Report: Giants & Cubs in mix for Matt Chapman

Pitchers and catchers will report for Spring Training in less than two weeks, but some big names remain on the MLB free-agent market.

One name that has been heavily linked to the San Francisco Giants this offseason has been third baseman Matt Chapman, who appears to be closing in on choosing his new home.

Shortly following this week’s news that infielder Justin Turner will be signing with Chapman’s most recent team, the Toronto Blue Jays, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi shared that two teams remain in the mix for the 30-year-old:

The Giants and Chicago Cubs.

Matt Chapman’s market clarifies further with Justin Turner going to the Blue Jays.

The Cubs and Giants are among Chapman’s possible landing spots. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 30, 2024

Chapman started his career in the Bay Area under new Giants manager Bob Melvin when both were employed by the Oakland Athletics during the 2017-2021 seasons.

San Francisco could use some help in the infield, primarily at third base–a position that the Giants ranked 27th regarding defensive runs saved in 2023 (-11 runs).

More on free agent 3B Matt Chapman

This isn’t the first time Chapman has been linked to San Francisco.

According to The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly, Chapman was seen chatting with Melvin during the GM meetings in Arizona during the opening week of free agency back in November.

Free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman attended the GM Meetings today. He spent several minutes chatting with Giants manager Bob Melvin. 👀

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) November 8, 2023

Chapman, who met with at least one team during the meetings, spent five years playing under Melvin in Oakland before the A’s traded the two-time Platinum Glove Award winner to Toronto before the 2022 season.

Even after signing Jung Hoo-Lee and acquiring Robbie Ray via trade, San Francisco has deep pockets and remains heavily involved in the free-agent market. For the Giants, adding a slick-fielding third baseman with pop like Chapman certainly makes sense on paper.

Chapman, who just won his fourth Gold Glove Award after another impressive season at the hot corner, has hit 24+ home runs in four of his seven MLB seasons.

A low batting average (.240 career average) and a high strikeout rate (28.4% in 2023) could cause teams to balk at committing to Chapman long-term, but there is no better fielding third baseman currently in baseball today.

According to MLB Trade Rumors’ contract predictions for this free agent class, Chapman, 30, is in line to receive a new deal in the neighborhood of $150 million over six years.

SF Giants Schedule

Spring Training

• February 13-15th – Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training workouts
• February TBD – Full squad workouts
• Saturday, February 24th – Spring Training opener vs. Chicago Cubs

Regular Season

• Thursday, March 28th-Sunday, March 31st – @ San Diego Padres
• Monday, April 1st-Wednesday, April 3rd – @ Los Angeles Dodgers
• Friday, April 5th-Sunday, April 7th – vs. San Diego Padres

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