3 potential landing spots for Matt Chapman
Matt Chapman had an interesting 2021 campaign. On one hand, the Oakland A’s third baseman showed that his hip was healthy. He won a Gold Glove as his defense was as brilliant as before, hit 27 homers, and drew 80 walks in 622 plate appearances. However, he struck out 202 times, leading to a career worst 100 OPS+.
That profile still has value around the league. Chapman’s glove is unquestioned, as he may be the best defensive third baseman this side of Nolan Arenado. His power would be an asset for any team looking for a middle of the order bat. If he can start making contact at his previous rates, Chapman could be a solid buy-low candidate.
Three landing spots for Matt Chapman
Normally, that would mean that the A’s would not trade him. However, they are looking to slash payroll by a considerable amount, and Chapman is projected to earn $9.5 million in arbitration. He also still has value now, which may not be the case if he struggles to make contact again next year.
Chances are, the Oakland A’s are going to trade Matt Chapman this offseason. Let’s look at three possible landing spots for the third baseman.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are expected to inquire on just about any third baseman that is available this offseason. They should certainly be picking up the phones on Matt Chapman.
Adding Chapman would potentially give the Mets an elite infield defense. They are also looking to bring Javier Baez back, another excellent defensive presence, to man second base. Chapman, Baez, and Francisco Lindor would certainly make the lives easier for the Mets’ pitching staff.
Chapman would also add a badly needed power threat to the lineup. Only two players hit at least 20 homers for the Mets in 2021, with Lindor landing at exactly 20 home runs. While he may not be the player he was from 2017 through 2019, Chapman’s power bat would be a great fit in the middle of the lineup.
He would also be a relative bargain when it comes to price. While salary is not a sticking point when it comes to Mets’ ownership, Chapman would cost less than any potential acquisition in free agency. The Mets would also have two years to attempt to convince him to sign a long term deal, making him more than just a short term option.
The New York Mets are in need of a third baseman. If Matt Chapman is available, it would not be a surprise if they picked up the phone.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners have moved on from Kyle Seager and are in need of a third baseman. If there is one thing that Mariners’ general manager Jerry Dipoto has proven during his tenure, it is that he does not care which team he is dealing with.
Dipoto has also stated his desire to have a team that is much more dynamic. The Mariners are expected to be heavily involved in free agency, looking for upgrades to their lineup and pitching staff. They have money to spend, a hunger to return to the postseason, and a solid core.
Matt Chapman could help on both ends. While he is not going to take the mound, his defense at the hot corner can make a difference to a pitching staff, getting to those weak grounders down the line or that hot smash that would have been destined for the corner. He would also be able to replace Seager’s pop in the lineup, keeping a potentially dangerous bat with upside at third.
The Mariners have the prospects to pull off such a deal. Even if there was to be a divisional tax for sending Chapman to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has done an impressive job of rebuilding their farm system as they have gotten ready to contend. It is now a matter of getting those pieces needed to take that final step.
The Seattle Mariners have an opening at third base for the first time in over a decade. Matt Chapman could be the perfect player to take over.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies thought they had their present and future at third base figured out with Alec Bohm.
That was the case at the start of the 2021 season. Bohm had an excellent showing in 2020, leading to the belief that he could be an integral part of the Phillies’ lineup. Instead, he imploded, eventually being sent back to Triple-A at the end of the season. Now third base is a major question mark in Philadelphia, with Bohm’s future up in the air.
Likewise, the Phillies need to add another bat to their lineup. While they have a solid trio in Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins, that is not enough to carry the offense. Matt Chapman may not be the player he had been, but his potential to revert to form and his power could be enough to make him an enticing target.
A trade for Chapman could also solve the question of what to do with Bohm. He may well need a change of scenery, and sending him as part of a package to Oakland would make sense. The A’s would need to find someone that could handle the position for at least the near future, and Bohm is not yet arbitration eligible.
Next. 3 A's most likely to be traded. dark
The Philadelphia Phillies have several holes in their lineup. Adding Matt Chapman could fix their issue at third base.