Matt Chapman recorded 290 assists at third base in his first season with the San Francisco Giants. He nearly recorded another one during the offseason, too.

The Giants’ main goal of the winter was to acquire a shortstop, one of the main targets being free agent Ha-Seong Kim. Due to a shoulder injury, Kim wouldn’t have been ready for Opening Day, but Chapman didn’t want that to be an impediment to signing the former San Diego Padres infielder. So, Chapman told the front office he’d be willing to play shortstop in the interim if they signed Kim.

The move would have been no small concession. Chapman has made his career at third base. He’s won five Gold Gloves — and counting — at the position. A switch to shortstop, even temporarily, would’ve likely impeded his run for a sixth in 2025. To Chapman, winning games came first.

San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames, right, and third baseman Matt Chapman walk from the field during spring training baseball practice at the team’s training facility, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) 

“He wants to win, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to do that,” said Giants hitting coach Pat Burrell, citing Alex Rodriguez’s move to third base to play alongside shortstop Derek Jeter when he joined the Yankees in 2004 as a rare example of a star switching positions for the benefit of the team. “It’s not uncommon, but it takes special guys to feel confident enough with where they’re at in their career to make changes.”

In the end, the Giants signed Willy Adames to be the team’s shortstop for this season and beyond. Chapman’s willingness to play out of position, though, exemplified the leadership role he’s already assumed in San Francisco. Last spring, Chapman wasn’t in any position to exert his influence.

When spring training opened last season, Chapman was still a free agent. It wasn’t until March 3, 2024, that Chapman signed a one-year, $18 million deal with options baked in — far from the long-term, nine-figure deal he was expected to sign when the offseason began. Chapman could’ve easily opted to play the free agency game for a second consecutive offseason, especially as his Giants debut turned into his best overall season since his days in Oakland from 2017-21.

Chapman, though, wanted to plant his flag.