MLB Rumors: Chapman Would Make Temporary Trade If Giants Sign Kim originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Matt Chapman has not played shortstop in an MLB game since 2021, but is willing to move into the position temporarily to help the Giants.
Chapman, an elite defensive third baseman, has told the Giants is open to playing shortstop for a short period if San Francisco signs Injured free agent Ha-Seong KimThe Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Thursday, citing sources briefed on the discussions.
Kim had shoulder surgery in October, and according to Rosenthal, the 29-year-old South Korean is expected to miss the first part of the 2025 MLB season, possibly even the entire first half of the year.
The Giants are prioritizing shortstop as a position of need this offseason, and once healthy, Kim would provide a dynamic left back of the painting with Chapman.
Kim played the last four seasons with the San Diego Padres but declined an $8 million player option for the 2025 season, agreeing to a $2 million buyout to test free agency. he won 28 million dollars from 2021 to 2024.
In four MLB seasons, Kim is hitting .242/.326/.380 with 80 doubles, 47 home runs and 200 RBIs. He has a career bWAR of 15.3.
Kim’s best season came in 2023, when he had a 5.8 bWAR, won the NL Gold Glove at shortstop, and received NL MVP votes.
Chapman, who signed a six-year, $151 million contract extension with the Giants, he has appeared in four MLB games at shortstop. He also has experience in the position from his college days at Cal State Fullerton.
The Giants could also keep Chapman at third base and play Tyler Fitzgerald at shortstop until Kim is healthy.
But that’s a bridge the Giants can cross if they sign Kim.
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