All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman will likely be one of several bigger-name Oakland Athletics players to be dealt this winter.
Oakland is dealing with that inevitable money crunch that comes with its ownership issues and being stuck in a small market. With so many players set to earn big-time cash in arbitration and others already on the MLB free-agent market, front office head Billy Beane will be forced to make some tough moves. That’s magnified with relocation to Las Vegas potentiall in the cards.
Chapman, 28, is one of those players likely to be moved. He’s considered one of the better two-way third basemen in thee league and could net Oakland a lot in return. Below, we look at three ideal Chapman trades from the A’s.
Related: Top MLB free agents this winter
Matt Chapman traded to the New York Mets
There’s an open question whether new Mets general manager Billy Eppler believes J.D. Davis can man the fort at third. While he’s been equal to, if not better than, Chapman at the plate, Davis is among the worst defensive third basemen in the game. Upgrading defensively would go a long way in helping the Mets overcome a disastrous 2021 campaign. Davis could also potentially be utilized as a DH should the National League make that transition next season.
Given Eppler’s familiarity with Chapman dating back to his days with the Los Angeles Angels, this is an acquisition that could make sense. In return, New York sends Oakland MLB-ready young talent that it is likely seeking in a deal of this ilk. Perhaps, 21-year-old third baseman Mark Vientos could be the centerpiece. Davis himself could also be involved.
Miami Marlins make huge move for Matt Chapman
Under the leadership of general manager Kim Ng, it’s pretty clear that Miami is not looking to rebuild. The young team finished last season with a 67-95 record, but has some nice core pieces in place. It has already started to lock up some of those pieces. Why not now make a move for a big-name player who is still under team control for the next two seasons?
As for what Oakland might net in return, the Marlins have built up a strong farm system. Perhaps, Miami gives it a pick of one of the team’s young arms. Sixto Sanchez would obviously be of interest. As would Edward Cabrera.
New York Yankees land Matt Chapman
A lot of the talk in the Bronx has surrounded the keystone position with the Yankees likely to move Gleyber Torres to another infield position. They have been linked to the likes of Corey Seager, but don’t seem to be willing to spend top-end money.
Why not circle back to an A’s team that has in the past traded with New York a lot? The idea would be to move either Torres or DJ LeMahieu to second while securing a three-time Gold Glove winner at the hot corner.
- Matt Chapman stats: .210 average, 27 homers, 72 RBI, .716 OPS
Chapman’s numbers might be down from the 2019 campaign, but he still has power at the plate and is right there with Nolan Arenado as the best defensive third baseman in the game. This move also wouldn’t prevent the Yankees from upgrading at short. In turn, New York hands over two of its top-15 prospects to an A’s team that needs to rebuild its farm.