On today's Locked On Giants podcast, host Ben Kaspick breaks down the news that Buster Posey has decided to retire after 12 major league seasons. He leaves the game as one of the best catchers of all time, and he should be in line for induction into Cooperstown one day. Posey changed the Giants from the minute he burst onto the scene in 2010, a year in which he ultimately won Rookie of the Year and led the Giants to their first ever championship in San Francisco. Two years later, he was the MVP and he won another ring. Two years after that, another ring. All the while, Posey just kept on being one of the best players in baseball. Since his debut in 2009, only Mike Trout has amassed more FanGraphs wins above replacement. Hall of Fame guru Jay Jaffe considers Posey a lock for induction one day.

Ben relives some of the best moments of Posey's career, from the rings to Matt Cain's perfect game to the grand slam off Matt Latos in 2012 NLDS Game 5. Posey won multiple Silver Sluggers, was selected to seven All-Star teams (and was snubbed a few more times), won a Gold Glove, and was Comeback Player of the Year twice. It will be hard to find a more decorated career in baseball history.

Finally, Ben attempts to turn the page to what comes next for San Francisco. They've been so fortunate to be able to write Posey's name into the lineup most days for 12 years, but that's no longer an option. The team has one more year of control over Curt Casali, who can be retained for roughly $2M if the club so desires. The free agent market for catchers is bleak. There are some possible trade candidates, and of course Joey Bart is waiting in the wings. Ben is still not convinced that Bart is ready following his difficult-to-watch debut season in 2020. Bart's struggles, despite being considered one baseball's best prospects, is a perfect illustration of how truly special Posey was. He couldn't have been much better, and the franchise couldn't have been more fortunate to have him wear the orange and black for his entire career, from start to finish.

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