40 Facts About Matt Chapman

Early Life and Background

Matt Chapman, a name synonymous with defensive prowess in baseball, has a fascinating journey. Let's dive into his early life and background.

1. Birthdate and Place: Matt Chapman was born on April 28, 1993, in Victorville, California. This small town in the Mojave Desert is where his story begins.

2. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 215 pounds, Chapman has the ideal build for a third baseman, combining agility with strength.

3. California Native: Growing up in Lake Forest, California, Chapman attended El Toro High School. His former teammate there is none other than fellow MLB third baseman Nolan Arenado.

4. Family Background: Chapman's mother, Lisa, and sister, Haley, are both singers. This musical influence might explain his comfort with clubhouse karaoke sessions.

5. Education: He attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned first-team All-Big West honors as a junior. His college years were crucial in shaping his baseball career.

Path to the Major Leagues

Chapman's journey to the MLB wasn't a straight shot. It involved hard work, dedication, and a few setbacks.

6. Drafted by Oakland Athletics: In 2014, the Oakland Athletics drafted Chapman in the first round (25th overall) from California State University, Fullerton. This marked the beginning of his professional career.

7. Professional Debut: He made his professional debut at the rookie level with the Arizona League Athletics in 2014. This was his first taste of professional baseball.

8. Minor League Career: After three games in the Arizona League, Chapman was promoted to Class-A Beloit Snappers, where he played 50 games, batting .237 with five home runs and 20 RBIs.

9. Promotion to Double-A: He also played one game for the Double-A Midland RockHounds at the end of the season, showing his rapid progression through the ranks.

10. Class A-Advanced Stockton Ports: In 2015, Chapman spent his entire season with the Class A-Advanced Stockton Ports, batting .250 with 23 home runs and 57 RBIs in 80 games.

Rising Star in the MLB

Chapman's MLB debut marked the beginning of a stellar career filled with accolades and memorable moments.

11. Invited to Major League Spring Training: In 2016, he was invited to major league spring training with the Athletics, a significant milestone for any minor leaguer.

12. Promotion to Triple-A Nashville Sounds: After impressive performances, Chapman was promoted to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds in August 2016.

13. Texas League Player of the Year: His stellar play earned him the Texas League Player of the Year award in 2016.

14. MLB Debut: Chapman made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2017. Despite a wrist injury early in the season, he quickly made his mark.

15. Wrist Injury: The injury kept him on the disabled list for two weeks, but he returned strong, playing 49 games for Nashville, batting .257 with 16 home runs and 30 RBIs.

Defensive Excellence

Chapman is renowned for his defensive skills, earning numerous awards and accolades.

16. Gold Glove Awards: Chapman has won four Gold Glove Awards, a testament to his exceptional defensive abilities.

17. Platinum Glove Awards: He also boasts two Platinum Glove Awards, highlighting his status as one of the best defenders in the league.

18. Fielding Bible Awards: Chapman's defensive prowess has earned him two Fielding Bible Awards.

19. Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award: In 2018, he won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award, further cementing his reputation.

20. All-Star Appearance: Chapman was an All-Star in 2019, showcasing his talent on a national stage.

Transition to the Toronto Blue Jays

Chapman's career took a new turn when he joined the Toronto Blue Jays.

21. Trade to Toronto Blue Jays: On March 16, 2022, the Athletics traded Chapman to the Toronto Blue Jays for Gunnar Hoglund, Kevin Smith, Zach Logue, and Kirby Snead.

22. Contract with Toronto Blue Jays: Chapman signed a two-year contract worth $25 million with the Blue Jays, avoiding salary arbitration.

23. Grand Slam Hit: He hit his first career grand slam off Reid Detmers in a 12–11 road victory against the Los Angeles Angels on April 9, 2023.

24. AL Player of the Month: Chapman was named the AL Player of the Month for April 2023 after leading all hitters in OPS (1.152), wRC+ (219), and fWAR (2.0).

25. Free Agency: He became a free agent following the 2023 season, opening a new chapter in his career.

New Beginnings with the San Francisco Giants

Chapman's journey continued as he signed with the San Francisco Giants, bringing his talents to the National League.

26. Signing with San Francisco Giants: On March 3, 2024, Chapman signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, which included player options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and a mutual option for the 2027 season.

27. Current Contract: In July 2024, Chapman secured a lucrative six-year, $151 million contract with the Giants for the 2025-2030 seasons.

28. Leadership Role: As a respected infielder, Chapman has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse. Manager Bob Melvin has noted that younger players look up to him for his approach to the game.

29. Fielding Skills: Known for his exceptional range, arm strength, and accuracy, Chapman uses a two-handed gather on the forehand and a one-handed backhand with a basketball defensive crouch to prevent the ball from sailing.

30. Postseason Performance: Despite his impressive regular-season stats, Chapman has struggled in the postseason. He has made the playoffs four times but has been swept each time, batting .273 with four walks, five strikeouts, and one double in those games.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond baseball, Chapman has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

31. Musical Talents: Chapman is known for his musical presence in the clubhouse. He has been referred to as "DJ MC Happy" and has been involved in impromptu karaoke sessions with his teammates.

32. Off-Season Activities: During the off-season, Chapman is roommates with Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs in California.

33. Personal Life: He married his wife, Taylor, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in December 2021.

34. Social Media Presence: Chapman is active on social media platforms like Twitter (@mattchap6) and Instagram (@matthewchapman26).

35. Nicknames: He is often referred to as "Chappy" or "Pegasus" by fans and teammates.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Chapman's career statistics and achievements highlight his impact on the game.

36. Batting Average: As of 2024, Chapman has a career batting average of .240 with 177 home runs and 495 RBIs across his time with Oakland (2017-2021), Toronto (2022-2023), and the Giants.

37. Home Runs: He has hit 13 home runs this season and 168 home runs over his career.

38. RBIs: Chapman has driven in 130 runs this season and 426 runs over his career.

39. Wild Card Series: The most painful game came against the Mariners in 2022, where his Blue Jays entered the sixth inning with an 8-1 lead but lost 10-9 after Seattle scored nine runs in the final four innings.

40. Future with Giants: With his new six-year contract, Chapman is expected to continue his leadership role with the San Francisco Giants, helping the team compete in the highly competitive National League West division.

Matt Chapman's Impact on Baseball

Matt Chapman has carved out a remarkable career in Major League Baseball. From his early days in the minor leagues to becoming a defensive powerhouse, Chapman's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His four Gold Glove Awards, two Platinum Glove Awards, and multiple other accolades highlight his exceptional skills on the field. Beyond his defensive prowess, Chapman's leadership and musical talents add a unique flavor to his persona. His recent move to the San Francisco Giants and the lucrative contract he secured show his value in the league. As he continues to play, fans can expect more stellar performances and perhaps a few more karaoke sessions. Chapman's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a bit of flair, making him a standout figure in baseball.