Giants' Ron Wotus, longest-tenured coach in club history, stepping down after 2021 season

Wotus is in talks to remain with the team in a front-office capacity

Ron Wotus, the longest-tenured coach in San Francisco Giants history, is stepping away from full-time coaching after the season, the team announced Tuesday. The Giants and the 60-year-old Wotus are discussing a front-office role to keep him in the organization beyond 2021.

Wotus cited wanting to spend more time with his family as the reason for stepping away from full-time coaching. He released the following statement Tuesday:

"It's been the privilege of my life to work 34 years for the greatest organization in baseball," said Wotus. "I never imagined I'd have the career I've had - coaching in four World Series, coaching homegrown players like Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and so many others, and watching them develop into the best players they can be. They are why you coach".

"It's time for a bit more balance in my life. My wife, Laurie, and my family have been there for me through all the ups and downs, all the travel and long hours, and now I want to be there for them. I am so grateful to so many people: my general managers - Bobby Evans, Farhan Zaidi, Scott Harris and a special thank you to Brian Sabean, who gave me my start as a major league coach with the Giants; my managers - Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou, Bruce Bochy and Gabe Kapler; all my fellow coaches; Giants ownership and Larry Baer; and, of course, the hundreds of players who have come through that clubhouse door over the years. I've learned from all of them. Lastly, a huge thank you to the incredible Giants fans who energized me every game."  

Prior to his coaching career, Wotus was a long time minor-league infielder who received cups of coffee with the 1983-84 Pirates. He played in Triple-A with the Giants from 1988-89, then jumped into coaching and managed in San Francisco's farm system from 1991-97.

Wotus became the Giants major-league third-base coach under Dusty Baker in 1998, then served as bench coach under Baker, Felipe Alou, and Bruce Bochy from 1999-2017. He has served as their third-base coach since 2018. Wotus interviewed for managerial jobs with the Dodgers, Nationals, Rays, and other teams over the years.

During his time on the coaching staff, Wotus helped the Giants win the National League pennant in 2002 and three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. He and Hall of Famer John McGraw are the only coaches in Giants history to oversee 2,000 wins.

At 84-47, the surprising Giants have the best record in baseball. They have been in sole possession of first place in the NL West since May 31.