Drew Gilbert Eager for Giants Teammates to Meet Tony Vitello
Drew Gilbert, the San Francisco Giants outfielder, is among a select group of players who have a personal connection to the franchise’s newly appointed manager, Tony Vitello. As the Giants embark on a new era under Vitello, Gilbert’s enthusiasm for the decision is palpable.
A Familiar Face
Gilbert’s history with Vitello goes back to his collegiate days at the University of Tennessee, where he played under the coach for three seasons. Wrapping up his college career in 2022, Gilbert made a significant impact, posting an impressive .362 batting average along with 11 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 21 doubles. His stellar performance earned him all-SEC honors and ultimately led to his selection by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
Following a whirlwind of trades, including a move to the New York Mets for pitcher Justin Verlander and then to the Giants in July for Tyler Rogers, Gilbert now finds himself in a familiar situation: ready to play for the coach who helped shape his early career.
Anticipation for Change
Recently, Gilbert shared his thoughts on Vitello during an appearance on the “Giants Talk” podcast. With a blend of excitement and confidence, he described what his new teammates can expect from their manager.
“At the end of the day, they’ll find out,” he remarked, emphasizing that Vitello’s competitive nature would soon become evident. “I’m confident in that and I’m excited for it. He’s not afraid and he’s going to come in and he’s not going to be all up in your face like that, but you’re going to understand what he’s about and how hard he wants to compete and how bad he wants to win. That’ll rub off on everyone real quick and I’m excited for that.”
A Learning Curve
Gilbert’s first stint with the Giants was brief but impactful, as he played 39 games, albeit with mixed results at the plate. He struggled, posting a batting line of .190/.248/.350 and a .598 OPS, along with three home runs and 13 RBIs. However, his spirited demeanor and lively presence in the dugout quickly endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
With the recent trade of Mike Yastrzemski, Gilbert now finds himself in a favorable position to claim the starting right field job come opening day. His relationship with Vitello could be a pivotal factor in his development as he adapts to the challenges of Major League Baseball.
Vitello’s Legacy
Taking the helm of the Giants, Vitello comes with a robust background, having spent eight successful seasons at Tennessee. There, he transformed the Volunteers into a powerhouse, culminating in a remarkable 2024 season that saw them secure 60 wins and a championship title at the Men’s College World Series. His track record also includes multiple SEC regular-season and tournament championships, as well as appearances in the MCWS in 2021 and 2023.
As Gilbert prepares for the 2026 season, the anticipation of reuniting with his former coach adds an exciting layer to the upcoming campaign for both player and team.
