Giants’ Postseason Hopes Shattered as Crucial Clubhouse Weapon Ruled Out Until 2027

Well, the MLB playoff push is heating up, and the NL Wild Card race is getting tighter by the day. If you remember, the Giants (66-68) stumbled right after the All-Star break but have bounced back with five straight wins. And currently they’re still seven games out of a playoff spot with just 29 left to play, but star third baseman Matt Chapman isn’t ruling anything out.

“Nothing’s impossible,” he said. “But I think we just are focused on tomorrow.”

Notably, one of the biggest reasons behind the Giants’ recent surge has been their pitching staff. The offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, as they’re sitting 28th in batting average at .233.

But the arms have carried them, ranking 6th in ERA at 3.70. And leading the charge has been young pitcher Randy Rodriguez, who’s put together a stellar season with a 1.78 ERA, the best on the staff among pitchers with at least 30 appearances. So, naturally, expectations were high that he could help push San Francisco into October.

But then came the gut punch: MLB insider Alex Pavlovic reported that Rodriguez may need Tommy John surgery. “Randy Rodriguez will make a final decision this weekend, but it seems inevitable. Brutal news for the breakout star of this season, and it would keep him out all of 2026. Giants’ bullpen will have to be rebuilt in the offseason.”

Well, elbow issues are always worrisome in baseball, especially for pitchers who can hit triple digits. And the Giants have been keeping a close eye on Rodriguez all season with his occasional absences. When he landed on the IL with elbow inflammation this month, there was already plenty of concern. And amid this, the team confirmed the fears on Friday.

Reportedly, doctors have recommended Tommy John surgery for their All-Star closer. So, now if he goes under the knife, Rodriguez would likely be sidelined for 12 to 18 months. While some pitchers have come back in under a year, that’s not the typical path. And in all likelihood, the Giants won’t have him on the mound next season, with a realistic target being the start of the 2027 campaign!

A massive bullpen overhaul is upcoming for the Giants

Rodriguez’s long-time absence could not be dealt with a mere alternative; rather, the Giants need to design their bullpen from scratch, eyeing the next year.

For the unversed, at the trade deadline, the Giants shook up their bullpen by dealing away their leading late-inning arms, Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers. That opened the door for new faces, but now with Randy Rodriguez sidelined, San Francisco is staring at the possibility of entering 2026 without its three best relievers from this season!

So what’s next?

For now, Ryan Walker looks like the logical choice to close. Why?

He’s had some ups and downs in 2025, but he’s the only one in the bullpen with real closing experience. Still, the real intrigue is about a possible reunion: Tyler Rogers. After being dealt to the Mets for a one-year stint, he’s about to hit free agency. And since landing in New York, he’s been as steady as ever. He’s reportedly posting a 1.88 ERA across 14 appearances.

Hence, bringing Rogers back could give the Giants’ bullpen some much-needed stability heading into next season. And with Rodriguez now unlikely to pitch again until 2027, this feels like the kind of move the Giants need to make if they want to stay competitive in 2026.