As extension talks gain steam, Matt Chapman reveals he ‘wasn’t as comfortable in Toronto’ as he is with the Giants

When the Toronto Blue Jays failed to re-sign star third baseman Matt Chapman this past offseason, many had felt that the Jays didn’t do enough to make it happen. After all, Chapman had once indicated that he was open to returning to Toronto following the conclusion of the 2023 MLB season. Eventually, he ended up signing a three-year, $54 M deal with the San Francisco Giants in free agency that included opt-outs in the second and third years.

In recent weeks, a potential extension is beginning to gain steam between Chapman and the Giants. In the process, we have now learned that there might have been more to it between himself and the Jays than initially expected.

As per The Mercury News, Chapman explained the difference between the situation he had with Toronto back then in extension talks and compared it to what he likely face ahead of him now in reaching a decision with the Giants.

“I don’t think I was as comfortable maybe in Toronto the last couple of years as I am here [with San Francisco],” Chapman said. “Sometimes your environment has a lot to do with that, and it’s just a good environment for me. I definitely enjoy playing on the West Coast. And playing for BoMel [Giants’ manager Bob Melvin], I’m comfortable.”

Whether Chapman was taking an indirect stab at the tumultuous seasonal weather in Toronto, the ballpark and the players, or playing under Jays’ manager John Schneider, nobody knows exactly. But one thing is for sure, he is actually enjoying his time with the Giants and he is ‘comfortable’ there. 

“But the Giants, I love being here and they know that I want to be here. They know that I’m open to that. I’m kind of just waiting on them.”

When he was asked whether the Giants have approached him already with regards to a possible extension, Chapman indicated there was no formal offer yet, but he’s all ready for it.

“Nothing yet [pertaining to an extension] … But they know that I’m open and willing to listen to any offer that they have to make,” Chapman explained.

For 2024, Chapman has been putting together a solid first season with the Giants, batting .245 with a .774 OPS, along with 83 runs scored, 19 home runs, 61 RBI and 12 stolen bases through 123 games played. More significantly, his 5.6 bWAR currently ranks him third in the National League just behind Shohei Ohtani and Ketel Marte. As for his defense, he appears to be still one of the best at the hot corner, registering 12 DRS to date.

Perhaps had the weather in Toronto been more resembling of that on the West Coast, the playing environment was more comfortable, or their manager wasn’t Schneider, then maybe, just maybe Chapman would still be in a Jays’ uniform. But as he desperately looks to make the West Coast his long-term home for the foreseeable future, the Jays are only left to ponder what could have been.