Could Buster Posey really be a future SF Giants manager? Here’s why it’s impossible now — and unlikely later

As Buster Posey moves back to the Bay Area, speculation has started that the former catcher could want to be the manager of the San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey’s plans to return to the Bay Area may have sparked some speculation about him managing the Giants in the future, but don’t count on him.

Posey recently told The Athletic that his family is returning to the Bay Area after packing up his Georgia home earlier this month after moving there in 2022.

Posey, 36, said the Bay Area truly felt like home: Posey and his wife Kristen’s two sets of twins were born in San Francisco during Posey’s career, one set in 2011 and another in 2020.

His move will allow him to watch the Giants more frequently and see the team’s new wave of players, led by Patrick Bailey at his old position.

However, the move has sparked some speculation: Is this a sign that Posey wants to manage? 95.7 Bonta Hill and Joe “Butcher Boy” Shasky of The Game’s “Morning Roast” appear to think so.

“I think Buster Posey’s being groomed to manage this team in the future,” Hill said. “Who are you going to play for if you’re a free agent out there?” Gabe Kapler or Buster Posey?”

“Posey,” Shasky responded, before asking, “Who will the players listen to more?” If you’re trying to develop a young catcher, who better to learn from on a daily basis than Buster Posey in the dugout?”

It’s certainly an enticing thought, and one Posey himself considered in April 2022. But it’s not going to happen now.

The first is Posey’s ownership stake in the organization, which he acquired in September of last year. While this will keep him involved with the team, it will also keep him from managing it, as an MLB rule states that no one who owns stock in a team can manage it.

This rule was most recently invoked in May 1977, when then-Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner took over as manager for a two-week stint. However, after one game, MLB reminded Turner of the rule and forced him to resign.

Aside from the rules, managing appears to contradict everything Posey has said and done over the last four years. Posey did not play in the shortened 2020 season to be with his newborn twins, and he retired after his age-34 season in 2021, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family.

“I’m retiring because I want to be able to do more stuff with my family from February to November,” Posey said during his retirement ceremony in November 2021.

In fact, he was asked earlier this year on an episode of ‘Foul Territory’ whether he ever considered becoming a manager.

“I don’t think so. We’re all aware of the time commitment involved, right? Posey explained, “That’s probably more than a player.” “So, I don’t.”

While Posey can certainly be more involved with the organization during those times by returning to the west, his day-to-day life with the big league team would take him away from his family once more.

Furthermore, the organization appears to be satisfied with its current manager, Kapler. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Giants chairman Greg Johnson expressed confidence in Kapler and president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi.

“Nothing has changed in terms of our desire [for them to return],” Johnson said.

The Giants’ offense has struggled since the All-Star break, and Kapler expressed his displeasure by rebuffing a reporter’s question on Wednesday. However, the team currently has a record of 64-57 and would be the second of three wild card teams if the season ended today.

Posey’s move may bring him closer to the team as it prepares for a playoff run, but don’t expect him to take over as manager anytime soon — if at all.