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The SF Giants have a subtle connection to the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series

It's subtle
ByJeff Young
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The sun rises behind American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Oct. 22, 2026, where the Milwaukee Brewers will play the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series starting Friday, October 23.
The sun rises behind American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Oct. 22, 2026, where the Milwaukee Brewers will play the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series starting Friday, October 23. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Only one former SF Giants player appeared for the Tampa Bay Rays this year, but the two teams now share another subtle connection. Tampa Bay's play-by-play broadcaster, Doug Waechter, is a former major league pitcher and the father of the Giants' 2026 second-round pick, Kaden Waechter.

By the way, that one former player was Austin Slater. He appeared in seven games for the Rays in 2026, so he would be eligible for a World Series ring if they win. That might be enough to call it a career.

Slater's tenure with San Francisco came to an end midway through the 2024 campaign. At the time, he was the longest-tenured player on the team. Since then, he has moved around the league quite a bit, which is not uncommon for platoon players.

Slater has appeared for seven major league teams over the past two and a half seasons. He finished the year in the Rays' organization, making him eligible for the playoffs. Despite that, his name has not been called to put on a Rays uniform again.

Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster shares a subtle connection with the SF Giants

The Giants have another connection to the Rays, and one that could eventually get a World Series ring when it is all said and done. Doug Waechter pitched in the majors for six seasons in the 2000's. His most notable run was a four-year stint with Tampa Bay.

In his major league career, Waetcher posted a 5.34 ERA in 113 appearances, includin 54 starts. He major league career came to an end after that 2009 season, but he pitched in winter ball during the 2010-2011 season.

When Waechter's career came to a close, he shifted to the broadcast booth. For the past 11 years, he has worked as a play-by-play broadcaster and studio analyst for the Rays. Former major league players Matt Joyce and Denard Span also work for the Rays as studio analysts. Span spent two seasons with the Giants at the end of his career, and he also had a brief stint with Tampa Bay.

On the other hand, Waechter's connection between the Rays and Giants is a recent one. San Francisco selected his son, Kaden, in the second round of this year's draft. He earned a $3.2 million signing bonus to sway him from his commitment to Florida State University.

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