Exactly two years after San Francisco hired Gabe Kapler to manage the Giants, SF and the manager agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2024.
The perception of Kapler on Nov. 12, 2019 compared to that of Nov. 12, 2021 couldn’t be more different. A mediocre tenure in Philadelphia and scrutiny from mishandling serious allegations in Los Angeles followed him to the podium in 2019. But in 2021, Kapler had a historic 107-55 season at his back.
Some Giants fans — and MLB pundits — scoffed at his hiring two years ago. Now many believe they have among the best skippers in the game. How things can change.
“Ever since that day, the organization has gotten better both on and off the field, and I think that’s a tribute to Kap and all the hard work that he brought to the job,” general manager Scott Harris said.
Kapler, Harris and president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi addressed the media via Zoom to announce the contract extension. They described the nature contract negotiations, the 2022 coaching staff and Kapler’s Manager of the Year candidacy, among other items.
“We’re thrilled about this announcement today,” Zaidi said. “Any time you have a season like we did, winning 100-plus games, getting to the playoffs and building a lot of positive momentum and your manager’s going into the last year of his deal, that’s really a high priority to get that taken care of. I know that there’s been a lot of conversation about what we have to do roster-wise, but this was really at the top of our list.”
Here’s what are three takeaways from the announcement.
Contract talks were pacific
Kapler and the Giants had mutual interest in a long-term partnership and negotiations were swift, Zaidi said. He added that he’s thrilled to be able to agree to terms quickly.
Zaidi lauded Kapler’s “tireless” work ethic and his ability to make connections across the organization and in the San Francisco community.
In negotiations, SF and Kapler settled on a two-year extension, which is consistent with industry standards; the specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We just had a quick back and forth with Gabe on the terms, and everybody was comfortable with this term length and the expression of confidence it shows from the organization,” Zaidi said. “It really wasn’t much of a discussion point. And obviously, none of us are planning on going anywhere.”
Coaching staff breakdown
Kapler made waves in 2021 by assembling the largest coaching staff in baseball. It’s also among the most diverse staffs, something Kapler’s particularly proud of.
But when a team has as much success as the Giants, losing some valuable coaches to other teams is inevitable. Hitting coach Donnie Ecker already signed with the Texas Rangers as a bench coach and offensive coordinator. Legendary coach Ron Wotus is also stepping away from an on-field role.
It’s possible more departures are coming, but Kapler called his 2022 coaching staff “near completion.”
It will be “very difficult, if not impossible” to replace Wotus, but the Giants promoted Mark Hallberg to fill his duties as third base coach.
SF hired Pedro Guerrero, who worked with Kapler in Philadelphia, as an assistant hitting coach. Kapler noted the value of Guerrero’s Spanish fluency as a way to connect and pass information to hispanic players.
Longtime bullpen catcher Taira Uematsu has also been promoted to assistant coach, replacing Hallberg. Kapler said SF will “backfill” Uematsu’s vacated spot and also praised Uematsu’s work ethic and relationship building skills.
Gabe Kapler, Manager of the Year?
Kapler, along with Milwaukee’s Craig Counsell and St. Louis’ Mike Shildt, is a finalist for the 2021 Manager of the Year Award. The last Giants skipper to win it was Dusty Baker, who did so three times.
Harris may be a bit biased, but he gave Kapler his full endorsement.
“The results speak for themselves,” Harris said. “I think Kap’s pregame preparation is excellent, but what makes Kap special is his commitment to make adjustments to new information from coaches, players and what the game is telling him. I think he brings a competitive advantage to our dugout every time he steps out there and I think he’s a huge reason why we won 107 games. I think he deserves to be Manager of the Year as a result of all of those achievements.”