Former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi was officially named San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations. Zaidi takes the helm of a front office that’s being overhauled after firing Bobby Evans, who was GM the past four seasons.
Prior to getting hired, reports suggested Zaidi was the Giants’ preferred candidate. “We set out to find one of the best minds in baseball and Farhan’s many accomplishments and expertise exceeded our expectations,” Giants president and CEO Larry Baer said.
“Farhan is widely viewed as one of the top executives in our industry and we are thrilled to have him lead the next chapter of Giants Baseball.”
Zaidi spent the past four seasons as Dodgers’ general manager. He led a front office with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and the two combined to improve the club’s farm system while also developing a talented and competitive organization.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Zaidi spent 10 seasons with the Oakland Athletics. In 2009 he was promoted to from a baseball operations analyst to director of baseball operations, and in 2014 held that role in addition to assistant general manager.
“I am delighted to return to the Bay Area and to join one of the most storied franchises in the game,” Zaidi said.
“I have watched the Giants from afar and I have great respect for the organization’s culture and many accomplishments. I am excited about this new opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting right to work.”
Zaidi’s departure creates yet another void for Friedman and the Dodgers to fill. Since losing the World Series to the Boston Red Sox, the organization has seen Chris Woodward (Texas Rangers manager) and Turner Ward (Cincinnati Reds hitting coach) also join other clubs.
