The Oakland A’s are officially shipping Matt Chapman to the Toronto Blue Jays as they continue to clean house in an effort to assumably rebuild after this season. In return for Chapman, Oakland is receiving SS Kevin Smith, RHP Gunnar Hoglund, LHP Zach Logue, and LHP Kirby Snead.
Matt Chapman has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, sources confirm to ESPN. Deal is done. A's with another big group of prospects. RHP Gunnar Hoglund best of the bunch. SS Kevin Smith, left-handed starter Zach Logue and left-handed reliever Kirby Snead all major league-ready.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 16, 2022
Oakland A’s continue cleaning house by sending Matt Chapman to Toronto Blue Jays
Chapman had a pretty rough go of things last season in terms of offensive output, hitting .210/.314/.403. But where the third baseman really excels, is on the field. With Champman being a 3x Gold Glove winner, 2021 included, the 28-year-old. Chapman had 10 defensive runs saved in 2021 and an OAA of 17 making him one of the best defensive third basemen in major league baseball.
The Blue Jays had their best full season in a while going 91-71 only one game behind the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East wildcard. Adding Chapman to an already stacked infield of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bicchete should give the Yankees and Red Sox a run for their money this upcoming season.
With Chapman struggling with injuries in 2020 his batting production isn’t as concerning as it would be otherwise with Chapman usually ranging from .250 to .230 in terms of BA. Hopefully, a change of pace in 2022 can improve his offensive performance. Even his defensive performance has the potential to get even better, being surrounded by some other amazing defensive athletes like Marcus Stroman.
Chapman came up in 2017 and has been with the A’s his entire career so far and will now be spending the next 2 years in Toronto with 2023 being his ARB3 year. Chapman will be a free agent in 2024 with the potential for an extension with the Blue Jays if both parties feel it’s a good fit.