SF Giants: Long-Tenured Coach Returning in 2021

While coaching staff contract details are rarely made public, the SF Giants confirmed that third-base coach Ron Wotus would be returning in 2021.

The long-time SF Giants coach has been with the organization for over 30 years, including the last 22 seasons on the major league staff.

As a major league coach, Wotus has worked most notably as the team’s bench coach from 1999-2017 but he has two separate stints as a third-base coach as well. Currently, he is working as the team’s third-base coach, but he has often played an active role in coaching the infielders as well as managing the team’s shift strategy.

Gabe Kapler is just the fourth manager Wotus has worked under as the SF Giants have sought stability over the last several decades. In addition to this, he has worked on the staff for Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou, and Bruce Bochy.

Despite all of this great experience, the 59-year-old has never managed a major league ball club permanently. Over the years, he has interviewed for manager openings with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Washington Nationals.

He has fallen short in each of these interviews, but that has been to the Giants benefit. The Giants have seen remarkable success during his tenure, and that success is due in part to the various roles he has played for the team’s coaching staff.

Wotus is set to return to the major league staff for his 23rd season in 2021. The fact that he is returning should not be too surprising. He is one of the more respected coaches in baseball and will probably get the opportunity to coach with the Giants until he chooses he does not want to anymore.

The Giants performed well in 2020 as the posted a 29-31 record while falling just short of a playoff run. The Giants coaching staff is light on experience but well versed in today’s analytics. That said, Wotus brings a calming presence and the ability to mentor the younger coaches.

They are preparing for another shot at the playoffs in 2021, and the good news is that Wotus will be returning to be a part of that.