While there has been a lot of talk about MLB players not wanting to play in San Francisco, the Giants have certainly made significant free agent signings while spring training is underway.
The latest of these new additions is third baseman Matt Chapman, who signed what was announced as a one-year, $18 million deal with the Giants, but the 30-year-old will play the next four years in San Francisco. There is a possibility to choose. season.
At his induction press conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Monday, Chapman told reporters he doesn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to play in San Francisco.
“I chose to come here,” Chapman said. “I think everyone’s different and what’s important to them is different, but I’m from California. I played in the Bay Area. I’m comfortable here. And people say what they say. But I think ultimately, when you look at the franchise, they want to win. They’ve won before and they know how.
“They have great players, great coaches, so I don’t know why people don’t want to come here. And I know a lot of people have contacted me and told me they want to play here. ” So I think if it’s a story, it will change. ”
Opinions about the negative stereotypes surrounding the city of San Francisco, fair or not, were reignited in December when the former Giants catcher said: Buster Posey said That perception may be influencing the team’s approach to free agency. during the interview With Andrew Bagley of The Athletic.
Chapman, who played the first five seasons of his seven-year MLB career with the Oakland Athletics, said he wants to help Bay recruit players to play for the Giants.
“I don’t necessarily think anything needs to change,” Chapman said. “I think so…like I said, I think it depends on the person. But there are some players who want to play with some of the players here, and there are some players who want to play with me. We’ve got some players who have said, “Hey, we’re coming.” So obviously we want to be here long-term.
“I can see it with my own eyes, and we’re going to bring in players in every way we can to make this team as competitive as possible.”
After signing Chapman, Jung-Hoo Lee, and Jorge Soler, the Giants finally found some talented free agents willing to play in San Francisco. But whether they add more remains to be seen, but perhaps Chapman is already contributing to his new team behind the scenes.
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