The latest high-profile free-agent position player has found a new home. Third baseman Matt Chapman has inked a lucrative three-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, as reported.
Chapman, renowned for his defensive prowess, clinched his fourth Gold Glove award last season while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Alongside his defensive accolades, he posted a batting line of .240/.330/.424, with an OPS+ of 108, signifying his offensive performance was 8% above the league average.
He contributed significantly on both fronts, accumulating a WAR of 4.4 (according to Baseball-Reference) and has tallied an impressive career WAR of 31.2 since his debut in 2017.
Despite his overall impressive output, Chapman faced challenges following a strong start. While boasting a remarkable .384/.465/.687 line by the end of April, his performance dipped, registering a slash line of just .205/.298/.361 with 139 strikeouts in 467 plate appearances for the remainder of the season.
His decline in performance towards the end of the season likely impacted the market for the soon-to-be 31-year-old. Initially, MLB Trade Rumors projected Chapman to secure a six-year, $150 million contract.
However, he settled for a shorter three-year deal worth $54 million, representing just 35% of the initially projected total guaranteed money. Despite this, Chapman has the flexibility to re-enter free agency sooner as he holds the option to opt-out after each year of his contract.
Among the four prominent Scott Boras clients who lingered in free agency after the onset of spring training, Chapman becomes the second to secure a team, following Cody Bellinger’s reunion with the Chicago Cubs. Like Bellinger’s deal, Chapman’s contract spans three years with two opt-out clauses.
Meanwhile, pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell continue their search for a landing spot, possibly adopting a similar contractual structure upon signing.
For the San Francisco Giants, acquiring Chapman marks a significant enhancement to both their batting lineup and defensive roster. Positioned as a regular fixture in the heart of the order, his right-handed hitting prowess brings balance to a predominantly left-handed lineup.
Chapman represents the Giants’ fourth—and likely final—position player acquisition under a major-league contract this winter, alongside center fielder Jung Hoo Lee, catcher Tom Murphy, and designated hitter Jorge Soler.
Before securing Chapman, the team’s strategy involved J.D. Davis as their primary third baseman once more, with Wilmer Flores occasionally filling in.
Davis showcased a relatively average performance at the plate, but his defensive capabilities fell short of standout. Conversely, Flores boasted an impressive batting line of .284/.355/.509, primarily playing at first base.
With Chapman’s arrival, both Davis and Flores will now compete for playing time at first base alongside LaMonte Wade, who impressed with a .373 on-base percentage.
In his final year before hitting free agency, J.D. Davis is set to earn $6.9 million this season. With the addition of Chapman, the San Francisco Giants’ payroll climbs to $186.6 million, while reaching $227.8 million for competitive balance tax purposes, leaving them $9.2 million below the tax threshold.
Despite financial flexibility, the roster’s imbalance may prompt trade considerations, especially with Davis and Flores being starting-caliber players without starting roles.
In terms of pitching, beyond Logan Webb, uncertainties loom in the starting rotation. The signing of Jordan Hicks aims to transition him from reliever to starter, while the team banks on prospect Kyle Harrison.
Limited proven pitching depth sees Keaton Winn and Sean Hjelle likely starting, awaiting returns from injuries for Robbie Ray, Alex Cobb, and Triston Beck.
Addressing shortstop remains a possibility through trade, as the team plans to entrust the position to 22-year-old prospect Marco Luciano.
Despite his immense power potential, Luciano’s readiness for MLB and defensive capabilities are questioned, hinting at potential moves to shore up this position.
With Chapman solidifying the third base position for the Giants in 2024, Luciano’s shift to third base is improbable. Chapman’s addition provides a significant boost to the Giants’ playoff aspirations and may open avenues for trades to address other roster needs.
