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Oakland A’s: Should Matt Chapman be on the trade block?

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 6: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields during the game against the San Diego Padres at RingCentral Coliseum on September 6, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Padres defeated the Athletics 5-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 6: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields during the game against the San Diego Padres at RingCentral Coliseum on September 6, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Padres defeated the Athletics 5-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Under normal circumstances, Matt Chapman is the type of player the Oakland A’s should build around. As one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, and a potent bat in the middle of the lineup, Chapman is the type of player that teams dream of having at the hot corner.

But these are not normal circumstances. The A’s usually scant financial resources are even more limited, with the team needing to trade Khris Davis for Elvis Andrus in order to afford to bring Mike Fiers back. Other moves may need to be made.

Could the Oakland A’s put Matt Chapman on the trade block?

One possible move that could be made would be to put Chapman on the trade block. There had been rumors that the Mets were interested in acquiring the A’s third baseman, but there has not been any indication as to how far along those talks had progressed.

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It is understandable that Chapman would be considered an intriguing trade option. Several teams, such as the Braves, Mets, and Brewers, could use an upgrade at third base. Meanwhile, with Justin Turner re-signing with the Dodgers, the free agent market has very few options that a contending team should be interested in.

One also would not have to be concerned about a disappointing return, such as what the Rockies received for Nolan Arenado. Unlike Colorado, the A’s actually have a competent front office, capable of actually receiving top prospects for one of the better players at the position should Chapman be dealt.

The prudent move would be to hold on to Chapman and weather the 2021 season. Once fans are back in the stands, and the A’s stadium situation gets closer to being resolved, the team can then address his future. Ideally, the A’s will be able to lock him into a long term extension, building their roster around Chapman as they have an eye to a new home.

dark. Next. RIP Billy Conigliaro

But teams may be calling on Matt Chapman’s availability. Given the Oakland A’s financial situation, it is possible they could listen to the right offer.