The San Francisco Giants are officially hitting the 2026 MLB trade deadline as absolute sellers, and Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report just dropped a prediction that's gonna send shockwaves across the league: they're gonna trade All-Star infielder Matt Chapman. Yeah, you read that right. Even with his monster $151 million contract problem, Reuter says the Giants will find a way to move him.
The $151 Million Headache That Just Won't Quit
You wanna talk about a tough situation? Chapman's contract is it. We're talking a cool $25.2 million annual salary that's on the books all the way through the 2030 season. Plus, the guy has a full no-trade clause! That's a huge hurdle for any team looking to make a deal. Chapman's a Gold Glove-winning third baseman, an All-Star, but that kind of money, combined with the no-trade clause, makes him one of the hardest players to move on the market. Most clubs would just walk away, right? But Reuter is sticking to his guns, predicting the Giants will actually find a taker for him. It's a bold call, considering the financial baggage.Why Chapman's The Guy Headed Out The Door
So, why Chapman out of the Giants' expensive infielder trio? Reuter's take is that despite the massive contract, he is the most likely to be dealt. The guy might be on the injured list right now, but he's still posted a solid 2.8 bWAR this season, with a .235 average, seven homers, and a .692 OPS. Those numbers, even with the injury, make him the most valuable player among that trio, which also includes Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. He's been the best of the bunch, and crucially, he's not quite as expensive as Devers or Adames, making him a slightly more palatable pill to swallow for a potential trade partner. Arraez and Robbie Ray might have high odds of being dealt, but Chapman's situation is the real headline here. For the Giants, this prediction coming true would be a massive, colossal win for the franchise. Getting out of any of those huge contracts would be a relief, but shedding Chapman's deal, even if they have to eat a little bit of it, would be huge. If they can snag a decent prospect package in return? That's a grand slam for San Francisco as they look to reshape their future.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.