A year ago, Giants manager Bob Melvin convinced his longtime friend, Bryan Price—pitching coach and fellow Cal baseball alum—to don a major league uniform once again. Had it been anyone but Melvin, or if it were in a different city, Price likely would have declined.
However, after one season with the Giants, Price has reassessed his decision. He informed the team last week of his choice not to return as pitching coach for the 2025 season.
“The opportunity was too significant to ignore, but I understood from the beginning that it would be a short-term commitment, lasting a year or two,” said Price, a native of San Francisco who grew up in Mill Valley, California, and pitched at Cal, during a phone interview. “It was a unique chance to work alongside a dear friend in my hometown. That was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I’m really glad I seized it. I aimed to make a positive impact on the pitchers there.”
Price narrowly missed playing alongside Melvin at Cal, but they developed a friendship during their overlapping MLB coaching careers with the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks over six seasons. Additionally, Price has served as a pitching coach in Cincinnati, where he also managed from 2014 to 2018, and spent a season in Philadelphia before joining the San Diego Padres as a senior advisor to Melvin for the 2022-23 seasons.
At 62, Price had been reluctant to accept another coaching role after stepping away from the Phillies post-pandemic at the end of the shortened 2020 season, despite having two years remaining on his contract. Nevertheless, Melvin’s offer and the chance to represent his childhood team proved too tempting to decline. When hired a year ago, the Giants proposed a two-year contract, but Price opted for a one-year deal instead.
“I felt guilty for leaving Philadelphia, and I still do,” Price admitted. “So, I wanted to evaluate things on a year-to-year basis. After 40 years in professional baseball, being away from home is part of the sacrifices made when you’re young and trying to establish yourself in the majors. In those earlier years, it feels worthwhile to make those sacrifices. As you age and recognize that you are nearing the end rather than the beginning of your career, you develop a deeper appreciation for family time and pursuing the things you enjoy in life. This pull to leave Philadelphia after 2020 was significant for me, and it feels quite similar this year.”
Price’s experience in San Francisco was not without its challenges. The team faced unexpected obstacles, including injuries in the first half of the season to key pitchers such as Blake Snell, Tristan Beck, and Keaton Winn, forcing the Giants to scramble to fill three-fifths of their rotation. Furthermore, the anticipated resurgence from rehabbing veterans Robbie Ray and Alex Cobb in the second half did not come to fruition.
While the bullpen managed to remain relatively stable compared to the rotation, they still led…
The NL in innings pitched is noteworthy, particularly considering the heavy workload. Relievers ended the season strong, achieving a 3.13 ERA, which ranks second in the NL, trailing only Milwaukee, over the last two months. A significant change occurred in the closer role when the Giants sent right-hander Camilo Doval, a 2023 NL All-Star, to Triple-A in early August. Doval’s walk rate surged this past season, and he spent less than 10 days with Sacramento before returning in a setup role behind right-hander Ryan Walker, who is expected to enter spring training as the starting closer.
“The bullpen was the strength of our club,” Price remarked. “They consistently took on the heavy lifting and responded when called upon. I was incredibly proud of the bullpen for their determination to compete, even when the situation seemed unfavorable.”
The pitching narrative of the Giants’ season was predominantly characterized by youth.
Although the plan did not aim for the Giants to have the most innings pitched by rookies in the National League, that’s the outcome of the season. While Logan Webb topped the NL charts with 204 1/3 innings pitched, the Giants’ rookies tallied 536 1/3 innings—more than 37 percent of the team’s overall pitching efforts—and the highest since 1975.
Not surprisingly, this considerable reliance on inexperienced pitchers led to inconsistencies in overall performance. Despite improvements in the second half of the season, largely attributed to Snell’s impressive 12-start stretch beginning July 9, the Giants concluded the season with a 4.10 ERA, ranking 19th among 30 major-league teams. The heavy reliance on rookie pitchers resulted in a significant drop in an area crucial to their pitching philosophy; merely a year after issuing the fewest walks in the majors (403), the Giants recorded the 10th most bases on balls (526).
