The San Francisco Giants have announced major changes are coming to the organization’s front office, and it’s hard not to wonder whether a managerial change could be coming too.
Bruce Bochy is entering the final season of his contract in 2019. The Giants said on Monday that Bochy will be back next season, but the two sides have not talked about a contract extension.
Bruce Bochy, when asked about the potential distraction of a lame-duck season in 2019: “ No, not for me. I don’t want them to have that on their plate, either. I’ve told them that. I am signed. I’m good with that. Let’s concentrate on what we need to do to make this team better.”
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) September 25, 2018
Managers often try to have their contract status addressed before entering the final year of a contract to avoid the so-called “lame duck” status. The thinking is that they have less power and authority if everyone knows they could soon be fired.
Bochy has been the Giants’ manager since 2007 and should have the respect and command of the clubhouse. At the same time, the length of his tenure could work against him, with a new GM potentially feeling a change is something the team needs.
Bochy has won three World Series with the Giants, though the team is experiencing its second poor season in a row under him. His fate may be determined by the person hired to replace Bobby Evans as GM. The Giants have already given a hint about what kind of GM they will look to hire.
