What Is 2017 San Francisco Giants season

Overview

The 2017 season marked a significant downturn for the San Francisco Giants, ending a streak of consistent postseason appearances. After reaching the playoffs in three of the previous five seasons, the team struggled with injuries, underperformance, and a lack of offensive production.

The Giants entered the year aiming to rebound from a 2016 Wild Card loss but instead posted their worst record in over two decades. Several veteran players underperformed, and the starting rotation, once a strength, faltered without consistent support.

• 64–98 record: The team won only 64 games, the fewest since 1996, and had a .395 winning percentage, the worst in the National League.
• Last in NL West: They finished 25 games behind the division-winning Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the first time they ended last in the division since 2011.
• Playoff drought begins: The Giants missed the postseason for the first time since 2011, ending a run that included World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
• Injury-plagued rotation: Ace pitcher Madison Bumgarner started only 24 games after missing time due to a dirt bike accident in spring training.
• Offensive struggles: The team ranked 27th in MLB in runs scored with 640, and Buster Posey saw a career-low batting average of .221.

Performance Breakdown

The Giants' on-field performance revealed systemic issues across pitching, hitting, and field management. Despite a strong bullpen in prior years, 2017 saw inconsistent relief outings and a lack of mid-season adjustments.

• Starting rotation ERA: The starters posted a collective 4.67 ERA, among the worst in the league, with Johnny Cueto limited to just 11 starts due to injury.
• Bullpen inconsistency: While Mark Melancon returned from injury, he struggled with a 4.50 ERA and only 20 saves in 24 opportunities.
• Defensive lapses: The team committed 100 errors, tied for the third-most in the National League, hurting their already shaky pitching staff.
• Home vs. road splits: They went 35–46 at AT&T Park and 29–52 on the road, indicating poor performance regardless of venue.
• Trade deadline moves: At the July 31 deadline, the Giants traded veterans Jaime García and Josh Osich, signaling a shift toward rebuilding.
• Minor league call-ups: Several prospects debuted, including Christian Arroyo and Andrew Suarez, but failed to provide sustained impact.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Giants season compares to recent campaigns in key statistical categories:

The 2017 season stands out as a sharp decline from the competitive teams of 2014–2016. While the 2013 and 2015 squads missed the playoffs, they remained within contention for longer, and neither fell as far below .500 as the 2017 team. The drop-off in win total—from 87 in 2016 to 64 in 2017—was the largest year-over-year decline in franchise history since the 1980s.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season served as a turning point for the Giants' organizational strategy, highlighting the risks of relying on aging stars and inadequate farm development. It prompted a front-office reevaluation and set the stage for a multi-year rebuild.

• End of an era: The poor performance signaled the conclusion of the Giants' championship core that won three titles in five years from 2010 to 2014.
• Front-office changes: General Manager Brian Sabean stepped down after the 2018 season, partly due to criticism stemming from the 2017 collapse.
• Rebuilding focus: The team began prioritizing prospects and draft picks, culminating in a stronger farm system by the early 2020s.
• Financial implications: Attendance dropped 7% from 2016, reflecting fan disillusionment with the team's direction.
• Coaching evaluation: Manager Bruce Bochy faced increased scrutiny, though he remained through the 2019 season before retiring.
• Historical context: The 2017 record was the worst for the franchise in San Francisco since 1985, underscoring the magnitude of the downturn.

Ultimately, the 2017 season was a wake-up call for the Giants organization, exposing structural weaknesses and prompting a shift toward long-term sustainability over short-term competitiveness.