Buster Posey determined to make big changes in San Francisco, starting at the top

In a twist that few saw coming, Buster Posey has made his first major mark on the San Francisco Giants’ organization since stepping up as the president of baseball operations. His pick for the new GM isn’t a hotshot outsider, nor a big name plucked from another team - it’s Zack Minasian, a familiar face who’s worked quietly but effectively as the Giants’ pro scouting director since 2019. Posey admits Minasian wasn’t even on his radar at first, but after a month of looking around and consulting with key figures in the game, he realized the best fit might have been in the room the entire time.

“When I got word that [Minasian] was somebody I should look into, I was open-minded,” Posey says. “But if I’m again being honest, I probably didn’t see us sitting right here a month later once this process started. No offense, Zack.”

Minasian has deep roots in baseball, having practically grown up in the game thanks to a family steeped in its culture. His dad, also named Zack, was a longtime clubhouse manager for the Texas Rangers, and his older brother Perry is the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels. Minasian’s childhood was filled with summers spent running around stadiums, learning the ins and outs of what goes on behind the scenes. That early exposure turned into a serious career. He spent 14 years with the Milwaukee Brewers, ultimately rising to pro scouting director at just 27 years old, where he played a part in moves that brought in big names like CC Sabathia and Zack Greinke. That experience built him into a seasoned talent evaluator, exactly the type of executive Posey believes the Giants need.

Posey, known for his steady presence and leadership on the field, wants a similar approach in the Giants’ front office: commitment and a sharp eye for potential. He and Minasian connected over their shared vision of what the team should be. Posey describes Minasian as someone who understands what it means to be a Giant, someone who can navigate the tough path ahead. “He’s got great feel,” Posey says. “That’s a big part of this job. You want to be available, but you also don’t want to be in the player’s way… He’s all in on helping us put a team on the field that our fan base can be excited about and that can fill the ballpark up and get back to making those great memories.”

Minasian has kept a low profile in the game, not because he lacks ambition, but because he’s had his head down, focused on the work. When he heard Posey’s initial comments about what he was looking for in a GM, he was intrigued but realistic. “Thinking back and listening to Buster’s initial interview and what he described as far as what he wanted in the role, my eyebrows kind of raised, like, ‘I think that sounds like me,’” Minasian says. “But quite honestly, I’ve been around this game for my whole life. Thinking about the GM role, it was so far above what I ever thought [was possible].”

Minasian may not have initially seen himself in the GM chair, but he’s no stranger to the grit it takes to thrive in baseball. From scouting rookies with potential to helping bring in established talent, he’s made his mark on the Giants’ roster. Now, he’s stepping into the GM role with full support from Posey, ready to push the team forward and meet the challenge head-on.

This new chapter in the Giants’ front office signals a change not just in personnel, but in philosophy. Posey and Minasian are looking for ways to revitalize the Giants, get fans back in the stands, and build a team that can spark excitement in San Francisco once again.