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Yankees looking at Matt Chapman as a shortstop?

By David Hill

Sep 29, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman (26) attempts to turn a double play against Seattle Mariners left fielder Jake Fraley (28) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman (26) attempts to turn a double play against Seattle Mariners left fielder Jake Fraley (28) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are plenty of teams that have been linked to Matt Chapman over the past few weeks. Multiple contenders need help at third base making Chapman one of the more interesting trade options that could be available. The New York Yankees, despite having a solid option of their own at third, have also been a part of Chapman’s rumor mill.

It turns out that they have a completely different plan for the Gold Glove third baseman if they were to acquire him. According to Buster Olney, the Yankees have discussed moving Chapman to shortstop.

Matt Chapman – New York Yankees shortstop?

Chapman has been the best defensive third baseman since he made his major league debut. The only player close to his 78 runs saved defensively in that time is Nolan Arenado, which shows that Chapman is in a class by himself at the hot corner.

He also does not have much experience at short. Chapman made ten appearances at short in the minors, all of which came in 2016 with the Double-A Midland RockHounds. While he has seen some time at short in the majors, he has all of ten innings at the position since that ten game stint in the minors.

The Yankees are in a tough spot with their roster. They have insisted that upgrading the shortstop position is a priority, moving Gleyber Torres to second. However, they have also stated that they are not interested in spending at the top of the market, which would seemingly take them out of the running for the likes of Carlos Correa and Trevor Story. Other potential trade options, such as Elvis Andrus, are not exactly attractive.

Teams do what they feel they have to in order to improve the roster. The Reds signed Mike Moustakas and moved him to second base to strengthen their lineup. It is possible the Yankees attempt a similar move with Chapman, moving a Platinum Glove caliber third baseman to short in hopes that he can handle the position.

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The New York Yankees may have an interesting plan if they acquire Matt Chapman. He could be their answer to upgrade at short.