MLB Players Power Rankings (5): Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics
Week-20 Stats: 1.042 SLG | 0.596 wOBA | 288 wRC+ | 0.8 fWAR
When Matt Chapman emerged as a star for the Oakland Athletics last season, he did so by showing his defensive prowess. The 2018 Gold Glove award winner led all MLB players in DRS last season by saving 29 runs.
This season, Champman has continued his dominance on the defensive side of the field, leading all third basemen with 16 runs saved. On top of that, he’s turned into an offensive threat, slashing an impressive .262 / .346 / .534.
While he did post a better batting average (.278) and on-base percentage (.356) last season, this season he has upped his power-hitting quite drastically. Last season, Chapman slugged .508 and this season, he currently sits at a .534 SLG.
His power has come in the form of more home runs – he hit just 24 HR last season and already has 29 this season – and doubles. Last season, Chapman finished the season with 42 doubles, while this season he already has 31 with more than a month left in the season.
Chapman’s performance has helped the Athletics remain in playoff contention throughout the season. After spending a good chunk of the season in 3rd place, the A’s have steadily remained in 2nd, behind the Houston Astros and are currently 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card.
As the A’s head into the final stretch of the season, players like Matt Chapman will have to be on their “A” games in order to have a fighting chance at the playoffs. It’s no surprise that Chap broke into the top five this week