Ever since debuting with the Athletics back in June of 2017, San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman has dropped jaws across the league with his magnificent defensive play, preceded by his unique defensive position that mirrors that of a basketball stance, earning him five Gold Glove Awards in the process.
His offensive production isn't nearly as much as what he's known for, but he has still been known to carry a red-hot bat, hitting a career-high 36 home runs in 2019, however, in 2025, injuries, specifically strained ligaments in his right hand hindered his work both at the corner and in the box, playing a career-low 128 games in the season.
After these injuries heal, though, Chapman is already making a game plan for what to work on when he's back to 100 percent.
Chapman Hopes To Fine Tune Late At-Bat Approach
“I want to refine my two-strike approach, drive the balls I’m supposed to drive,” Chapman told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I want to be more efficient with my swing. I want to get back to doing what I do well. I was starting to get really, really hot, I’d just put together two weeks of baseball where I said, ‘OK, here I go, going to get hot for the second half,’ and then all of a sudden, boom, I missed five weeks with the torn ligaments in my hand."
Chapman's absence, particularly the one from early June to early July, had a notable effect on the Giants, who went 11-14 in his absence.
The Giants would eventually finish the 2025 season 81-81, right at .500, with Chapman leading the team in WAR and OBP, and finishing second behind Willy Adames in home runs and walks.
Despite his struggles, Chapman was able to end 2025 on a high note, securing his 200th career home run on August 28, as well as his 1,000th career hit one month later in September.
Not a bad start to year one of a six-year, $151 million extension.