The San Francisco Giants could lean on new manager Tony Vitello to help bring in a new starting pitcher. San Francisco recently shocked the baseball world by hiring Vitello from the University of Tennessee. The former college coach did not have any Major League Baseball experience before his arrival with the club.
The bold move could, however, have an immediate impact on potential free agent moves. Vitello previously coached future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer at the University of Missouri. Scherzer, now 41, is a free agent and considering his options. Not only were the duo at the same college, but Vitello actually helped recruit Scherzer and personally helped him tweak his delivery.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the link between coach and pitcher may help the Giants land Scherzer this winter. The MLB insider was asked about big-name free agent pitchers in a recent Q&A. Olney noted that both Scherzer and Justin Verlander, 42, will have options and can be patient in their decision.
He then, however, directly pointed at Scherzer’s connection with the new Giants manager. “There is a presumption that Scherzer could pitch for his good friend and new San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello,” claimed Olney.
Max Scherzer, Tony Vitello Became Close Friends After College Years
GettyMax Scherzer is unlikely to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays despite a World Series appearance.
Vitello was hired by the Giants while Scherzer was preparing for the 2025 World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays. Ahead of game one of the Fall Classic, the star pitcher was asked about his former college coach and current friend. “I’m just so happy for him,” replied Scherzer, as reported by MLB.com.
“Happy he got the opportunity to be able to get to the big leagues. I’ve been friends with him my whole time, ever since Mizzou. I’ve known the fire in him. I know the passion that he has. I’ve always believed in him. Even when he got the job in Tennessee, I knew he was the right man for the job then.”
While Scherzer came close to securing his third World Series title with Toronto, he is not expected to return to the team. It was reported on December 3 that while the pitcher is open to reunion, the Blue Jays likely favor a split. The news only strengthens San Francisco’s links to Scherzer.
San Francisco Giants Looking to Add Pitching Depth This Winter
Along with just having ties to Scherzer, the Giants need a new starting pitcher or two. Outside of Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, San Francisco’s rotation is very much up in the air at the moment. Verlander recently departed the Giants after the 2025 season and is somewhat unlikely to return.
San Francisco has been linked with Japanese star Tatsuya Imai in recent weeks as well. The free agent, however, is also being monitored by several other top teams, and it remains to be seen if the Giants can outbid their competition. Instead, San Francisco could be forced to target middle or even bottom of the rotation pitchers.
On the other hand, the National League West team could opt to sign a player like Imai and Scherzer. The Giants have fallen behind their rival Los Angeles Dodgers, and are looking to close the gap by addressing their pitching problem.
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