Matt Chapman Signs Major Extension with San Francisco Giants
In a significant move that underscores a successful season, third baseman Matt Chapman has finalized a six-year contract extension worth $151 million with the San Francisco Giants. This deal, which extends from the 2025 season until 2030, comes as Chapman prepares to enter his late 30s, at age 37.
A Risk That Paid Off
Chapman’s journey to this lucrative contract extension began with a gamble on his own capabilities. After spending five seasons with the Oakland Athletics and two with the Toronto Blue Jays, he faced a challenging free agency period prior to the 2024 season. Ultimately, he signed a one-year deal with the Giants, valued at $18 million, which included player opt-outs for the following two seasons, setting the stage for a more permanent arrangement depending on his performance.
Impressive Performance This Season
Throughout the current season, Chapman has displayed remarkable skill, sporting a batting line of .247/.333/.445. He leads the Giants in several key categories, including:
- Home Runs: 22
- Doubles: 33
- Extra-Base Hits: 56
- Hits: 126
- Runs Scored: 90
- RBI: 69
Chapman has demonstrated his defensive prowess as well, maintaining his position at third base with Gold Glove caliber defense, having earned this honor four times over his career. With 135 games played out of 140 this season, his reliability has been a cornerstone for the Giants.
Strategic Timing for Contract Talks
As the season approached its conclusion, the Giants were keen to secure an extension with Chapman before he could potentially opt out of his current contract. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the franchise was eager to finalize negotiations to mitigate the risk of losing one of their leading players. With Chapman’s representation by prominent agent Scott Boras, the urgency of concluding the deal was palpable.
Looking Ahead
The extension of Chapman’s contract provides a bright spot amid a challenging season for the Giants, who currently hold a record of 68-72 and find themselves 8.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the third National League wild-card spot. While a playoff appearance appears unlikely this year, securing Chapman through 2030 alleviates some concerns for the franchise as it shifts focus to preparations for 2025.
