PRESSURE BUILDING: Giants Must Decide What’s Next
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The Locked On Giants podcast tackles the San Francisco Giants' dire 14-23 start to the 2026 season, questioning what must change to salvage their season amid a historic offensive collapse. Host Allen Stiles argues that while the Giants aren't out of contention due to the expanded Wild Card format, they must make bold moves—starting with the hitting coach, Hunter Mintz—despite the risk of scapegoating. The discussion centers on whether the team should trade Rafael Devers, despite his recent signs of improvement, due to his lack of a no-trade clause and perceived value in other front offices. Stiles also explores who on the roster is 'safe' from trade, highlighting young players like Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez as untouchable due to their age and potential, while acknowledging that even these players may be moved if the Giants need to offload high-salary contracts like those of Matt Chapman and Willie Adams. The episode ends with a call for fan engagement and a reminder of the show’s membership benefits.
The Giants' hitting has been the primary issue, making Hunter Mintz a likely candidate for removal despite his past success with the Blue Jays.
Rafael Devers is being discussed as a trade candidate despite recent improvement, due to his lack of a no-trade clause and the perception that he's not thriving in Oracle Park.
Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez are considered the safest players to keep due to their youth and long-term potential.
The Giants may be forced to trade younger players like Daniel Susac or Jesus Rodriguez to absorb the cost of moving high-salary veterans like Matt Chapman.
The team's poor performance may be affecting player performance beyond just the field—possibly due to a toxic or unproductive environment.
The Giants’ Crisis: What’s Next?
“You're never actually out of it, right? Well, you're out of it if you're six games back towards the end of the season, it might be a little bit tough.”
Hitting Coach as Scapegoat: Hunter Mintz Under Fire
“If you don't think that coaches matter at all, then you probably don't think that coaches matter at all.”
Rafael Devers: Trade Candidate or Anchor?
“If I'm a GM, I am in no way, shape or form afraid of trading for Rafi Devers, if I'm looking for somebody and if I'm willing to give him that commitment.”
Who Is Safe? The Untouchables?
Stiles identifies Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez as the only players he’d consider untouchable, citing their youth and long-term value, while acknowledging the pressure to move veterans.
The Reality of Contract Management and Trade Dynamics
The episode concludes with a discussion of the financial and strategic challenges of moving high-salary contracts, including the potential trade of younger players like Daniel Susac to absorb costs.
“If I'm a GM, I am in no way, shape or form afraid of trading for Rafi Devers, if I'm looking for somebody and if I'm willing to give him that commitment.”
“If you don't think that coaches matter at all, then you probably don't think that coaches matter at all.”
“It's like the opposite of Coors Field, right? All the numbers are bloated. And all the numbers, if you play for the Giants, and I don't even know if it's Oracle Park thing.”
Host
Rafael Devers
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Allen Stiles
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Hunter Mintz
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Jesus Rodriguez
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Matt Chapman
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Willie Adams
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Bryce Eldridge
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Buster Posey
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Daniel Susac
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Landon Rupp
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GIANTS SHAKE THINGS UP: Win First Game, Make History, Trade Luis Matos
Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants • 25m • 3/31/2026
GIANTS POSTCAST: HUGE RALLY Generates a WIN For Giants Over Padres
Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants • 26m • 4/1/2026
GIANTS HEATING UP: Bats Explode, But Eldridge Looming Contract Raises BIG Questions
Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants • 26m • 4/1/2026
GIANTS POSTCAST: Giants Put On OFFENSIVE CLINIC, Mash the Mets
Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants • 20m • 4/3/2026
FIRED UP: Giants Win Series, But Drama Unfolds in Messy Loss vs Padres
Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants • 26m • 4/3/2026
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