Given all the talk about MLB players reportedly not wanting to play in San Francisco, the Giants certainly signed a ton of free agents in spring training.
The most recent of these additions is third baseman Matt Chapman, who signed a deal with the Giants that was announced as a one-year, $18 million deal, although the 30-year-old could choose to spend the next four years in San Francisco play seasons.
During his introductory press conference Monday in Scottsdale, Arizona, Chapman told reporters he couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't want to play in San Francisco.
“I decided to come here,” Chapman said. “I think everyone is different, everyone has different things that are important to them, but I'm from California. I played in the Bay Area. I feel comfortable here. And people say what they say, but I think at the end of the day, if you look at the franchise, they want to win. They've already won once. You know how to do it.
“They have great players, great coaches. So I don't understand why people don't want to come here, and I know a lot of people have reached out and said they want to play here and told me that.” So I think if that's a narrative, it will change.
Opinions about the negative stereotype surrounding the city of San Francisco – fair or not – increased again in December when former Giants catcher Buster Posey explained in an interview with The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly that perception could impact the team's free agency efforts.
Chapman, who played for the Oakland Athletics for the first five seasons of his seven-year MLB career, said he hopes to help bring players to the Giants in the Bay.
“I don’t think I necessarily need to change anything,” Chapman said. “I think that…like I said, I guess it depends on the person. But I know the guys want to play with some of the guys here, and the guys want to play with me – guys who told me they would come and play with me where I am right now. Of course we would like to stay here long-term.
“That’s something I can see myself doing and I would definitely bring players in any way I can and make this team as competitive as possible.”
After signing Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, Jorge Soler and others, the Giants eventually found several talented free agents who were more than happy to play in San Francisco. Whether more will be added remains to be seen – but perhaps Chapman is already contributing to his new team behind the scenes.
Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast
