Well, MLB fans, if you weren’t excited about Matt Chapman before, you certainly are now. The San Francisco Giants kicked off their FanFest Tour with a bang on Saturday, and Chapman wasted no time making a splash—literally.
The All-Star third baseman took center stage in Napa for a good old-fashioned beer-chugging contest against three fans, and let’s just say he didn’t disappoint.
In a matter of roughly six seconds, Chapman downed his drink and hoisted his empty glass high in victory while his competition was still struggling to finish. Talk about setting the tone for the event!
Chapman’s Contract: From Prove-It Deal to Franchise Cornerstone
But of course, Chapman’s off-the-field antics are just part of the story. His journey with the Giants has been an interesting one, to say the least.
After signing a three-year, $54 million deal in March 2024—essentially a short-term, prove-it contract—Chapman quickly established himself as a key piece of the Giants’ puzzle. And guess who played a major role in locking him down long-term?
None other than MLB and franchise legend Buster Posey, who, even before officially stepping into his role as the club’s president of baseball operations, helped spearhead the effort to keep Chapman in orange and black.
The result? A hefty six-year, $151 million extension that will keep the slugger in San Francisco through the 2030 season. And judging by his 2024 numbers, that investment looks pretty darn solid.
A Breakout 2024 Season in San Francisco
Chapman put together an impressive campaign, batting .247 with 27 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. His .790 OPS and 7.1 WAR were standout figures and his stellar defense?
Well, that earned him his fifth Gold Glove. He even finished 11th in NL MVP voting—his highest finish in years. It’s safe to say that Chapman found his groove in the Bay Area, delivering his best numbers since his peak years with the Oakland A’s.
Though he hails from Southern California, Chapman is no stranger to Northern California baseball. By the time his current contract runs out, he’ll have spent 12 years in the Bay Area—first with the A’s and now with the Giants.
And if this MLB offseason is any indication, he’s embracing life in San Francisco with open arms, endearing himself to the fanbase, and soaking up every moment.
What’s Next for Chapman and the Giants’ FanFest Tour
The Giants’ FanFest Tour is just getting started. Stops in San Jose on January 25 and Sacramento on February 1 are on the docket before wrapping up with a big open house event in San Francisco on March 8.
Will we see more beer-chugging contests along the way? That remains to be seen, but fans might want to start practicing now if Chapman’s performance is anything to go by.
