Tampa Bay Rays emerging as Matt Chapman suitors

The Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A’s are two very similar franchises. Both teams tend not to spend much in free agency and look for bargains wherever possible. They trade players away once their salary reaches a certain point. Their minor league systems are their lifelines, as they need to cycle younger and cheaper players onto the major league roster due to financial constraints.

But there are some differences. Even with the Rays’ budgetary concerns, they will find the money needed to add players to the roster to push for a run to the World Series. As a case in point, they are reportedly interested in adding Matt Chapman.

Tampa Bay Rays enter Matt Chapman hunt

Chapman can see the writing on the wall as it pertains to his time with the A’s. As he stated when asked about the trade rumors swirling around him, no one stays in Oakland forever. Eric Chavez still holds the team record for the largest contract given out for a reason.

There is no question that Chapman would be a perfect fit in Tampa Bay. The Rays are looking for a right handed bat for their lineup, and they value having a stellar defense. Chapman fits both of those categories while bringing another powerful element to the lineup.

Such a deal will not come cheaply. The Phillies are already seemingly out of the running as they refuse to part with their top prospects. If the Matt Olson trade from Monday is any indication, the A’s will be shooting for the moon with Chapman as well.

The Rays certainly have the players in their farm system to make such a deal happen. The farm system is littered with intriguing players and top prospects. Oakland has been determined to rebuild their farm system with their earlier deals, and the Rays are a perfect team to look towards.

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The Tampa Bay Rays have entered the Matt Chapman hunt. If a team can meet the Oakland A’s prospect demands, it is the Rays.