The Toronto Blue Jays acquired All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman from the payroll-shredding Oakland Athletics in exchange for four players.
Chapman, a five-year veteran who was also a three-time Gold Glove winner and a three-time Gold Glove recipient, hit.201 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs in the Athletics’ 151-game season. In 2019, he was the first All-Star.
Ross Atkins, general manager of the Blue Jays, said that Chapman is a “big-time threat on both ends of the ball and it’s hard for to find,” referring to Chapman’s spring training in Dunedin.
Chapman was awarded Platinum Gloves in 2018 and 2019 for being the best AL defensive player, regardless of his position. On Thursday, he is expected to be with the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said, “Our defense just got better.” “He’s the best third baseman I’ve ever seen in big leagues. I’m very happy to have him.
Chapman is the latest signing in a busy offseason by the Blue Jays. They went 91-71 last season, but finished one game behind Boston (and New York) in the AL wild card race. Toronto signed Kevin Gausman (right-hander), Yusei Kakuchi (left-hander), and Yimi Garcia (right-handed reliever).
Chapman stated, “I know how talented their are.” “It’s a team ready to compete now and they’re ready for victory and go for it. “I couldn’t be happier joining that team.”
The A’s have also traded All-Star righty Chris Bassitt, who was from Oakland, to the New York Mets, and Matt Olson, first baseman to Atlanta since the end of the lockout. These three trades reduced Oakland’s projected payroll to $30 million.
Chapman spoke of Oakland, saying that “you see what was happening around there.” It’s hard to let go, but it’s joyful to move to a place with such amazing opportunities. It’ll be a lot of emotions, but it’s going will be amazing the next few years.
Chad Pinder is one of the first-year Athletics managers Mark Kotsay is looking to replace Chapman at Third Base.
Pinder stated that Chapman’s departure was acknowledged by the company.
Oakland was awarded right-hander Gunnar Hoglund. Toronto’s top pick for the 2021 amateur draft was Zach Logue, minor league left-hander Kirby Snead and Kevin Smith.
Chapman is eligible to arbitrate this season as well as the next. In 2021, Chapman earned $6.54million. He also received a $50,000 bonus for Gold Glove.
Kotsay stated, “We’ll miss him energy and what he brings on the field every day.” “And, in terms of clubhouse, there are a lot long-lasting relationships with him.”
Chapman stated that he has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be able to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada during the season. Unvaccinated travelers entering Canada currently must go through a 14-day quarantine.
Former Oakland infielders have been a success for the Blue Jays in the past. After being acquired by the Athletics in the previous offseason Josh Donaldson was awarded the AL MVP award. Marcus Semien, a Toronto star, signed with Texas.
Hoglund signed with Toronto last summer after he chose college over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018’s amateur draft. In May 2021, he had an elbow ligament repair surgery and has never pitched professionally.
Oakland added 10 players in just five days, along with hauls for Bassitt and Olson from both the Mets & Braves.
Kotsay stated Wednesday that he believes Cristian Pache, the center fielder who was traded for Olson, is capable of competing for an opening-day roster spot. Ramon Laureano (Oakland’s primary centerfielder) is still suspended for 80 games under MLB’s joint drugs agreement.
Kotsay spoke of Pache, saying, “In explaining to him this opportunity here, he was excited to be there, and we are excited to put our eye on him and assess His abilities,”
Kotsay said, “When there is a lot of change in your life, it can be difficult to adapt. So how we deal with it and how we face it will make us stronger.” “We know in this group that we must focus on our work and getting ready for the season.
