Should the Giants sign Matt Chapman: A comprehensive analysis

Why signing Matt Chapman does, does not make sense for Giants originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants are on the hunt for roster upgrades this off-season, especially at third base.

While the team has internal options, they have shown interest in free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman, who has been linked to the Giants early on, meeting with the team this winter.

Chapman, a top player in a competitive free-agent market, could potentially benefit the Giants, yet the fit may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Reasons for signing Chapman

The connection to the Giants began when the team introduced new manager Bob Melvin, who had previously managed Chapman during his time with the Oakland Athletics. Melvin had high praise for Chapman during a recent interview.

Chapman, a former All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, brings a high level of defensive skill and offensive power, which could significantly upgrade the Giants’ roster. His abilities are evident in the statistics from the 2023 season, demonstrating his potential value to the team.

Depending on the outcome of the rest of the off-season, bringing Chapman on board could offer a solid long-term solution at third base for the Giants.

Reasons against signing Chapman

Chapman’s career batting average and tendency for strikeouts pose challenges for a Giants team that struggled in those areas last season. Furthermore, the potential financial investment in Chapman raises questions about the cost-benefit analysis compared to the team’s current options.

Ultimately, the Giants need to weigh the potential impact of signing Chapman against their existing in-house options before making a significant decision.

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