Matt Chapman -- General News

Matt Chapman is being given a rest day for Tuesday's game between the Giants and Dodgers. This comes after Chapman's poor performance in Monday's series opener, where he went hitless in four at-bats while striking out twice, though he did contribute one RBI. In Chapman's absence, the Giants will use Casey Schmitt at the third base position and Bryce Eldridge at first base. The move appears to be a routine rest day rather than injury-related, allowing the team to manage Chapman's workload during the season.

Matt Chapman, 30-year-old third baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays, is the most prominent third baseman on the 2023-24 free agent market. Chapman began 2023 impressively, posting a 1.152 OPS with 5 home runs and 21 RBIs through his first 27 games, placing him in early MVP consideration. However, his performance deteriorated significantly after April. Through 88 first-half games, Chapman accumulated 28 doubles, 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and an .807 OPS. His second-half numbers were substantially worse, with only 5 home runs, 15 RBIs, and a .663 OPS across 52 games. Chapman's final 2023 statistics were .240/.330/.424 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and a 108 OPS+. Despite offensive struggles late in the season, Chapman won his fourth Gold Glove award, indicating elite defensive performance. Quality of contact metrics remained strong—Chapman ranked in the 100th percentile in hard-hit percentage and 98th percentile in both barrel percentage and average exit velocity, suggesting his offensive decline was not due to poor contact quality. Multiple teams have expressed interest in Chapman as a free agent: the Blue Jays hope to re-sign him though Chapman previously rejected an extension offer; the Cubs view him as an upgrade over internal options; the Giants have familiarity with Chapman through their front office and managerial connections to his Oakland Athletics years; and the Mariners represent a potential suitor after trading away Eugenio Suárez.

The San Francisco Giants extended their winning streak to three games with a 7-6 victory over the Washington Nationals in 12 innings on Saturday. Matt Chapman provided the decisive blow with a go-ahead RBI single in the 12th inning to break a 6-6 tie. Heliot Ramos led the offensive effort, collecting three hits including a two-run homer in the sixth inning that tied the game after Washington had taken an early lead. The Giants demonstrated resilience throughout, including a critical defensive stand in the 10th inning when they escaped a bases-loaded situation with no outs without allowing a run. Casey Schmitt and Rafael Devers also contributed key hits. Caleb Kilian earned his first major league victory by closing out the game. The Giants will look to complete a series sweep against Washington with Robbie Ray on the mound in their next game.

Matt Chapman has been benched for the Giants' Monday game against the San Diego Padres. The decision comes after Chapman's recent poor offensive performance. Over his last four games, Chapman went hitless in 16 at-bats while recording two walks and seven strikeouts. Casey Schmitt will get the starting assignment at third base and will bat second in the lineup for the series opener against San Diego. Chapman will begin the game on the bench, giving him a break during this stretch of inconsistent play.