Matt Chapman’s first words after leaving Toronto—“The Giants understand me better”—hit a nerve and set off instant backlash from Blue Jays fans.NL
“The San Francisco Giants understand me better,” Matt Chapman said for the first time after leaving Toronto, a statement that sparked outrage among the Blue Jays.
Matt Chapman, the elite third baseman known for his glove and growing power at the plate, made headlines not just for his performance but for his candid words following his departure from the Toronto Blue Jays.
After two seasons in Canada, Chapman became a free agent at the end of the 2023 campaign and signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the San Francisco Giants in March 2024, complete with opt-outs that allowed him flexibility.
That move itself raised eyebrows in Toronto, where fans had hoped the Blue Jays would retain one of their standout players. But it was Chapman’s recent reflection on the transition—uttered publicly for the first time—that ignited a firestorm among Blue Jays supporters.
The quote emerged during a press conference in late 2025, as Chapman discussed his long-term commitment to the Giants. In September 2024, while still proving his worth in his first season with San Francisco, he inked a six-year, $151 million extension that locked him in through 2030.
The deal, one of the largest in Giants history under president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, underscored the organization’s belief in Chapman as a cornerstone player.
By 2025, despite battling hand inflammation that landed him on the injured list multiple times, Chapman continued to deliver milestones: his 200th career home run in August against the Chicago Cubs and his 1,000th hit in September versus the Colorado Rockies.
These achievements solidified his status in the Bay Area, where he had roots from his earlier days with the Oakland Athletics.
Chapman’s statement, “The San Francisco Giants understand me better,” was interpreted by many in Toronto as a subtle dig at his former team.
During his tenure with the Blue Jays from 2022 to 2023, Chapman earned his fourth Gold Glove and showed flashes of offensive brilliance, including a strong start in 2023 that earned him AL Player of the Month honors in April.
He hit 27 home runs in 2022 and contributed to playoff appearances, but his overall production dipped in 2023 with a .240 average and 17 homers.
Reports later surfaced that the Blue Jays had offered him a substantial extension—rumored around six years and $120 million—but Chapman declined the qualifying offer and opted for the short-term pact with San Francisco to bet on himself.
The remark struck a nerve because it implied a deeper organizational or cultural mismatch in Toronto. Blue Jays fans, already frustrated by the team’s inability to advance deep in the postseason and recent free-agent losses, saw it as ungrateful.
Social media erupted with criticism, accusing Chapman of biting the hand that fed him during his productive years north of the border.
Some pointed to the Blue Jays’ aggressive pursuit of stars like Shohei Ohtani in recent offseasons, questioning how the front office could “understand” players if a homegrown talent like Chapman felt otherwise.
Others defended the third baseman, noting his California ties—he grew up in the region and played for the Athletics before the trade to Toronto in 2022—and his familiarity with Giants manager Bob Melvin, who had coached him in Oakland.
In San Francisco, the quote was celebrated as validation of the Giants’ approach. Chapman thrived under Melvin’s leadership and alongside third-base coach Matt Williams, contributing elite defense—leading MLB third basemen in defensive runs saved—and consistent offense.
His 2024 season was a breakout, with 27 home runs, 39 doubles, and a 7.1 bWAR that ranked among the National League’s best.
The extension came as no surprise to those watching; Chapman repeatedly expressed comfort in the Bay Area, citing family considerations—his daughter was born in 2024—and unfinished business after the Athletics’ relocation saga.
The outrage in Toronto highlighted the emotional investment fans have in players who wear the uniform. Chapman’s time with the Blue Jays included memorable moments, like walk-off hits and Gold Glove plays, but his departure and subsequent comments underscored the business side of baseball.
Players prioritize fit, opportunity, and personal life as much as money. For Chapman, returning closer to home and signing a deal that rewarded his patience paid off handsomely.
As the 2025 season wound down, the controversy simmered but didn’t overshadow Chapman’s on-field contributions. The Giants, building around him and other pieces, eyed contention in the competitive NL West. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays regrouped, their fans hoping for better retention of talent moving forward.
Chapman’s words, though sparking initial fury, ultimately reflected a player’s honest assessment of where he felt most valued—a sentiment that, in the ruthless world of professional sports, resonates far beyond one team’s fanbase.
In the end, the statement wasn’t just about understanding baseball strategy or contract negotiations; it touched on the human element of the game. Chapman found a home where his all-around game, leadership, and daily grind were fully appreciated.
For the Blue Jays faithful, it was a painful reminder of what they lost, fueling debates that will linger into future seasons. Baseball, after all, is as much about loyalty and emotion as it is about stats and wins.
