Things have fallen full circle for Bob Melvin.
After being fired by the Giants after the 2025 MLB season following two seasons as the team’s manager, Melvin returned to the Athletics as a special assistant to baseball operations.
Melvin was A’s manager for a decade from 2011 to 2021. Playing under him for five seasons with the green and gold was Matt Chapman, who, of course, now is the standout third baseman with the Giants, where he spent two more seasons with Melvin in orange and black.
San Francisco finished with an 80-82 record under Melvin in 2024 and remained average with an 81-81 record the following campaign.
While Chapman is disappointed with how things ended for Melvin in San Francisco, especially given their close relationship, Chapman is happy Melvin’s services will at least be used elsewhere.
“I’m glad BoMel gets to stay in the game,” Chapman told The SF Standard’s John Shea. “He’s a great baseball mind and great person and will have a lot to offer. He’s been super impactful in my life and career. I thought he did great [in 2025]. It was kind of a funky year. We didn’t all get rolling at the same time. Sometimes that happens. BoMel understands the nature of the business.
“I don’t think he has any ill will toward what happened. It just didn’t work out unfortunately. I’ve had a great relationship with him, and I think I’ll have a great relationship with Tony. I think he’ll be really good for us. Sometimes it happens like that.”
Chapman also told Shea that he planned to call Melvin on Friday to congratulate him on the Athletics gig.
And even on a different team in a different league, it’s clear Chapman always will be rooting for Melvin from afar.