The San Francisco Giants entered the 2026 season with expectations of competing in the National League, thanks to a roster loaded with established stars and proven talent. Instead, the club has struggled to find consistency, turning what was expected to be a promising campaign into one of the biggest disappointments in baseball.
With a 31-43 record, the Giants currently own the second-worst mark in the National League and the sixth-worst record across Major League Baseball. Their disappointing performance has increasingly fueled speculation that the organization could become a seller ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, potentially moving several veteran players with significant contracts. Among the most notable names drawing attention is veteran third baseman Matt Chapman.
Despite the team’s struggles, Chapman has continued to provide value on both sides of the ball. After signing a six-year, $151 million extension in 2024, the five-time Gold Glove winner remains one of the league’s premier defensive third basemen, having accumulated 78 career defensive runs saved. Offensively, Chapman has shown flashes of his production this season, hitting .252 with a .737 OPS, 17 doubles, seven home runs, and 41 RBIs through 73 games.
“The Giants are in full-on sell mode, prepared to take offers on their high-priced players, including Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers. Chapman, who is owed $100 million over the next four years, is the most likely of the trio to be moved, as he remains an above-average glove at third base while also producing offensively (7 HR, 41 RBIs, .737 OPS in 73 games),” wrote MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Several contenders have reportedly emerged as potential suitors for Chapman, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees. For New York, Chapman could represent a significant upgrade at third base over Ryan McMahon, who has struggled offensively this season with a .211 batting average and .639 OPS.
Philadelphia may have appeared to be a logical landing spot earlier in the year when Alec Bohm endured a rough start. The former All-Star hit just .157 with a .395 OPS and failed to homer in 89 at-bats during April. However, Bohm has since found his rhythm, batting .305 with an .831 OPS and three home runs in 59 at-bats during June, potentially reducing the Phillies’ urgency to pursue another third baseman.
The Cardinals could also be less inclined to make a move for Chapman due to the emergence of rookie third baseman Blaze Jordan. Although his sample size remains small, the organization’s 25th-ranked prospect has impressed in his first seven games, collecting eight hits, including a double, a triple, and a home run while driving in five runs. His early success may encourage St. Louis to continue evaluating its young talent rather than pursuing a costly veteran addition at the trade deadline.