MLB Updates: Giants Hold Talks With Matt Chapman, Chase Defensive Star Amidst Dwindling Free Agency Market

There’s an exhilarating urgency in how the San Francisco Giants are functioning now. GM Farhan Zaidi has overseen a less-than-successful tenure till now. While the on-field product has meandered, off-field, the Bay Bombers have failed to make that one killer star signing. With the fans beginning to ask questions, Zaidi has a big task in his hands. That task has brought him to Matt Chapman, a man he has a history with. 

While the Bay Bombers are linked with other Scott Boras clients as well, their connection with Chapman remains the most firm. Past experiences plus clear suitability in their playing style could make this a good partnership. But there are more reasons why signing Chapman is increasingly becoming a must for the Giants.

Will the discussions turn into something concrete for Matt Chapman?

It’s February, and spring training is just a week away. So increased activity in the rapidly dwindling free agent market is bound to happen. In this scramble, the Giants remain the major players. Now famous insider Jon Heyman has shared in his Hot Stove Notebook that “The Giants have been in talks with Matt Chapman.”

It’s not a surprising development, as the Giants and Chapman have been linked since the beginning of this offseason. While the Bay Bombers like the defensive strengths of Chapman, it’s their front office’s history with the slugger that is coming into play here.

GM Farhan Zaidi and skipper Bob Melvin worked in the Oakland A’s during the time Chapman was starting his career there. During his stay in the A’s, Chapman had an All-Star season in 2019. So there is a clear good memory there, especially between Melvin and Chapman. Also, in a pitcher-friendly Oracle Park, adding a great defensive player like Chapman makes a lot of sense.

The only worry is the reduced offensive output of Chapman; one wonders if it’ll be reduced more by playing in Oracle Park. But sometimes a change of scenery proves to be beneficial. Also, this deal could help the Giants gain some equity in their division.

Are the Giants in danger of lagging?

In the past 10 years, the Giants have won the NL West division only once. The Dodgers‘ stranglehold on this division has gradually eroded the competition. Simultaneously, the Padres have strengthened, leading to the Bay Bombers missing four of the last five postseasons. For a team as big as the Giants, this is an absurd record. Perhaps that’s why it has become important for them to sign a big star like Matt Chapman.

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

The addition of Chapman would signal a win-now mentality for the Bay Bombers. A team that has missed the playoffs consistently needs big changes. The addition of Chapman could just be the beginning of that transformation.

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