Option 2: The Toronto Blue Jays trade for Matt Chapman
The Oakland Athletics look to be going on the purge once again, looking to offload all the players heading towards their later arbitration years. Matt Chapman is one of those players and happens to fit on the Blue Jays well.
I do not think the fit is as seamless at Ketel or some of the others on this list as Chapman’s arrival could block some of the Jays top prospects like Jordan Groshans or Orelvis Martinez, should they not be a part of the trade.
He would help the team right now, which is what the Jays are pushing for … so if he happens to block a few prospects, they would adjust accordingly.
Chapman has been one of the best defenders in MLB since he has come up from the minors, winning two Platinum Gloves, 3 Gold Gloves, and 1 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award. His defensive play alone carries most of his value but has still been an above-average hitter over his career.
Last season was his worst at the plate but was still average by WRC+ standards with an above-average walk rate.
Toronto would be able to take on someone like Chapman who is only about average at the plate because of their already potent offense, especially since they are getting a lot of defensive value.