San Francisco, California – In a significant move for the San Francisco Giants, four-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman is set to return to the Bay Area. Chapman has reportedly reached a three-year, $54 million deal with the Giants, with the option to opt out after each of the next two seasons.
The 31-year-old third baseman’s reunion with Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and manager Bob Melvin brings back memories of his early days with the Oakland Athletics. Chapman, a first-round pick by the A’s in 2014, quickly established himself as one of the best all-around players in the sport.
Despite a setback due to a labrum tear in his right hip during the 2020 season, Chapman’s defensive prowess at third base remained remarkable. However, his offensive production saw a decline after the injury, with a career-low batting average of .210 in 2021. Despite a slight improvement during his stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chapman struggled to regain his peak form from 2018-19.
Chapman’s ability to make hard contact remains noteworthy, with his exit velocity and batted ball metrics ranking among the best in the league. Furthermore, his defensive skills at third base continue to be above-average, providing the Giants with a significant upgrade on the left side of the infield.
The Giants, who had been targeting Chapman throughout the offseason, are willing to pay the price of forfeiting a draft pick and international signing bonus space to secure his services. The short-term deal allows Chapman to potentially reenter free agency next offseason in pursuit of a more lucrative contract.
With their payroll approaching $183 million for the 2024 season, the Giants are making a decisive “win-now” move by adding Chapman to their roster. The team’s offseason overhaul also includes acquisitions such as Jung Hoo Lee, Jorge Soler, and Jordan Hicks, positioning the Giants as contenders in the upcoming season.
As Chapman embarks on this new chapter with the Giants, his impact on both offense and defense will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The Giants’ willingness to invest in Chapman reflects their commitment to fielding a competitive team and potentially making a run at postseason success in the upcoming season.