The San Francisco Giants have reached an agreement with Matt Chapman, the former premium third baseman for the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.
In another significant move this offseason, the San Francisco Giants have reached a three-year agreement worth $54 million with free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman, who currently holds the seventh spot in the free-agent rankings. This information comes from a report by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Under the terms of the contract, Chapman is set to earn a $20 million salary for the 2024 season, with an opt-out option available at its conclusion. If he chooses to stay with the team, he will receive an $18 million salary in 2025, and if he forgoes a second opt-out, his salary for 2026 will be $16 million. Chapman’s addition follows the signings of outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who agreed to a six-year, $113 million deal in December, and designated hitter Jorge Soler, who inked a three-year, $42 million contract last month. These three acquisitions mark the team’s third major offensive bolstering for the upcoming season.
In another noteworthy move this offseason, the San Francisco Giants have clinched a three-year deal valued at $54 million with free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman, currently ranked seventh among free agents. This information is sourced from a report by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. According to the terms of the contract, Chapman is slated to receive a $20 million salary for the 2024 season, featuring an opt-out provision at its conclusion. Should he decide to continue with the team, his salary for 2025 will amount to $18 million. Additionally, if he opts against a second opt-out, his compensation for the 2026 season will be $16 million. Chapman’s inclusion in the team comes on the heels of the signings of outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who committed to a six-year, $113 million deal in December, and designated hitter Jorge Soler, who secured a three-year, $42 million contract last month. These three acquisitions collectively represent the Giants’ third substantial offensive enhancement for the upcoming season.
Chapman has maintained a consistent presence on the field throughout his career, participating in a minimum of 140 games in each of his five full MLB seasons (excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020). However, it’s important to note that, despite being slated to turn 31 in April, Chapman has undergone surgeries on his thumb, shoulder, and hip over the course of his career.
Selected in the first round of the 2014 draft by the A’s, Chapman possesses a significant level of familiarity with Giants manager Bob Melvin. Melvin, who served as Oakland’s skipper during Chapman’s initial five years in MLB, witnessed the third baseman’s rise as a mid-ballot MVP candidate. This period saw Chapman achieve consecutive 7-win seasons in 2018 and 2019. Notably, the 2019 season stands out as his most productive at the plate, concluding with impressive statistics—a .249/.342/.506 slash line, 36 doubles, and 36 home runs in 156 games, contributing to the success of a 97-win Athletics team.
Drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft by the A’s, Chapman shares a notable familiarity with Giants manager Bob Melvin. Melvin, who helmed the Oakland team during Chapman’s initial five years in MLB, observed the third baseman’s ascent as a mid-ballot MVP contender. This era witnessed Chapman’s back-to-back 7-win seasons in 2018 and 2019. Particularly noteworthy is the 2019 season, which stands as his most productive at the plate. The season concluded with impressive statistics—a .249/.342/.506 slash line, 36 doubles, and 36 home runs in 156 games, contributing significantly to the success of the 97-win Athletics team.
It’s noteworthy to highlight that Chapman’s power in recent seasons would have been advantageous at Oracle Park, a characteristic seldom associated with premium free agents. Despite recording 27 home runs in both 2021 and 2022 before a slight dip to 17 home runs in the most recent season, Statcast projections suggest that had he played all his games at the Giants’ home ballpark, he would have hit 36 home runs in 2021, 32 home runs in 2022, and 18 home runs in 2023.
Chapman’s defensive prowess is truly exceptional. Alongside his four Gold Gloves, he boasts two Platinum Gloves, an accolade presented to the top defender in each league. With Chapman solidifying third base, the Giants now have increased flexibility to consider options at the shortstop position. There’s notable uncertainty surrounding top prospect Marco Luciano, who is currently the leading candidate for the Opening Day starter.
However, Chapman should not be perceived merely as a complementary player. He consistently demonstrates a powerful hitting ability combined with exceptional awareness of the strike zone. If he manages to recapture even a fraction of his recent MVP-caliber performances, he has the potential to emerge as one of the most valuable steals of the offseason.
His inclusion lays the groundwork for additional potential trades during the offseason, especially in the realm of corner infield positions. With Matt Chapman now designated for third base and Jorge Soler occupying the designated hitter role, the San Francisco Giants appear well-positioned to trade from their surplus of corner bats. Players like Casey Schmitt, J.D. Davis, and David Villar are all most suited for third base. However, it’s worth noting that both Schmitt and Villar still have remaining minor league options.