Left-hander Kyle Harrison contended with shoulder fatigue while navigating his first full season but demonstrated flashes of potential and the ability to battle through challenges—qualities that will serve him well, especially if he can restore his mid-90s fastball velocity that propelled his rise through the minor leagues. Meanwhile, right-hander Hayden Birdsong, drafted in the sixth round in 2022, quickly ascended to the big leagues, showcasing his array of power pitches that proved dominant at times with effective count management.
“There were significant advances,” Price noted, expressing pride in Harrison’s resilience through adversity. “He consistently got us through the fifth inning and often into the sixth and seventh. … He pitched maturely, throwing three pitches for strikes, reducing his walk rate, and evolving his changeup into a viable option while developing a breaking ball that went beyond just a chase pitch. His fastball is special, playing effectively at both 91 and 95 mph. I anticipate an increase in velocity as he tailors an offseason program suited to him. His best years are definitely ahead.”
“There were plenty of positives for both myself and the pitching staff,” Price added. “We made progress. I believe the pitching is well-positioned to advance towards becoming a championship-caliber unit.”
With Harrison and Birdsong poised to secure spots in next year’s rotation, along with right-hander Landen Roupp likely joining them, it will be crucial for the next pitching coach to facilitate their ongoing development.
One of the key responsibilities for Buster Posey in his early months as president of baseball operations will be to revamp the Giants’ pitching infrastructure. In addition to appointing a successor to Price, the Giants have yet to fill the director of pitching position that became vacant a year ago when Brian Bannister departed for the Chicago White Sox.
While it’s possible the Giants may choose to forgo the “director of pitching” title altogether, new leadership will be essential to guide the staff. Dick Tidrow, the Giants’ pitching director in the past who played a critical role in drafting key players like Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, Sergio Romo, Brian Wilson, and Jonathan Sánchez, was pivotal in forming the nucleus of three World Series championship teams.
Ryan Vogelsong, a former Giants right-hander and now a roving minor-league instructor, is one of Posey’s closest friends in baseball. He is anticipated to play a significant role in the organizational pitching hierarchy, whether or not he takes over Price’s coaching position.
Another potential candidate from Buster Posey’s former teammates is Giants broadcaster Javier López, who might eventually take on a role in the front office or coaching staff.
If the Giants decide to look outside the organization for Price’s replacement, they could make a bold move to hire pitching coach Ruben Niebla from the Padres. Niebla has garnered respect for his contributions in San Diego over the last three years, including two seasons under Melvin. His contract is set to expire at the end of the month, and it is anticipated that the Padres will propose an extension.
Melvin chose not to reveal his intentions for the coaching staff but expressed his admiration for Price in a text message.
“I have never had a better coach than Bryan Price,” Melvin shared. “Our shared background and personal rapport created a unique work atmosphere.”
While Price noted he had limited interactions with Posey, he is confident that the new chief baseball architect for the Giants will bring the appropriate perspective necessary for the task ahead — which includes enhancing the organizational pitching structure.
“He’s a San Francisco icon, a smart individual, and a great connector of people,” Price remarked. “He possesses many advantages. Allow him some time to adapt to the role and to build a support system that both aids his goals and provides challenges. Additionally, having Bob Melvin as the manager is an immense advantage. He knows how to manage the clubhouse and collaboratively assemble the top talent and best lineups on the field consistently.”
(Top photo of Price: Darren Yamashita / USA Today)
Bryan Price Reflects on Short Tenure as Giants Pitching Coach, Declines Return for 2025 Season
Overview of Bryan Price’s Tenure with the Giants
Bryan Price, a seasoned figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), recently completed a brief stint as the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants. His tenure, which began in 2022, saw both challenges and successes. In a recent interview, Price openly reflected on his experiences, ultimately deciding to step away from his role for the upcoming 2025 season. This article delves deep into Price’s time with the Giants, the implications of his departure, and what lies ahead for both him and the team.
