As the New York Yankees strive to reclaim the top spot in the American League East from the Baltimore Orioles, their general manager, Brian Cashman, is actively seeking roster improvements ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.
One potential upgrade under consideration is San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman.
Chapman, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants in the last offseason, was highlighted by The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner as a viable target for the Yankees.
Kirschner pointed out that Chapman’s potential free agency after this season could make him a more accessible and cost-effective option compared to other third basemen, such as Isaac Paredes.
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Chapman has posted a batting line of .234/.320/.409 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 65 runs scored over 412 plate appearances for the Giants this season. Despite these modest offensive stats, Chapman’s performance is markedly better than DJ LeMahieu’s 2024 numbers.
LeMahieu, hindered by an early-season injury, has struggled with a .177/.270/.202 line, no home runs, and only 11 RBIs in 142 plate appearances. Therefore, even if Chapman’s offensive output remains consistent upon joining the Yankees, it would still represent a significant upgrade.
Defensively, Chapman boasts an impressive resume with four Gold Gloves and two Platinum Glove Awards, which recognize the best defensive player in each league. Although Statcast’s Outs Above Average (OAA) metric currently rates LeMahieu higher this season, Chapman’s historical performance at third base suggests he would enhance the Yankees’ defense.
Another advantage of acquiring Chapman is his durability. Since 2018, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Chapman has played in at least 145 games each year, and he is on track to maintain this streak in 2024.
The Giants, however, face a decision as the trade deadline approaches. Despite a series of significant off-season acquisitions, they find themselves with a 47-52 record, just 3.5 games behind the final National League Wild Card spot. This precarious position leaves their strategy uncertain, with the potential to either buy or sell depending on their performance in the coming days.
Kirschner noted that the Giants’ main executive, Farhan Zaidi, is under considerable pressure, and the team’s position in the standings could influence their decisions. Should the Giants decide to sell, Chapman is expected to attract considerable interest due to his track record and the likelihood that he will opt out of his contract in November.
