Bruce Bochy is officially back with the Giants.
The Giants announced Monday that Bochy, a four-time World Series-winning manager, has returned to the organization as a special advisor to baseball operations. Bochy is expected to perform duties on both the baseball and business sides in his new role.
“Having Boch back in the organization means a great deal to all of us,” president of baseball operations Buster Posey said in a statement. “His experience, leadership and feel for the game are unmatched, and his perspective will be invaluable as we continue building towards sustained success.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to reconnect with the Giants organization and so many familiar faces,” Bochy said. “This organization and city mean a lot to me and my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in any way I can.”
Bochy, 70, served as the Giants’ manager from 2007-19 and emerged as one of the most beloved figures in franchise history after he led San Francisco to three World Series titles in 2010, ‘12 and ‘14.
Bochy briefly stepped away from managing following the 2019 season, but he ended up being coaxed out of retirement by Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young, who convinced him to take over the helm in Texas in October 2022.
Bochy steered the Rangers to their first World Series title in ‘23, but he and the club decided to mutually end his three-year run there on Sept. 29. Bochy’s departure from Texas came on the same day the Giants dismissed Bob Melvin, fueling instant speculation that Bochy could return for a second managerial stint in San Francisco.
Posey -- who played for Bochy in 11 of his 12 big league seasons -- shut down those rumors during his end-of-season press conference on Oct. 1, though he said the door was always open for Bochy to rejoin the organization in some other capacity.
With Bochy now back in the fold, the Giants should have another respected voice who can help serve as a sounding board for not only Posey, but also new manager Tony Vitello, who is making an unprecedented leap from college head coach to big league skipper.
Posey enlisted Bochy and current Giants special advisor Dusty Baker to speak with Vitello as part of the vetting process and said both longtime managers liked what they heard from the former University of Tennessee coach.
“Obviously, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dusty and for Boch,” Posey said last week. “They came away feeling very positive about the person. There’s going to be uncertainties and risks in any hire. This one’s probably more than a lot of other places we could’ve gone, but I’m betting on the person.”
Bochy posted a career record of 2,252-2,266 over his 28 seasons at the helm of the Padres, Giants and Rangers, giving him the sixth-most victories among Major League managers. The five ahead of him -- Connie Mack, Tony La Russa, John McGraw, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre -- are all in the Hall of Fame, which should make Bochy a lock for Cooperstown in the years to come.
“We are thrilled to welcome Boch back to the Giants family as a Special Advisor to Baseball Operations,” Giants president and CEO Larry Baer said. “Few people in baseball have his depth of knowledge, insight and lived experience of the game. He shares a rich history with our organization and fans, and it’s special to have him back in orange and black.”