Biggest Surprise Player After 1st Week: Toronto Blue Jays

With the season one week old, it's time to take a far-too-early look at some surprise players around baseball.

With a lineup that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springers, the Toronto Blue Jays were once again expected to do big things offensively this season.

But so far, the biggest surprise of the opening week has undoubtedly been a player who the team usually looks to for his defense.

Matt Chapman settling in nicely so far pic.twitter.com/WJGVAHr6CV
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 6, 2023

Matt Chapman: Week No. 1 Surprise

Third baseman Matt Chapman has been on fire to start the season; going into Thursday's play, he was hitting a major league-best .522, slugging .739 and with an OPS of 1.299.

And he's been doing it all without the home run stroke for which he usually makes his mark on offense. He has 6 doubles, however, and 7 RBIs.

In 2022, Chapman did what he normally does — hit a bunch of bombs (27) with a low batting average (.229). But he only had 27 doubles all season; he's already nearly 25% of the way to that total, just 4% of the way into the season.

He's also second in the majors in most "hard-hit" balls this season (exit velo 95 mph+) with 15.

As mentioned, Chapman's Gold Glove defense at third base is his calling card, but if he can continue to add offense at the rate he's going, he'll be cashing in very large on the free agent market this coming offseason.

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports