The San Francisco Giants are showing interest in a Chicago Cubs free-agent target.
The Chicago Cubs finally made their first big move of the offseason with the signing of Shota Imanaga. The potential ace will help the Cubs attempt to win the National League Central.
While a great addition during a slow offseason for Chicago, the job remains far from finished. The club has shown interest in other free agents, including the likes of Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and others.
Bellinger had an impressive season in 2023 with the Cubs, which makes him the likeliest move. Given that the front office already understands he can play in Chicago, it takes weight off their shoulders.
Chapman could very well do the same and is in a position of need.
The 30-year-old posted a 4.4 WAR and slashed .240/.330/.424. with 17 home runs. The concerns with his offensive production are warranted, but if he can continue hitting 20-plus home runs while providing elite defense, he’s a good signing for the Cubs. In the 2019, 2021, and 2022 seasons, Chapman hit at least 27 home runs, including a 36 home run season in 2019.
Other teams continue to show interest in the two-time Platinum Glove winner, most notably the San Francisco Giants. After the Giants signed Jordan Hicks to a four-year deal, they’re still in the mix to land another key free agent.
According to MLB.com, the addition of Hicks will make them focus on Chapman.
“They’ve been linked to reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on the free-agent market, but it’s possible their acquisition of Hicks will cause them to focus their attention on other targets, such as third baseman Matt Chapman.”
San Francisco has had reported interest in Chapman since the beginning of the offseason.
The Cubs should understand that there’s competition for his services, and if they want to continue getting better after adding Imanaga, Chapman could be the next move they make.