The San Francisco Giants are in advanced discussions with Gary Pettis to fill their third-base coach vacancy, according to The Athletic. The move comes after Hector Borg was reassigned on May 26, 2026, following a series of controversial decisions during games.
What happened
On May 27, 2026, the Giants announced they are negotiating with Pettis, a 68-year-old Oakland native, to take over the role previously held by Borg. In the interim, longtime coach Ron Wotus filled in at third base during the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Wotus indicated he does not wish to return to a full-time position.
According to a team source, Pettis’s experience would be a valuable addition, as the Giants coaching staff has lacked major-league experience. “It’s a good bet Pettis comes highly recommended from respected former managers inside the Giants organization,” the source stated. Pettis has spent 25 seasons as a major-league coach, notably with the Houston Astros from 2015 to 2024.[1]
Why it matters
The Giants aim to strengthen their coaching lineup to enhance their performance as they compete in a challenging season. The decision to bring in Pettis reflects the team’s commitment to improve player development and decision-making on the field. With recent struggles noted in the coaching decisions, a stronger presence at third base could help mitigate future errors.[2]
Background
On May 26, 2026, Hector Borg was reassigned due to a series of questionable runner decisions. This prompted the Giants to seek a more experienced coach for the critical role at third base.[3]
Prior to these discussions, the Giants had a coaching staff that included Borg and first-base coach Shane Anderson, both of whom were relatively new to major-league coaching. Their inexperience contributed to the team’s decision to reevaluate their coaching strategies.
What’s next
The Giants are expected to finalize Pettis’s hiring soon. Manager Tony Vitello stated that the team is “definitely closer” to announcing this appointment, indicating a timeline for confirmation in the coming days as they prepare for the remainder of their trip.
