Willy Adames has already found the perfect nickname for his new manager – and it’s as fitting as it is funny. The Giants shortstop has taken to calling Tony Vitello “rookie,” a playful jab at the first-year skipper as the two build early chemistry ahead of the 2026 season.
That kind of comfort level between player and manager doesn’t usually happen overnight, but Vitello and Adames have clearly hit the ground running. The two have spent significant time together this offseason – not just in the Bay Area, but overseas.
Earlier this month, they traveled to South Korea to visit outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, with Giants legend Buster Posey also joining the trip. And Vitello didn’t stop there.
He also made his way to the Dominican Republic to connect with Adames again, as well as Rafael Devers.
That kind of face-to-face effort goes a long way in a clubhouse, especially when you’re the new guy in charge. Vitello may be new to the big-league dugout, but he’s not treating this like a soft launch. He’s investing early and often in his relationships with the team’s core – and that’s a big deal.
Adames calling Vitello “rookie” is more than just a joke – it’s a sign of trust. The 28-year-old shortstop has become a key figure in the Giants’ clubhouse, both for his on-field production and his leadership. If he’s bought in, that sets the tone for the rest of the roster.
The two were also front and center at the Giants’ FanFest stop in San Ramon over the weekend – part of the team’s four-city tour to drum up excitement ahead of Spring Training. Vitello was joined by Adames, Logan Webb, Jung Hoo Lee, Hayden Birdsong, Landen Roupp, and Erik Miller. It was the second stop on the tour, following a kickoff event in San Jose the previous weekend.
For Vitello, this offseason has been about more than just learning the ropes – it’s been about building relationships. And while he’s stepping into the big leagues for the first time, he brings a strong coaching résumé with him.
The 47-year-old spent the past eight seasons turning the University of Tennessee into a college baseball powerhouse. Before that, he cut his teeth as an assistant at Missouri, TCU, and Arkansas.
Now, he’s making the leap to MLB – and he’s not doing it alone. Vitello has surrounded himself with a veteran coaching staff that includes former big-league managers Jayce Tingler and Ron Washington, both expected to play key roles in his first season at the helm.
The Giants are betting on a fresh voice to lead them forward, and Vitello is doing everything he can to earn the trust of his players. If the early bond with Adames is any indication, he’s off to a strong start.
