AL East Giants are eyeing 2019 All-Star 3B Matt Chapman in a trade before the deadline, according to insider reports

Matt Chapman: Market Value

Overview of the trading period

The MLB transfer deadline is a crucial time in the season when teams evaluate their playoff chances and decide whether to buy, sell, or do nothing.

During this period, which usually falls in late July, teams make important decisions to either strengthen their rosters for the postseason or prepare for future seasons by trading valuable players.

This year’s deadline is particularly interesting because several star players, including Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants, are likely to be at the center of trade talks.

Matt Chapman’s current status

Matt Chapman, the third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, is making headlines as a potential transfer candidate.

Chapman signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants just before the start of the 2024 MLB season. His performance so far has been impressive; he has a 117 OPS+ and hit 10 home runs, contributing significantly to the team with a 3.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement).

His strong defensive skills at third base also make him a highly sought-after addition for teams looking to strengthen their roster.

The Yankees as main contenders

The New York Yankees have emerged as one of the main candidates to sign Matt Chapman.

The Yankees, a storied franchise with a history of significant transfers, currently need to address their deficiencies, especially at third base.

The Yankees’ current situation at third base

The Yankees have struggled at third base this season, with a combination of players failing to perform consistently on either offense or defense.

These difficulties were clearly evident in their standings and the team’s overall performance, prompting them to look for improvements before the trade deadline.

Matt Chapman, with his proven skills both as a batsman and on the field, represents an ideal solution to this problem.

Historical Yankees trade deadline transfers

The Yankees are known for making spectacular trades during the trade deadline, often going after top talent to secure their spot in the postseason.

In the past, the Yankees have made several notable acquisitions, such as the acquisition Paul O’Neill in 1992 and more recently he has acted for big names such as Giancarlo Stanton in 2017.

Adding Matt Chapman to their roster would be in keeping with their tradition of making bold and impactful trades.

Matt Chapman: Contract details

Matt Chapman’s current contract with the Giants is a Three-year contract worth $54 millionwhich was signed just weeks before the start of the 2024 season.

This contract includes a player option at the end of each year, giving Chapman the flexibility to enter free agency after the Seasons 2024 and 2025.

The effects of the player option

The player option in Chapman’s contract makes any possible transfer even more complex.

This means that while teams may be interested in signing him, they must consider that Chapman could opt for free agency after the 2024 season. This uncertainty could impact how teams value him and what they are willing to offer in a trade.

Chapman is represented by Scott Boras, one of MLB’s most prominent agents. Boras is known for getting his clients lucrative contracts and maximizing their market value.

Chapman’s connection with Boras could impact transfer talks, as teams will be aware that he may be seeking a substantial contract as a free agent.

just posted a photo

– Matt Chapman (@mattchap6) 17 March 2022

Potential suitors beyond the Yankees

Although the Yankees are a leading candidate to sign Matt Chapman, they are not the only interested team. According to MLB insider Jon HeymanSeveral teams could vie for Chapman’s services if the Giants decide to sell.

Several MLB teams are currently looking for a strong third baseman, and Chapman’s availability could pique interest from those teams.

Teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago White Soxwho have both recently shown interest in improving their infield positions, could be contenders for the Chapman title.

The dynamics of the trading market

The dynamics of the trade market are influenced by several factors, including team needs, player performance and contract situations.

As the transfer deadline approaches, teams will evaluate their needs and weigh whether signing a player like Chapman will give them a playoff spot or provide them with future benefits.

One of Matt Chapman’s most outstanding qualities is his defensive ability at third base. Chapman is known for his exceptional fielding skills, which have been a major factor in his success.

Chapman’s defensive stats, including his Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)reflect his elite status as a third baseman. His ability to make difficult plays and contribute to the team’s overall defensive stability is a major selling point for potential suitors.

Matt Chapman: Offensive Contributions

While Chapman is celebrated for his defensive abilities, his offensive contributions are also notable.

Current offensive statistics

With an OPS+ of 117 and 10 home runs heading into the 2024 season, Chapman has been a key offensive player for the Giants, and his ability to score runs and contribute to the team’s scoring efforts further increases his trade value.

Offensive key figures and values

Chapman’s offensive metrics, including his On-Base-Plus-Slugging (OPS) and Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) underscore his effectiveness at the plate. His offensive contributions complement his defensive skills and make him a versatile player for any team.

The trade deadline serves as a strategic turning point for MLB teams and influences their decisions for the rest of the season.

How teams deal with the deadline

Teams approach the close with different strategies, including deciding whether to be buyers, sellers, or idle.

The teams in the race are typically buyers looking to acquire talent that can help them in the postseason, while the eliminated teams are often sellers looking to offload assets to make a profit in the future.

For the San Francisco Giants, the decision to trade or keep players like Matt Chapman will be influenced by their current standings and future prospects. If they are not in a strong position for the playoffs, trading Chapman could be a strategic move to gain prospects and prepare for future seasons.