Angeles Dodgers Eyeing Former All-Star Matt Chapman in Offseason Upgrade

With the offseason looming, whispers of potential roster changes and acquisitions are beginning to swirl. In the world of baseball, this marks the entry into “rumor city,” a place where stories both tall and tantalizing take root. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the focus is on their quest for the big catch, Shohei Ohtani, while also looking to address various other areas of improvement. It appears that the City of Angels’ baseball squad may be preparing for a much more active offseason, in stark contrast to their relatively subdued approach during the previous winter. Among their list of needs, attention is turning towards the third base position. The Dodgers are now being linked to a former All-Star player who might be yearning to make a California comeback.

In a report by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, speculation is brewing that the Dodgers could be a suitable destination for the upcoming free agent, Matt Chapman, who currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. Securing Chapman’s services won’t be a walk in the park, as it is anticipated that he will command a substantial contract this offseason. Nevertheless, his addition to the Dodgers roster could potentially resolve some of the team’s corner infield issues, particularly at third base.

The primary allure of Chapman lies in his defensive prowess, having clinched multiple Gold Glove awards at the third base position. With Max Muncy experiencing defensive struggles this season, Los Angeles might be actively seeking an upgrade at the hot corner. While replacing Muncy’s offensive contributions would be a challenge, the team may explore creative solutions to harness his batting prowess. Muncy holds a club option for the upcoming season, valued at $10 million.

While Chapman has carved a reputation as a stellar defensive third baseman, his offensive statistics have also shown promise in the past. This season, he has maintained a batting average of .247, accompanied by 15 home runs and 50 runs batted in. Although this year’s performance has been somewhat lackluster for the seasoned player, it could potentially translate into a more affordable acquisition for any team willing to take the plunge. However, it’s worth noting that Chapman does have a propensity for strikeouts, a factor that may influence the Dodgers’ evaluation of his price tag.

“Matt Chapman, the second-best free-agent position player after Cody Bellinger, looks like a potential fit for the Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, Yankees and, of course, the incumbent Jays. He’s in the top five in hard-hit rate.”

Per Jon Heyman of The NY Post

In the quest to bolster their roster, the Dodgers find themselves in a situation where they could certainly do worse than signing Matt Chapman. Nonetheless, they may also discover more cost-effective alternatives. As the offseason unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers organization is poised for a transformation that could significantly reshape the team’s outlook.