Dodgers rumors: A trade with the Oakland A’s for Matt Chapman?
Could the Los Angeles Dodgers surprise Major League Baseball and make a deal with the Oakland A’s for All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman? It may be a long shot, but it’s not an impossible thought once the current Major League Baseball lockout ends.
What could a Los Angeles Dodgers-Oakland A’s trade involving Matt Chapman mean?
As MLBTradeRumors.com pointed out in this article, bringing Chapman from Oakland to the Los Angeles Dodgers could well be a fit for the franchise. While the Dodgers do have Justin Turner under contract this season (and there is a 2023 club option in place for Turner as well), Turner did miss time in the postseason with a hamstring injury, one that he says is fully healed in time for this season.
Yes, bringing Chapman onto a team that already has Turner in place might seem like a logjam. However, with the designated hitter coming to the National League in 2022, Chapman could spell Turner at third, with the duo splitting time for manager Dave Roberts on the field and in the DH role.
Our friends at Dodgers Way have already floated out a potential trade that would bring Chapman to Chavez Ravine. In it, it’s a hefty one that lands the Dodgers a couple of prized pitchers as well, but also requires Los Angeles to send Gavin Lux to Oakland in the trade.
If the Dodgers were truly just focused on acquiring Chapman, it will certainly come with a high price as the A’s are reportedly planning to listen to only the best offers for not only their Gold Glove-winning third baseman, but also players like Matt Olson, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, and others. However, adding Chapman’s power (27 homers in 2021) and defense would certainly strengthen Los Angeles in their quest to reclaim the National League West in 2022.
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While the Dodgers may not be the first franchise that comes to mind when a trade for Chapman is considered, if Los Angeles is unable to add Freddie Freeman at one corner of the infield, don’t be surprised if they look across the diamond at adding firepower at third base.