NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are once again expected to swing big as the trade deadline looms, this time targeting a long-coveted infield upgrade. San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman, the five-time Gold Glove third baseman, who is currently recovering from a sprained right hand, offers a suitable solution.
In return, the Yankees would part with a promising package: outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Everson Pereira, and right-hander Ian Hamilton, one of their most dependable bullpen arms over the last two seasons. The proposed deal reflects a win-now approach from Brian Cashman’s front office, while San Francisco looks to rebalance after a major move of its own.
The suggested Yankees-Giants trade framework
Yankees Receive: Matt Chapman, 3B
Giants Receive: Jasson Dominguez, OF, Everson Pereira, OF, Ian Hamilton, RHP
Why Chapman fits in the Bronx
Chapman, 32, remains one of the most reliable gloves in baseball, with five Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves to his name. Though currently sidelined with a finger injury, he’s expected to begin a rehab assignment within a week and return before mid-July. Prior to the injury, Chapman was slashing .243/.360/.452 with 12 home runs and 30 RBIs, close to his career averages.
“He’s not just a defender — his right-handed pop, clubhouse leadership, and durability over the years make him a perfect playoff fit,” one AL evaluator told Pinstripes Nation.
The Yankees’ third base situation has unraveled in 2025. Oswaldo Cabrera was lost for the season with a leg injury, Oswald Peraza has failed to seize the role, and DJ LeMahieu and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have been inconsistent. For a team with October expectations, Chapman brings exactly what’s missing: stability and postseason pedigree.
How Devers’ arrival in San Francisco changed everything
This proposed deal only became plausible after the Giants made one of the boldest moves of the season — acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. Devers, a 28-year-old All-Star, arrives with a $313.5 million contract and expectations to anchor the Giants’ infield for the next decade.
While Chapman had signed a six-year, $151 million extension in September 2024, Devers’ acquisition created an unavoidable logjam at third base. With Casey Schmitt producing well in Chapman’s absence — .350 with three home runs in his last six games — and Devers locked into the hot corner, the writing is on the wall.
“Once Devers arrived, Chapman became leverage,” a National League executive said. “They can’t afford to keep both long-term, and Chapman won’t want to take a backseat.”
Why the Yankees are willing to pay up
The Yankees are reportedly prepared to part with three valuable assets:
Jasson Dominguez, 22, once billed as the franchise’s future in center field, has battled swing inconsistency post–Tommy John surgery. But the tools — raw power, speed, and defensive upside — remain tantalizing.
Everson Pereira, a 23-year-old outfielder with pop and a strong arm, is buried behind Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger. He projects as a major league starter elsewhere.
Ian Hamilton, 29, has been one of the most consistent multi-inning relievers in the AL, with a sinker-slider combo that shuts down right-handers. But with the Yankees seeking elite rotation and bullpen help elsewhere, Hamilton is an expendable bullpen asset in the right deal.
Risk and reward
For the Yankees, the risk is clear: parting with Domínguez could sting long-term. But with Chapman under contract through 2030 and the team in win-now mode, Cashman may be prioritizing October over others.
For the Giants, the upside is in prospect capital. Domínguez could be a star in center field at Oracle Park. Pereira adds depth, and Hamilton gives their shaky bullpen a needed boost.
San Francisco was forced into this position by the Devers trade. Rather than create tension between two $100 million third basemen, they appear ready to pivot.
Chapman’s injury: A factor, but not a dealbreaker
Chapman’s sprained fingers have kept him out since June 9, but the injury isn’t expected to linger. Reports indicate he will begin a rehab stint within a week and could return by early July — well in time for the stretch run.
“If healthy, he’s still the best third baseman in baseball with the glove,” said one scout. “And his postseason experience is exactly what the Yankees need.”
The Rafael Devers deal flipped the leverage dynamic in San Francisco. Matt Chapman, previously untouchable, became movable. For the Yankees, long searching for a two-way third baseman, it’s a window that might not open again soon.
Whether or not the deal gets finalized depends on how talks develop in the coming days, but momentum is building.
“This is about October,” one Yankees source said. “If Chapman helps us win Game 5, then the cost is worth it.”
The ball is now in Brian Cashman’s court. The opportunity to land one of baseball’s elite defenders — and finally solve third base — may never be better.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Yes. Dominguez is young and has not been around long but shows he just is not ready. The Giants are probably the better place for him. In fact I would not be surprised if the Giants sent him to the minors for more development if that is possible. Sometimes I think of Dominguez as another Gary Sanchez. I don’t think the Tanks would be weaker without him. Heck they can always get him back if we are still around given the world crisis!
There’s zero chance this happens. Devers projects to be the Giants’ DH and maybe mix in at 1B. Chapman is a plus defender who isn’t going to replaced at 3B by Devers. They have Jung Hoo Lee in CF and one of the best bullpens in baseball. They’re not going to trade one of their cornerstone players for an often injured prospect who hasn’t lived up to expectations, a depth piece, and a relief pitcher.