Kurtenbach: The SF Giants stumbled into an identity. Will they embrace it?

The San Francisco Giants are more clearly a rebuilding club than a “shortcut” to October, even though they have about a half-billion dollars tied up in veteran star power, the columnist argues. After the team’s roster had to absorb injuries—Willy Adames played his last game on Aug. 23—the Giants improved to 12-11 and have shown flashes of an identity over a 23-game stretch. New manager Tony Vitello is portrayed as settling into his role, especially after a young group emerged. The piece spotlights Jonah Cox, promoted from Double-A, who became an everyday lineup piece in mid-August and, over his last 29 games, is hitting .303 with 10 stolen bases, a .354 on-base percentage and .438 slugging, while bringing speed and pressure to the top of the order for 2027 planning.