on Bryce Eldridge, including whether the 21-year-old phenom should truly be considered untouchable — or if a pitcher like Hunter Greene, Joe Ryan, or MacKenzie Gore could force the front office into a franchise-shifting decision. We also break down Andrew Baggarly’s new piece on how the Giants should approach spending, why ownership is telegraphing caution on big-ticket pitching, and what Posey’s comments reveal about the organization’s real plan for 2025 and 2026. Plus: a full profile on Justin Dean — the sneaky, blazing-fast outfielder the Giants quietly added — and what his upside actually looks like. All of that, plus the latest on internal development, rotation strategy, the impact of Vitello’s arrival, and the pressure mounting on a roster with fewer and fewer untouchables. Tap in — this might be one of the most important episodes of the offseason.