SF Giants have one of the worst run differentials in franchise history through 10 games

The SF Giants are off to an abysmal start in terms of win-loss record. That is not the only area, as their -25 run differential is the worst mark by the franchise since 1896, per Josh Dubow of The Associated Press.

SF Giants have one of the worst run differentials in franchise history through 10 games

In 1896, the New York Giants had a -49 run differential through their first 10 games of the year. They finished the year with a 64-67 record, so things did get better after that.

It is hard to describe the Giants' slow start. The schedule was not in their favor, as they play plenty of playoff-caliber teams to start the year. Two of their three opponents so far reached the playoffs just last season, and the one exception (New York Mets) hopes to be in the playoff race this year.

The Mets got off to a slow start through the first week, but took three out of four games in San Francisco. The Giants nearly split the series, but the bullpen struggled in its first real test of preserving the lead.

It is very early in the year to draw any hard conclusions. That said, the negative run differential matches the eye test. That is to say, the Giants have not played good baseball.

It would be hard to point at one area of the roster and conclude that they are doing a good job. The offense has been nonexistent through 10 games. They are last in baseball by a wide margin with a .561 OPS.

Incredibly, the Giants have only hit four home runs. Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians and Shea Langeliers of the A's have each hit more home runs (5) this year than the Giants have as a team. That is not great.

The starting rotation has strung together a couple of good starts. The rotation has a 4.53 ERA, but this includes a 3.14 FIP. There is a case to be made that the rotation has pitched better than the ERA would suggest, but this unit needs to be a strength for them to win games in 2026.

With one Outs Above Average (OAA) and three Fielding Run Value (FRV), the defensive metrics have an oddly favorable view of the Giants so far. The eye test does not match up, as the infield defense has been rough, including some unusually poor play at first base.

Run differential is usually a good barometer for how strong an overall record is. With the Giants starting the year with a 3-7 record, the -25 run differential feels right. They have earned that record. The Giants have not played good baseball, and in terms of run differential, it is some of the worst baseball the franchise has seen through the first 10 games in over 100 years.