Matt Chapman Trade Rumors: MLB analyst urges Yankees to go all in for All-Star 3B as possible DJ LeMahieu replacement
MLB analyst Chris Kirschner proposed a possible trade involving Matt Chapman between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. The Bronx Bombers have been struggling to get production from their infielders, especially in the hot corner, where DJ LeMahieu has struggled big time so far.
On the other hand, Chapman signed an underwhelming three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants and has already vowed to bet on himself and go out after this season to sign a more lucrative deal.
With the trade deadline coming up, Kirschner suggested the Yankees should trade for Chapman as they look forward to a deep run in the postseason (via The Athletic):
“Acquiring the Giants’ third baseman would help fill the hole the Yankees have on the left side of their infield with DJ LeMahieu’s struggles,” Kirschner said.
When the season started, DJ LeMahieu was supposed to hit at the leadoff spot ahead of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but since he fouled off his foot, rendering him on the injured list, he hasn't looked the same upon his return.
Going into the All-Star break, LeMahieu was only slashing .188/.284/.214, making his position a concern.
Matt Chapman reveals his free agency plans and says he will take a bet on himself rather than signing below-value contract
Matt Chapman was among the Scott Boras clients who fell well short of their desired contract. His free agency carried on till the first week of March, after which he signed a three-year contract with the Giants.
However, the third baseman made sure to have opt-outs in place to have more security about his future, and if his comments are to be believed, he may very well be heading out after this season in search of a new contract (via USA Today):
“Definitely a strange market this year," Chapman said in March. “The free agent market was a little abnormal. Our goals were to either get a long-term contract that we felt that I was worth. If not, get the short-term contract with opt-outs and bet on myself. If I was going to do something long-term, I was going to get the value I’m worth."
So if the Yankees were to trade for him, Matt Chapman could be a rental, saving both parties from any long-term commitments. This seems like a good trade, but with the Giants only three places out of a Wild Card spot, they might not be too willing to throw their stars away just yet.