Matt Chapman Rumors: Astros to look at Giants star to fill their third baseman place 

The Houston Astros will crucially need a third baseman after Alex Bregman becomes a free agent at the end of this season. The Astros could reportedly opt to make an offer to San Francisco Giants 3B Matt Chapman, during the upcoming off-season.

As of now, the Astros are leading the American League West standings, having successfully surpassed the Seattle Mariners by three games while riding an eight-game winning streak. The Sporting News' Curt Bishop believes that the Astros have a great chance of acquiring Chapman to fill up Bregman's absence.

"Chapman isn't unfamiliar with Houston, having previously played with the Oakland Athletics, an AL West rival of the Astros. He would be returning to a familiar division if he signed in Houston. But this is a good possible alternative if the Astros are unable to retain Bregman this coming offseason," Bishop said.

In the previous offseason, Chapman ended up signing a three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants. However, as per The Athletic's Jim Bowden, he might opt out of it with a $2 million buyout and look out for a better long-term deal in the coming season. He will likely try to keep his options open for now.

Giants are interested in retaining Matt Chapman

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (26) charges a ground ball (Image Source: IMAGN)

Matt Chapman has been able to garner great numbers on the field lately, currently holding a 5.3 WAR, placing him third in the National League. So, there's a good chance that Chapman will decide to opt out at the season's end and look for better offers in the trade market.

However, the Giants reportedly wish to retain their third baseman with a lucrative long-term deal. If Chapman keeps the momentum going, he is easily on the run of being a star-caliber player in the 2024 season. Moreover, there's a personal touch in keeping Chapman in the Giants as well.

President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi was the Oakland Athletics' assistant general manager when Chapman was selected in the 2014 MLB draft by the A's. Moreover, even Giants manager Bob Melvin managed Chapman from 2017 to 2021, during his tenure in Oakland.

So, the prospect of the third baseman keeping his place in the current team seems more viable, however, it's to be seen if the Houston Astros can offer a better deal that can waiver Chapman's position of familiarity with the Giants.