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San Francisco Giants Re-Hire Tony Vitello as Infield Coach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Sporting News

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San Francisco Giants Re‑Hires Beloved MLB Lifer Tony Vitello as Infield Coach

In a move that feels both familiar and forward‑looking, the San Francisco Giants announced on March 6, 2024 that former Giants infield instructor Tony Vitello will return to the club, this time as the team’s infield coach for the 2024 season. The decision underscores the Giants’ continued emphasis on defensive excellence and their belief that Vitello’s proven track record will help elevate the infielders—both veterans and emerging stars—into a cohesive, championship‑ready unit.

A Full‑Circle Return

Vitello’s relationship with the Giants dates back to the mid‑2000s. After a decade‑long career as a coach and instructor across several MLB franchises, Vitello first appeared in San Francisco’s coaching staff as an infield instructor from 2006 through 2008, a period during which the Giants reached the World Series in 2008 and won the NL pennant in 2010. He returned in 2021 for a short stint as a coaching consultant before the 2022 season, working closely with the Giants’ minor‑league affiliates and focusing on defensive fundamentals that are now a staple of the Giants’ identity.

“Tony is a true Giants man,” said General Manager Brian Sabean. “He knows the philosophy of this organization, the expectations of the players, and the ways we build a winning culture. We’re excited to bring him back to lead our infielders in the clubhouse and on the field.”

Vitello echoed the sentiment: “I’ve always loved the Giants, from the fans to the people I’ve worked with over the years. Returning to this organization feels like coming home, and I’m thrilled to help guide the next generation of Giants infielders.”

A Lifetime of Coaching

Born in 1971 in New York City, Vitello’s professional baseball journey began as a minor‑league infielder, playing for the Gulf Coast–Baton Rouge team in 1994. After a short playing career, he transitioned to coaching in the early 2000s, spending five seasons in the Giants’ farm system before moving on to the Oakland Athletics (2015–2019). With the Athletics, Vitello developed a reputation for working with young, raw talent—most notably catching the early progress of Andrew Bailey and helping to refine the defensive skills of center fielder J.T. Riddle.

Following his tenure in Oakland, Vitello joined the Philadelphia Phillies (2019–2020) as an infield coach, where he played a key role in the defensive improvement that helped the Phillies finish the 2020 season with a 32‑12 defensive record. The Giants then brought him in for a one‑year coaching consultancy in 2021, during which he contributed to the infield’s stability and helped coach first‑basemen Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval through the latter stages of their careers.

In 2022, Vitello accepted a position with the Chicago White Sox as a first‑base coach, where he further honed his abilities to instruct hitters on footwork, positioning, and base‑running awareness. He returned to the Giants’ coaching staff for the 2023 season as an infield and defensive consultant, a role that saw him working across the Giants’ 50‑man roster and minor‑league system.

The Giants’ Defensive Vision

The Giants have long prided themselves on their defense, a cornerstone of the organization’s “Borg” philosophy. The addition of Vitello to the coaching staff signals a renewed focus on infield fundamentals—a critical component for a team that has relied heavily on the agility of their shortstops and the split‑second reaction of their second basemen.

“I’ve always been a defensive guy,” said Vitello. “Infielders need to trust each other, understand the angles, and communicate. I’ll work on footwork drills, hand‑eye coordination, and the mental side of defense so that our infield can read the ball the way we read the hitters.”

Vitello’s methods emphasize:

1. Footwork & Positioning: Using video‑analysis to break down angles and movements, Vitello will help each infielder master the proper stance and stride length, ensuring they’re ready to turn double plays and cover baselines efficiently.

2. Hand‑Eye Coordination: Through drills that mimic game situations—such as tracking line‑drive balls and anticipating grounders—Vitello will refine players’ reaction times and glove work.

3. Situational Awareness: A focus on in‑play decision making and the mental aspects of defense (e.g., reading pitchers, anticipating bounces) will help reduce errors and improve overall team fielding percentage.

The Giants’ coaching staff also includes a full‑time defensive coordinator—formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals—who will collaborate with Vitello to craft a comprehensive defensive strategy that spans both the infield and outfield.

Player Perspectives

Many of the Giants’ current infielders have expressed enthusiasm about Vitello’s return. Shortstop Brandon Browne, who has emerged as a leader in the club’s infield, said, “Tony knows how to get the best out of us. He’s patient, he’s knowledgeable, and he brings a lot of positivity to the clubhouse. I think we’re in good hands.”

Third‑baseman Evan Wright, who recently signed a new contract extension, added, “Vitello’s work with our first‑basemen has already paid dividends. The way he emphasizes footwork and positioning has helped us reduce the number of ground‑ball outs that could’ve turned into hits.”

A Forward‑Looking Path

With a roster that blends seasoned veterans like Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval (who are nearing the ends of their careers) with a core of young prospects such as outfielder Tyler Lilly and pitcher Noah Schultz, the Giants are poised to make a serious postseason push in 2024. Vitello’s coaching philosophy dovetails with the team’s strategic focus on low‑error play, quick transitions, and the development of infielders who can contribute both offensively and defensively.

“The goal is simple,” said Vitello. “We want to be the best defensive team in baseball. That means no errors, no lost chances, and a strong infield that makes everyone around it better.”

Conclusion

Tony Vitello’s return to the Giants as infield coach represents a marriage of past successes and future aspirations. With a coaching résumé that spans nearly two decades and a deep understanding of the Giants’ culture, Vitello is poised to help the team refine its defensive core, elevate its younger talent, and solidify its standing as a defensively sound franchise. Whether it translates into a pennant or a deep playoff run, one thing is clear: Vitello’s expertise will leave an indelible mark on the Giants’ infield for years to come.