MLB News: Matt Chapman Signs $54 Million Deal with Giants

In a significant move within Major League Baseball, former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman has officially signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. This deal has placed Chapman among the top-earners of the league, with an annual salary that will see a gradual decrease from $20 million in 2024 to $16 million by the end of the agreement in 2026. The structure of Chapman's deal closely mirrors that of Cody Bellinger, another high-profile player who secured a three-year contract worth $80 million.

Boras Behind The Deals

Both contracts have one common denominator: super-agent Scott Boras. Boras, known for securing lucrative deals for his clients, has navigated the negotiations for Bellinger and Chapman with expertise. Chapman's decision to sign with the Giants came after he turned down a one-year offer from the Blue Jays worth $20,325,000 on November 14th, indicating his preference for a longer-term commitment despite the annual salary being slightly less.

Compensation and Draft Picks

Chapman’s departure from Toronto and signing with the Giants is not without its consequences for both teams involved. San Francisco will forfeit their second-round pick and $500,000 from their international signing bonus pool as compensation for acquiring a top free agent. Conversely, the Blue Jays are set to receive an additional draft pick following the fourth round, a small solace for losing one of their key players.

A Look at Chapman’s Career Performance

On the field, Chapman's performance has seen fluctuations. In one remarkable month, he boasted a .384 batting average with 21 runs, highlighting his potential impact on the Giants’ lineup. However, a decline in the second half of the preceding season raised concerns, as he finished with 17 home runs and 54 RBI in 140 games. Despite this, Chapman’s prowess was undeniable, earning him the title of American League's Player of the Month in April.

Before his tenure with the Blue Jays, which started in March 2022 following a trade from the Oakland Athletics, Chapman was coached by Bob Melvin and delivered an impressive performance in 2019 with 36 home runs and 91 RBI, culminating in his first all-star team selection. Yet, a dip in his OPS to .716 with 202 strikeouts in 2021 made the Athletics consider a trade, which eventually happened, sending Chapman to Toronto for four players. Throughout his career, Chapman has maintained a .240 average with 155 home runs and a .790 OPS.

Chapman’s Impact and The Giants’ Strategy

Chapman's ability against left-handed pitchers last year, boasting a .307 batting average and .890 OPS, showcases his value to the Giants, who have been active in the free agent market. The team has also secured signings such as Jorge Soler, Jordan Hicks, and Tom Murphy, demonstrating a commitment to bolstering their roster for a competitive edge.

On the other side of the equation, J.D. Davis, potentially Chapman's replacement on the Blue Jays, has shown capability in multiple positions including third base, first base, and left field, although his performance against left-handed pitchers fell short of Chapman's, with a .247 batting average and .728 OPS last year.

The transition from Oakland to Toronto and now to San Francisco marks another chapter in Matt Chapman's career. His previous two-year, $25 million deal with Toronto reflected the high expectations placed upon him, which he will now carry into his tenure with the Giants. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Chapman to see if he can recapture his former glory and help push the Giants towards success.

Chapman’s signing not only reflects his personal aspirations for a secure and lucrative future in baseball but also highlights the strategies teams are willing to deploy to secure top talent, with the Giants making a clear statement of intent through their recent acquisitions. With Chapman on board, San Francisco is poised for an exciting season, hoping their new star third baseman can deliver the performances that made him one of the most sought-after players in Major League Baseball.