Oliva's Speed Fuels Giants' Return to Big Leagues

For the first time since 2021, Jared Oliva has secured a spot on the Giants' Opening Day roster. Oliva, a non-roster invitee, showcased his talent by hitting .375 with a .994 OPS and 14 stolen bases across 20 Cactus League games. His inclusion led to outfielder Luis Matos being designated for assignment. President of baseball operations Buster Posey acknowledged the difficulty of the Matos decision, citing Oliva's valuable speed and defensive capabilities.

This roster move also saw pitcher Caleb Kilian and Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Susac make the Opening Day roster. Kilian, a former eighth-round pick, returns to the Giants after a stint with the Cubs, having impressed with a 0.96 ERA in spring training. Susac, whose older brother also played for the Giants, will serve as the backup catcher, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Oliva's speed is expected to be a significant asset for the Giants, who ranked 29th in stolen bases in 2025. He demonstrated his prowess on the basepaths last season with Triple-A Nashville, going 57-for-63 in stolen base attempts. Both Oliva and teammate Heliot Ramos emphasized the importance of baserunning strategy, regardless of pure speed.

Susac, who hails from nearby Roseville, California, anticipates a strong showing from his family and friends in attendance, including his brother. He shared his brother's advice to savor the moment and take it one day at a time. These roster decisions finalize the Giants' lineup for the upcoming season.