MLB Rumors: Dwindling Matt Chapman Interest a Concern for Scott Boras? Prolonged Free Agency Impacts Star’s Sweepstakes

Matt Chapman has spent the entire free agency hidden behind the glitz of other Scott Boras clients. While the slugger won the Gold Glove in 2023, everyone noticed the drastic decline in his offensive production. Once one of the most frightening sluggers, Chapman was just a shadow of his former self. The fact that it happened right at the corner of his free agency was a troubling sign. Now, to the surprise of no one, it is beginning to show its effect. 

Despite being one of the most productive hitters of the past few years, Chapman has seen dwindling interest till now. The few teams that were linked to him have signed someone else to play in his position. So with only the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants in his corner, the Scott Boras client’s troubles are not decreasing.

Why is the free agency of Matt Chapman heading nowhere?

Initially, the slugger was linked to the Toronto Blue Jays. Having spent his last season there, most experts believed that a reunion could be the best-case scenario for all the parties involved. It looked possible until the Blue Jays signed Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Justin Turner. With the Jays filling his defensive and offensive productions in one fell swoop, Jon Morosi shared that this effectively makes the Cubs and Giants the last remaining suitors for Chapman.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted how the Giants reducing about $9.25 million from their payroll could free them in their pursuit of Chapman. While he could be the first choice of the Bay Bombers, things with the Cubs are far more complicated. They’d rather sign Cody Bellinger, while Chapman remains their fall-back option. 

Is there anyone else out there? As of now, the signs only point to these two franchises. Why is this happening with Chapman? To answer that one needs to look back into 2023, Chapman slashed .240/.330/.424/.755, apart from his hitting average everything else was a far cry from his best form. The slugger hit 17 home runs, much lower than the 27 he hit in 2021 and 2022. 

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With persistent doubts over Chapman’s long-term prospects, there’s a big battle here for Scott Boras.

A lost battle or just the start of a masterclass?

Despite it looking like a tough road, Boras is all too familiar with such a situation. The super agent has made a name for himself making the impossible look possible. Also, here’s the thing, despite a slow decline – Chapman remains one of the finest position players in the league. 

The Giants, in particular, would instantly see their infield improve with the addition of Chapman, especially as they lack a strong third baseman. Unlike the Cubs, the Bay Bombers finished with a mediocre 78 wins last season, so they have a reason to invest big. The only worry – do they go for Chapman or do they bolster their pitching with Blake Snell? That’s a tough time.

Read more: MLB Rumors: Matt Chapman’s “Perfect Team” Emerges? Free Agency Buzz Continues Amidst Prolonged Off-Season