A looming surgery ends Matt Chapman’s season, forcing the San Francisco Giants to weigh declining offensive production against a massive contract.
Matt Chapman is likely finished for the remainder of the San Francisco Giants’ season, with only one final meeting with a specialist standing between the veteran third baseman and surgery.
According to Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports Bay Area, that meeting was expected to take place yesterday in Philadelphia.
Barring an unexpected development from the specialist, Chapman will undergo surgery on Tuesday, as reported by Susan Slusser from the San Francisco Chronicle, ending his 2026 season.
Initially diagnosed with an abdominal strain, Chapman is now dealing with a core muscle tear and a hernia.
Will Chapman return next year?
There is currently no reason to believe the injuries will prevent him from returning in 2027.
However, his expected season-ending surgery creates another question for the Giants: what can they realistically expect from Chapman over the remaining four years of his contract?
Chapman initially joined San Francisco on a one-year contract in 2024 and produced his best offensive season since 2019 with the Athletics.
He slashed .247/.328/.463 with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs in 154 games.
Following that season, the Giants committed six years and $151 million to the then-31-year-old third baseman, who also captured the fifth Gold Glove of his career.
Chapman’s offensive production declined slightly in 2025, although the drop was not dramatic.
He finished that season with a .231/.340/.430 slash line, 21 home runs and 61 RBIs in 128 games.
His defensive performance remained among the best of any third baseman in MLB.
The offensive decline became more significant in 2026.
Chapman is hitting .235/.324/.368 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs in 84 games.
His .692 OPS is the lowest of his career, and he has not finished with an OPS of at least .800 since posting an .812 mark in 37 games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
There had been discussion about the Giants potentially trading Chapman to escape some of their remaining financial commitment.
His injury, combined with the possibility of a lockout or another work stoppage this offseason, has effectively put those discussions on hold.
What’s next for Chapman?
San Francisco must instead determine how Chapman fits into its plans moving forward.
Moving him to designated hitter presents another problem because that position is expected to be occupied by either Bryce Eldridge or Rafael Devers.
Taking Chapman away from third base would also eliminate one of his greatest strengths.
Even while playing through the injury for part of this season, his ability to continue defending at a high level has been remarkable.
Chapman’s defense, leadership and toughness remain important qualities for San Francisco.
His instincts, reactions and reliability at third base give the Giants something difficult to replace. While his willingness to play through discomfort demonstrates the competitiveness that has defined his career.
He also provides veteran stability for a roster undergoing significant changes. Chapman has established himself as a respected presence capable of setting expectations through preparation and effort.
The larger issue is whether those qualities can continue compensating for declining offensive production.
With four years remaining on his contract, the Giants need Chapman healthy enough to maximize his defensive value. And find a way to become a more consistent offensive contributor again.
