Scott Boras hints at Matt Chapman contract talks with Giants

Aug 26, 2024, 8:44 AM

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 04: Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco gestures to the Giants dugout a...

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

After waiting to sign a contract until Spring Training this past offseason, Matt Chapman is in line for an earlier payday this winter.

According to a report published last week by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the veteran third baseman is expected to opt out of the final three years of his contract with the San Francisco Giants and enter free agency following this season.

The Southern California native will look to cash in on his strong 2024 campaign this offseason, with Nightengale reporting that Chapman plans to exercise his opt-out clause and seek to build on the three years and $55 million remaining on his current deal,

While Chapman will all but certainly hit the free-agent market this winter, the third baseman’s representation–super-agent Scott Boras–shared with The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser that he and the Giants have been in contact on a potential new deal for the two-time Platinum Glove Award winner.

San Francisco president of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi also relayed that talks between the team and Boras have taken place.

“We’ve had conversations. We’ve had active dialogue,” Zaidi told Slusser. “We let them know that Matt plays well in San Francisco, plays well in the Bay Area. It’s a good environment for him,” Boras also told Slusser. “Certainly, we are interested in listening to what they have to say.”

Will the Giants give Matt Chapman a nine-figure contract before he opts out? Scott Boras, Farhan Zaidi tell the Chronicle there have been conversations. What it might take, plus: Elías Díaz now off the table for Giants: https://t.co/JAJ6LDnsOB via @sfchronicle

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 23, 2024

More on Giants 3B Matt Chapman

For Chapman, the decision to opt out is an easy one.

Chapman has been the San Francisco Giants’ best player this season, posting a team-leading 5.4 Wins Above Replacement amid a strong year on both sides of the diamond.

Not only is the four-time Gold Glove Award winner a client of Bora, who often represents the best talent on the market, but this could be the final opportunity for the 31-year-old to cash in on a lucrative, long-term free-agent deal.

Over 129 games, Chapman has hit 20 home runs (leads team), 63 RBI (leads team), and a .242 batting average while ranking among league leaders in defensive runs saved at third base.

While Chapman will enter free agency this winter, the one-time All-Star is interested in remaining in a Giants uniform for the long haul.

“The Giants, I love being here, and they know that I want to be here,” Chapman said last week in an interview with The Mercury News’ Evan Webeck. They know that I’m open to that. I’m kind of just waiting on them.”

For San Francisco, retaining a talent like Chapman should rank among their to-do list this offseason, and what better way to persuade an impending free agent to stay than make a playoff run?