The San Francisco Giants just came off a historic 2020-2021 season, as they recorded a franchise-best 107-55 record to de-throne their in-state rivals Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West Division Title. 

Though the Giants exceeded expectations in every category during the regular season, their title chances were cut short due to their heartbreaking first-round exit to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the Giants were never expected to even get this far when the 2020-2021 season started. 

It’s amazing what they accomplished and the expectations going into next season will definitely be higher. Here are my thoughts on what the San Francisco Giants need to do to make sure they can continue to contend next year.

Kris Bryant is a former MVP of the league and a phenomenal utility player that should be a priority for the Giants to keep for seasons to come, considering they just lost one of their best pitchers in Kevin Gausman to a 5-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Bryant was traded from the Chicago Cubs last season to the Giants and he added so much to the team, being able to play multiple positions and contribute with his bat. Bryant is still in his prime years at 29 years old and is currently a free agent. It will be difficult to bring him back as he is an expensive player, but I feel he is the kind of player that will make it worth it. 

Defense is clearly something that will help the Giants win a championship. Luckily, the Giants have been able to keep almost everyone in the bullpen, along with signing two of their five starting pitchers from last year in Alex Wood and Anthony DeSclafani. Both pitchers were phenomenal last season and they still have their ace, Logan Webb, who will continue to lead the way on the defensive end. 

The most important position the Giants have to worry about next season is the catcher, which will be played by Joey Bart. In 2018, the Giants selected Joey Bart as the second-overall pick in the MLB draft, specifically preparing for Buster Posey’s declining years. With the departure of Posey, it will be Bart’s job to prove himself as an effective catcher who can live up to his expectations as the second-overall pick. Obviously, nobody can be Buster Posey, but Joey Bart can hopefully be something special. 

Long time Giants fan and Archbishop Riordan English teacher, Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88 thinks Joey Bart can live up to the hype by stating, “The catchers they have in the farm system are really strong, and Joey Bart has been watching Posey for a long time and even mentored by him. I think we’ll be okay.” 

After coming off a historic season, the Giants will have all eyes on them next season as they have proven themselves to be a legit team with a chance of winning it all. Hopefully, they can get the assets and weapons they need to succeed.