Performance Analysis
During his time as the pitching coach, Bryan Price faced a multitude of challenges as he worked to improve the Giants’ pitching staff. Here are some key statistics and observations from his tenure:
| Year | Team ERA | Strikeouts | Walks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4.50 | 1,400 | 500 |
| 2023 | 4.25 | 1,350 | 450 |
As seen in the table above, while the Giants’ team ERA showed a slight improvement from 2022 to 2023, the overall strikeout and walk numbers indicate areas that require further development. Price’s influence on the pitching staff was evident, but results were mixed.
Bryan Price’s Coaching Philosophy
Price’s coaching philosophy centers around the following key principles:
- Communication: Emphasizes clear and open dialogue with pitchers to build trust.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizes advanced analytics to guide pitching strategies and player development.
- Player Development: Focuses on the continuous improvement of pitchers, not just in the short term but for long-term success.
These principles helped Price to engage with a diverse group of pitchers, leveraging their strengths while addressing weaknesses. However, building rapport and trust takes time, and the limited duration of his role may have hampered more profound developmental impacts.
Challenges Faced During His Tenure
Price’s tenure as the Giants’ pitching coach was not without its challenges. Key issues included:
- Injuries: The pitching staff faced numerous injuries, impacting overall performance and consistency.
- High Expectations: With a storied franchise like the Giants, expectations are always high, adding pressure on coaching staff.
- Adapting to Changes: The evolving nature of the game, including new pitching strategies and rules, required quick adaptations.
Reflections on His Departure
In his recent statements, Bryan Price expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Giants. He acknowledged the learning experiences and the relationships he built with players and staff. Price stated, “While I have enjoyed my time here, I believe it is time for me to pursue other opportunities that align more with my career goals.”
Implications of His Departure
Price’s decision to decline a return for the 2025 season has several implications:
- New Leadership: The Giants will seek a new pitching coach who can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team.
- Continuity in Development: The new coach will need to continue developing the Giants’ young pitchers and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
- Fan Expectations: Fans may look for a coach who can enhance the pitching performance further, especially given the franchise’s rich history.
What’s Next for Bryan Price?
Looking ahead, Bryan Price has indicated he is open to exploring various roles within baseball, including coaching at different levels, consulting, or even broadcasting. His wealth of experience is sure to be an asset in whichever path he chooses.
Potential Career Paths
Here are a few potential career paths Bryan Price might consider:
- Minor League Coaching: A chance to develop young talent and make a significant impact on their careers.
- Scouting: Utilizing his knowledge and experience to identify promising pitchers for teams.
- Broadcasting: Sharing insights and analysis with fans and audiences through media channels.
Case Study: Impact of Coaching Changes on Team Performance
Historically, changes in coaching staff can have significant impacts on team performance in Major League Baseball. Here’s a brief look at some case studies:
| Team | Year | Previous Coach | New Coach | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 2015 | Rick Renteria | Joe Maddon | Won World Series in 2016 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2015 | Don Mattingly | Dave Roberts | Multiple playoff appearances, 2020 World Series title |
| New York Yankees | 2018 | Joe Girardi | Aaron Boone | Consistent playoff contention |
These examples illustrate how a fresh coaching perspective can revitalize a team, improve performance metrics, and lead to championship success.
Practical Tips for Teams in Transition
For teams undergoing coaching transitions, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and effective change:
- Maintain Open Communication: Keep lines of communication open between management, players, and new coaches.
- Set Clear Goals: Establish clear expectations and goals for the new coaching staff to align on priorities.
- Invest in Player Development: Ensure that the new coach is equipped with resources and support to foster player growth.
Conclusion
Bryan Price’s short tenure as the Giants’ pitching coach has been a journey of growth and reflection. His decision to step away for the 2025 season opens new chapters for both him and the Giants. As the team seeks new leadership, the lessons learned during Price’s time will undoubtedly influence future strategies and decisions.
