5 Years, $175 Million: A Content Writer’s Perspective
- The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a five-year,$175 million contract with free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman,bolstering their lineup with a Gold Glove-caliber defender and proven offensive contributor.
- Matt Chapman is a highly regarded third baseman known for his remarkable defensive skills and increasing offensive production.
- Chapman's career statistics as of January 11, 2026, include a .251 batting average, 159 home runs, and 489 RBIs in 868 games played.
Cubs Sign Third Baseman Matt Chapman to Five-Year,$175 Million Deal
Table of Contents
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a five-year,$175 million contract with free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman,bolstering their lineup with a Gold Glove-caliber defender and proven offensive contributor. The deal, pending a physical, significantly upgrades the Cubs’ infield and addresses a key need heading into the 2026 season.
Matt Chapman’s Career Highlights
Matt Chapman is a highly regarded third baseman known for his remarkable defensive skills and increasing offensive production. He has won four Gold Glove Awards (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023) while playing for the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.
Chapman’s career statistics as of January 11, 2026, include a .251 batting average, 159 home runs, and 489 RBIs in 868 games played. Baseball-reference.com provides a comprehensive overview of his career stats.
Financial Details of the Contract
The five-year contract is valued at $175 million, averaging $35 million per year. Spotrac details the contract breakdown,including potential signing bonuses and other incentives. The deal does not contain an opt-out clause, providing the Cubs with stability at third base for the duration of the contract.
Impact on the Chicago Cubs
The addition of Chapman immediately improves the Cubs’ infield defense and adds a power threat to their lineup. He is expected to bat in the middle of the order, providing protection for other key hitters.
Cubs President of Baseball Operations,Jed Hoyer,stated in a MLB.com press release, “Matt is a player we’ve admired for a long time. His combination of elite defense and offensive potential makes him a perfect fit for our team.”
- Jed Hoyer: President of Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs. Cubs Front office
- Oakland Athletics: Chapman’s former team. Oakland Athletics Official Website
- Toronto Blue Jays: Chapman’s most recent team. Toronto Blue Jays official Website
- Gold Glove Award: Award recognizing defensive excellence. MLB Gold Glove Award