Five years after hanging up his catcher’s gear, Buster Posey is thriving in his role as president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants. During spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, it’s clear that Posey has found his groove, he’s excited to show up at the park every day and engage with people who share his passion for baseball.

Posey took the job after the 2024 season with a mission to “make more great memories for this fan base and community”. While he’s been upfront about having plenty to learn about running an organization, he’s also shown a remarkable willingness to grow and adapt. His willingness to ask questions and change course when necessary has become a defining characteristic of his leadership style.

This was evident when he exercised manager Bob Melvin’s contract option for 2026, then pivoted just three months later to fire him and bring in Tony Vitello from the University of Tennessee, a move that raised eyebrows around baseball. Posey’s response? He’s simply trying to make the best decisions with the information available to him.

As a player, Posey relied on data to break down opposing lineups and study pitchers, but the analytics available to front office leaders today are light years ahead of what existed during his playing career. He’s embraced modern baseball metrics while staying grounded in the fundamentals. When asked about his go-to stat, Posey mentioned weighted runs created plus (wRC+), which adjusts for ballpark and era, especially relevant for the Giants given Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly reputation.

But here’s the thing: Posey is careful not to let analytics overshadow the intangible qualities that make great baseball operations. He pointed to his head and heart when discussing what numbers can’t measure. This balanced approach extends to how he runs his front office.

Posey has literally knocked down walls at both Oracle Park and Scottsdale Stadium to create collaborative spaces where his brain trust can analyze games together. His inner circle includes general manager Zack Minasian, future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy (hired as special adviser), and countless other specialized advisers like former GM Bobby Evans, scouting chiefs, and farm directors.

He actively encourages feedback from everyone in the room, even when it contradicts his own perspective. Minasian noted that Posey’s leadership style, shaped by his years managing pitching staffs as a catcher, translates naturally to running baseball operations. The guy brought in accomplished veterans like Adrian Houser, Tyler Mahle, Luis Arráez, and Harrison Bader this offseason to fill specific holes.

Through it all, Posey makes decisions collaboratively rather than unilaterally. He genuinely seems to enjoy this phase of his career, texting his wife during spring training about how lucky he feels to have the job. That’s the kind of energy the Giants organization needs right now.