The downward spiral of the San Francisco Giants after the All-Star break has them looking for answers. Early on, the team showed potential and were 12 games over .500. However, a terrible July, marked by back-to-back six-game losing streaks, most likely has left them out of a playoff appearance. With that, the trade deadline saw them trading key players without adding to their roster.

Offense Declines

The Giants’ decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including a beleaguered offense and erratic hitting with runners in scoring position. Also contributing to the decline has been a lack of power and a drop-off in runs scored.

Rafael Devers Trade

The downward spiral of the San Francisco Giants also includes the trade for Rafael Devers, which has not worked out as expected. They shook up MLB by acquiring him from the Boston Red Sox. Many believed the team had found its new leader and would lead them to a playoff spot. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger has gone cold, not producing as expected. He has seven home runs in 45 games and is hitting .236. An 18-27 record in 45 games is not what the team wanted.

Justin Verlander

Pitcher Justin Verlander’s performance this season has been disappointing, even second-rate. Overall, he has a 1-9 record and a 4.53 ERA in 20 starts. His fastball is off, and he is getting hit hard when he throws it. One highlight, in eight of his starts, he has given up three runs or fewer. On the other hand, they have scored just a few runs for him. They also have blown four games after the seventh inning in which he left with the lead.

Bullpen Woes

The bullpen has blown the lead 25 times, leading to frustrating losses. Considered a strength earlier in the season, they struggled in July. Some of that can be attributed to trading away two of the most reliable bullpen arms, Tyler Rogers and closer Camilo Doval.

Manager Bob Melvin

Manager Bob Melvin had his contract extended for 2026, securing him for another year. Hopefully, the move puts an end to any speculation about his job security with the team. He is one of the top communicative managers in the game, and his players are elated that he is coming back. The team and Melvin will now put their focus on developing its young prospects.

Evaluate Players

The Giants will look a little bit different in the final 40+ games of the year. Barring a spectacular turnaround, they are most likely done in the Wild Card race. Players will be evaluated to see if they will be part of the team’s future. Pitching prospects Hayden Birdsong and Carson Whisenhunt will get long looks to see if they can be part of next season’s pitching staff. They will also examine the offense, especially from outfielders Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos, along with Devers. They need to demonstrate that they can carry the offense, allowing the front office to determine what needs to be added to build around this core. Although this season is not what they wanted, this team is not far off from getting back into the playoffs.