3 reasons the SF Giants should add third baseman Matt Chapman

3 reasons the SF Giants should add third baseman Matt Chapman

2. Consistency and Durability

The best ability is availability. Matt Chapman has played in at least 140 games in every full season except his rookie year. During that same time, he hit at least 15 HR, had an OPS+ of at least 100 (100 is avg), and finished with a bWAR of at least 3.5.

Not to mention, Chapman finished both 2018 and 2019 in the top ten of the MVP voting. At 30 years of age, it is tough to rely on him to return to the version we witnessed in Oakland but he is a model of consistency which has been a sparse trait among SF Giants in recent years.

Fangraphs projects Chapman to receive 4 years, $80 million in free agency this off-season. That is $20 million AAV which would make Matt Chapman tied for the 7th highest at 3B with Alex Bregman. That would be an extremely favorable deal for a player who has provided elite consistency and durability over his MLB tenure. That said, it is likely that he will receive a deal well in excess of that projection.

3. Familiarity

Many will discount this aspect but it has a positive effect in many ways. Bob Melvin managed Matt Chapman in Oakland and we know their relationship has been extremely positive.

Bringing someone like Chapman in to bridge the gap between the manager and the current SF Giants would be vital for clubhouse chemistry and would go a long way in getting the manager's message across.

Furthermore, Chapman's familiarity with the Bay Area after having spent five seasons in Oakland means it will take far less time for him to adjust to the area and his surroundings which implies he would be less likely to struggle in that first season which can happen as new arrivals adjust. Finally, the fan recognition of Chapman would be a massive boost as well.

One of the biggest criticisms of this current front office is the lack of a star to root for, buy their jersey, etc. Chapman would be the closest thing to a star that the Giants have had since Buster Posey. The seven-year veteran may not officially be a star, but he has been an excellent contributor throughout his career.