NL Cy Young front runner has effusive praise new SF Giants manager Tony Vitello

New SF Giants manager Tony Vitello is making an unprecedented jump from college ball to the majors without any pro coaching experience. Count NL Cy Young front runner Paul Skenes as among those who believe Vitello will be successful.

NL Cy Young front runner has effusive praise new SF Giants manager Tony Vitello

In an interview with CBS Sports, Skenes highlights the differences between college ball and the majors. Most notably, the pace of the game is different, as well as the competition level.

Skenes adds that there are probably a handful of college coaches who can make the jump, and Vitello is one of them. He finishes with a simple phrase that should excite Giants fans, “He’s a winner.”

This is tremendous praise for a major league pitcher, especially one who did not play for Vitello. Skenes’ experience with Vitello comes as an opponent.

The young Pittsburgh Pirates hurler faced off against Vitello and the University of Tennessee while at Louisiana State University. Given that both teams played in the SEC, Vitello and Skenes faced off against each other quite a bit. 

The next time they face off against one another, it will be in a major league game. The Pirates visit the Giants at Oracle Park for a three-game series starting on Friday, May 8, 2026.

While Vitello might not have any coaching experience at the pro ranks, he has received praise from several major league players. Skenes, along with future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, have been vocal supporters. 

Vitello’s first act as manager will be assembling a coach staff that gets the best out of its players. He also may have made his first addition. Matt Williams and Ryan Christenson will not be back, with the latter joining the A’s coaching staff, per Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle.

Pat Burrell also told Slusser that he is unsure what his role will be in 2026. He has served as the hitting coach for the past two seasons, but Vitello will likely want to round out his own staff. 

Regardless, there is a good chance Burrell remains with the organization in some capacity. He has been involved with the Giants since his playing career concluded in 2011.

On the other hand, Paul Skenes was recently announced as a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award. He has a good shot at winning after posting 1.97 ERA in 32 starts for Pittsburg.