In a bold move signaling their commitment to serious contention, the Pittsburgh Pirates have confirmed the acquisition of veteran All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman, solidifying a stunning deal that immediately upgrades both their infield and clubhouse leadership.
The Pirates, who’ve been one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2025, made the announcement Saturday morning. Chapman, a four-time Gold Glove winner and former All-Star, joins Pittsburgh via a short-term deal reportedly worth $18 million over two years, with performance incentives and a mutual option for 2027.
“This is a massive addition for us,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “Matt brings elite defense, postseason experience, and a winning mentality—everything you want as you push toward October.”
Chapman, 32, spent last season with the San Francisco Giants, where he posted a .248 average with 22 home runs and continued to provide stellar defensive work at the hot corner. Known as one of the best defensive third basemen of his generation, his arrival brings immediate stability to a Pirates infield that’s been rotating through young talent.
For a team currently above .500 and staying in the thick of the NL Central race, this deal represents a clear signal: the Pirates aren’t just trying to develop—they’re trying to win.
“We’ve got a great group of young guys here, and I’m excited to be part of what they’re building,” Chapman said in his first comments since the announcement. “There’s real energy here. I’m here to compete and help this team take that next step.”
The move has drawn praise from analysts across the league. ESPN’s Jeff Passan called it “a quietly brilliant deal,” noting that Pittsburgh gets a playoff-tested veteran without sacrificing major long-term flexibility.
Chapman will slot into the middle of the order and is expected to make his Pirates debut early next week. He’ll also serve as a mentor for rising stars like Oneil Cruz and Termarr Johnson, providing veteran presence in a young and hungry clubhouse.
With this latest addition, the Pirates’ front office continues to show that they believe the time to compete is now. And with Matt Chapman in the mix, Pittsburgh just became a much tougher team to beat.
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