The San Francisco Giants hosted their Willie Mac Award ceremony prior to Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. As expected, He claimed the award, having emerged as a leader both on and off the field in his debut season with the team.
Veteran SF Giants third baseman takes home the 2024 Willie Mac Award
There were several strong contenders, with Chapman being one of the more obvious choices. Logan Webb and Heliot Ramos were two other players who could have been seriously considered.
Like Chapman, Webb has emerged as a key leader for the Giants, particularly on the pitching side. Since becoming a permanent part of the rotation early in 2021, he has consistently delivered. Webb surpassed 200 innings for the second consecutive season after a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week.
While he won’t lead MLB in innings pitched, he will comfortably lead the NL. In addition to his on-field performance, the 28-year-old has taken on a vocal leadership role within the organization, working to reshape perceptions of San Francisco.
Ramos, on the other hand, wasn’t in the mix at the season’s start but earned an early promotion. He’s played with determination, becoming the first homegrown Giants outfielder to make the All-Star team since Chili Davis.
Ramos’ journey serves as a reminder that development isn’t always straightforward. After a couple of difficult seasons in Triple-A, he turned things around last year, offering a potential blueprint for players like Marco Luciano and Luis Matos, who both faced struggles with the Giants in 2024.
Ultimately, though, Matt Chapman was the clear choice this year. In his first season with the Giants, he made contributions on both offense and defense.
The veteran third baseman has become a fixture in the lineup, hitting with power and showcasing elite defense—likely earning his fifth Gold Glove Award. His hustle and leadership on and off the field were key factors in him winning the award. Congratulations to Chapman on receiving the Willie Mac Award, and we look forward to his continued impact on the organization.
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