Ex-SF Giants catcher's retirement creates a path for him to become next manager

Former SF Giants catcher Curt Casali has officially retired. He was with the team in 2021 and 2022 and rejoined the Giants in 2024. His retirement could open the door to him returning but as a manager.

Casali has actually been with the Cincinnati Reds’ front office the past year although it was not previously reported. He spent a number of years with the Reds so it makes sense that he joined them in some capacity.

Curt Casali's retirement creates glidepath to be next SF Giants manager

Casali played for 11 seasons in the big leagues, with the Tampa Bay Rays, Red, Giants, and Seattle Mariners.

He was always more of a defensive catcher as his offensive numbers were never all that inspiring. For his career he slashed .218/.312/.369. 

He was solid with the Giants and played an important role on the 2021 team. He was clearly trusted by the pitching staff and even had some remarkable stretches where the Giants were incredible at limiting opposing teams offensively when he was behind the plate. The Giants had five straight shutouts with him as the catcher that season.

While Casali has been in the front office, he could potentially have a role change. With the Giants now looking for a new manager after dismissing Bob Melvin, president of baseball operations Buster Posey could be considering Casali as a dark horse candidate for the role.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle has mentioned Casali as a potential fit for the job. Posey seems to be interested in former catchers based on early reports, so Casali would fit that bill and has been thought of as a future manager before.

At the age of 36, he would provide a welcome change from Melvin who was in his sixties. Maybe that infusion of youth and energy is what the team needs after two seasons where it seemed like they were just sluggish at times. 

Former catchers have often made good managers in the past and Posey, being a former catcher in his own right, may reasonably be looking for someone who looks at the game the same way he did. He was teammates with Casali back in 2021 so he has that familiarity there. 

However, Casali is not the only former backup to Posey who has been connected to the managerial opening as Nick Hundley has also had his name in the mix for the job. 

We will see how it all shakes out, but the fact that Casali is now formerly retired from his playing days does make it seem like the door is open for him to become the next manager of the Giants even though he does not have any managerial experience.