MLB Rumors: 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Matt Chapman

It's well-known that the Oakland A's are looking to cut costs, and trim salaries going into 2022. Several of their big stars are said to be available for trades, from practically all of their starting pitchers, to their Gold Glove cornermen. 

The usual suspects are after All-Star Matt Olson, but his compatriot across the diamond also has a robust trade market. Matt Chapman is one of the best third basemen in the game, with 3 Gold Gloves under his belt, and some thunder in his bat. He had an off-year at the plate, batting just .210, but this guy can leave the yard with the best of them. Moving to a more hitter-friendly environment should also help. 

These 3 teams have Chapman on their radar, and are among the top trade destinations for the A's third baseman:

1. Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays have a superior offensive player at most every position on the diamond—with the exception of third base. Craig Biggio spent some time there in 2021 (when he wasn't on the injured list), along with light-hitting but dependable Santiago Espinal. And while the latter is a pretty solid fielder at third, slotting in Chapman would take this team's defense, and power, to another level. 

Matt Chapman is such a perfect fit for the Blue Jays.

It's an ideal buy-low move to fill a glaring need with the A's cleaning house.

Let's not forget that Chapman hit 36 HR with a 21.9% strikeout rate in 2019.

Target him if you're drafting in NFBC leagues.

— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) February 8, 2022

Toronto still has some prospects in the system they might be willing to deal, along with catcher Alejandro Kirk, who's already established himself at the major league level.

2. Seattle Mariners

This is another team that came a-calling to the A's before the lockout. Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times says the Mariners "would love to add Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman for a reasonable return of prospects." But would an ask of the No. 11 prospect in baseball, 20-year-old shortstop Noelvi Marte, be considered "reasonable"? That remains to be seen. 

The Mariners do have a hole at the hot corner, after the retirement of their longtime 3B Kyle Seager. 

3. New York Yankees

The glaring need for the Yankees this season is thought to be at shortstop. And according to ESPN Baseball Insider Buster Olney, the Yankees "have talked internally" about trading for Chapman and moving him to short. 

If I were to guess, I think they'll end up with one of the Oakland guys. Matt Chapman, for example, maybe you acquire him to be the one-year shortstop. I know he's a third baseman, he's exceptional, but if you added Matt Chapman, you would be improving your defense on the left side of the infield. And I know the Yankees have talked a little bit about this internally. 

Whenever this lockout comes to an end, teams will be moving fast and furious, so teams will have to come ready to make a deal—quickly.

Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports