Front Page: Twins Offseason Trade Target: Matt Chapman

[Cody Christie]

Matt Chapmans is one of the best defensive players in the American League and his offense isn’t too shabby either. He certainly isn’t without flaws, but the Athletics are trying to cut payroll this winter and dealing Chapman could save them some money as he gets more expensive through the arbitration process. Would the Twins consider a franchise-altering move to add someone like Chapman?What would it take to get Chapman?

Chapman was an All-Star in 2019 while hitting 36 home runs and 36 doubles with an .848 OPS. He won his second Gold Glove Award at third base and it might not have been close. Chapman is in a close conversation with Nolan Arenado as the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball and Chapman could be in the discussion as one of the league’s best overall defenders.

 

Minnesota also has one of the league’s best defenders, but he has been injured over the last couple seasons. Byron Buxton won the Platinum Glove back in 2017, but injuries have kept him off the field over parts of the last two seasons. Could the giant Oakland outfield be a better home for the budding superstar? He has more service time than Chapman and he can be a free agent in 2023.

 

Chapman is nearly a year older than Buxton, but they have nearly the same amount of games played at the big-league level thanks to Buxton’s DL stints. Chapman might fit with the Twins, but it will take more than Buxton to land Chapman in a Twins uniform. Minnesota would likely need to add a prospect or two to the equation to get Oakland to consider a deal.

 

Minnesota’s Line-Up Ramifications

Adding Chapman to the line-up would mean Miguel Sano would no longer be needed at third base. This would allow the Twins to shift him to first base and designated hitter on a more permanent rotation. Nelson Cruz and Marwin Gonzalez would continue to get at-bats at those positions next season, but this would allow for some positional depth at all those spots, especially since none of those players played a full-season last year.

 

If Buxton was out of the equation, Max Kepler would continue to play center field during the 2020 campaign. Then in 2021, Royce Lewis would be given the opportunity to play there and Kepler could slide back to a corner outfield role. Lewis’ defensive future has been in question over the last couple offseasons and this year’s Arizona Fall League only brought that more to the forefront.

 

One of Minnesota’s biggest defensive weaknesses this offseason might be third base. Adding Chapman would take away from an area of strength and add to an area of weakness. The cost of adding Chapman might be steep, but the Twins would have him for multiple years with the opportunity to offer him an extension.

 

What do you think Chapman would be worth in a trade? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

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[amjgt]

My thought from “Offseason Blueprint: Bet the Farm”.....

 

Chapman for Buxton, Kirilloff, and Balazovic.

 

It’s painful and seems like a little much, which probably means it’s just right

[darin617]

It's not that painful. Until Buxton figures out how to play the game without getting hurt this could be a steal of a trade. Also, doubt A's would have interest in him as well.

[Monkeypaws]

 

My thought from “Offseason Blueprint: Bet the Farm”.....

Chapman for Buxton, Kirilloff, and Balazovic.

It’s painful and seems like a little much, which probably means it’s just right

 

That's way way way way way way way way too much. I don't even agree with the notion that Chapman is > Buxton all by himself.

[AZTwin]

My thought from “Offseason Blueprint: Bet the Farm”.....

 

Chapman for Buxton, Kirilloff, and Balazovic.

 

It’s painful and seems like a little much, which probably means it’s just right

I was going to say Buxton for Chapman is a little too much but then you add 2 of our best prospects? Wow. Overpay

[AZTwin]

I think if they were hell bent on acquiring Buxton then it would probably need to be

 

Buxton for Chapman, Jesus Luzardo, and AJ Puk.

 

Otherwise I’m not sure why you would give up Buxton for Chapmen when Buxton should be a key player for a playoff run. The minor leagues is more than deep enough for Chapman. Perhaps Baddoo, Lewis Thorpe, Blayne Enlow, and Nick Gordon would do it. If they don’t like Baddoos upside maybe Celestino. Or maybe even Rooker (his offense would immediately replace Chapman so would need to be careful here)

[Mike Sixel]

Did Stu write this?

[h2oface]

Rendon. Unless Chapman comes as a steal, regarding who we trade them for. Just pony up and set a franchise record, and buy Rendon. $ only. The best deal there is. Especially for a billionaire owner. Bet the bank, not the farm.

[old nurse]

Franmklin Barrto, Sean Nolin, Brett Lawrie and Kendal Graveman. or their equivalent. 3 prospects with a high ceiling the team is not in love with but somebody else is and a mlb player with potential.  Rosario, not Buxton  is the mlb player Prospect wise I don't know.

[Tomj14]

 

That's way way way way way way way way too much. I don't even agree with the notion that Chapman is > Buxton all by himself.

The trade is for Matt Chapman the 26 year old 3B from the A's who has had a WAR of 8.2 and 6.7 the last two years and isn't a FA until after 2023 and is one of the best players in the majors? and people are thinking the A's would take a handful of middle tier prospects?

Why would the A's want Buxton who is a FA after 2022, trade a better player with more years of control for a less players with less years of control?

 

Usually I try to say what would it take to trade a similiar player on the Twins, but in they case they don't have a player as good as Chapman. So to get Chapman, I believe the trades starts with Kirilloff or Lewis whomever the A's like better and maybe both plus another top tier pitching prospects and probably another really young throw with talent.

 

[Linus]

Not in1.5 million years. If you want to improve infield defense get a real SS and let Polanco play second

[USAFChief]

Maybe we can get Bregman too. Trade Rosario and some A/AA flotsam/jetsam.

[ChrisKnutson]

Why not Arenado?? We got the payroll and the prospects to make it happen. Plus I think the Rockies are nearing a rebuilding phase of some sort, now’s the best time to make an offer.

[mk]

Who plays RF in 2020? An outfield of Rosario, Kepler and Kiriloff/Rooker seems scary to me. The window for contention is open now. Also, I’m sorry for the lack of optimism, but Lewis is far from a sure thing to be ready by 2021.

[AZTwin]

WAR is not the end all be all of stats. Look at the numbers and actual body of work. He’s above average. Not some superstar.

[rdehring]

Everyone assumes that it is time to move Sano to first base.  Will his defense at first be more costly than at third?  Although I don't know the numbers, I know a first baseman is involved in a lot more plays than a third baseman.  If Sano's defense is in question, wouldn't this shift be a negative move?  

 

Hate to think that Sano's only position is DH, but is that possible?  Unfortunately, that position isn't open until 2021.  

[nicksaviking]

 

WAR is not the end all be all of stats. Look at the numbers and actual body of work. He’s above average. Not some superstar.

 

Well the rest of the league doesn't appear to think so. Top 7 in MVP votes and a Gold Glove winner the past two years. He was a 1st round pick, so it's not like his production has come out of nowhere, he always had the expectations that he could be a top end talent. Looks an awful lot like Josh Donaldson just before he was traded to Toronto actually. Except two years younger.

[mikelink45]

I would take Chapman and I have not been in favor of moving Sano.  I just think that if (BIG IF) Chapman could be had, we should make the move.  Buxton is on a sell low curve right now, but teams still see his potential.  I move down the prospect list from Kiriloff and Balazovic - Raley, Rooker, and a lower level pitching prospect plus Buxton. 

[Elliot]

To me Buxton is untouchable. His presence seems to make everyone better. That said, I would give any two of our top prospects plus one more throw in for Chapman. That’s a lot, but a young, two way player who is controllable for a few years is worth it.

The exception would be if Lewis is a legitimate SS at the MLB level. If so, I pull him back. It probably ends up being Kiriloff and Balazovic/Graterol plus one more.

[stringer bell]

 

Everyone assumes that it is time to move Sano to first base.  Will his defense at first be more costly than at third?  Although I don't know the numbers, I know a first baseman is involved in a lot more plays than a third baseman.  If Sano's defense is in question, wouldn't this shift be a negative move?  

 

Hate to think that Sano's only position is DH, but is that possible?  Unfortunately, that position isn't open until 2021.  

First base is a far less demanding position. There are many, many examples of players being moved to first from more demanding positions. I can't think of a single player who was moved to first and then moved back because he couldn't handle it. The one "skill" that a first baseman really needs is scooping low throws out of the dirt. With the manicured infields and the level of skill needed to make the majors, just about every major league player is adept at this. I would expect Sanó to likewise be able to scoop his fair share. 

[SomeGuy]

The A's have 2 guaranteed contracts for 2021 for a combined 22M. If they want to trim payroll for the 2020 season they won't do it with a player making about 580K.

 

They just trimmed about 11.8M by non tendering 3 players and another 5.8M with the Profar trade.  Do they need to do more? They were already pretty close to last years payroll before this, if anything they can probably add a couple players now.

 

I don't see them trading a player who was top 10 in MVP votes 2 years in a row when he is on a minimum salary.  Might be a different story for years 2 or 3 of arbitration.  I think he is in Oakland for 2020 and probably 2021 too.

[Major League Ready]

I have two questions.

 

1) Can he pitch?

2) Why would a 97 win team trade away an elite position player with 4 years of control, especially a low revenue team like the As?

[amjgt]

 

 

Usually I try to say what would it take to trade a similiar player on the Twins, but in they case they don't have a player as good as Chapman. So to get Chapman, I believe the trades starts with Kirilloff or Lewis whomever the A's like better and maybe both plus another top tier pitching prospects and probably another really young throw with talent.

 

I'd trade Kirilloff and Lewis and not even blink. That's incredible value for Chapman.

 

Chapman already is at 3rd base what we all dream of Buxton being in CF. Incredible defense with really good offense. I believe it was Baldelli that said Chapman is the best 3b defender he's ever seen. 

 

 

[Dantes929]

 

Everyone assumes that it is time to move Sano to first base.  Will his defense at first be more costly than at third?  Although I don't know the numbers, I know a first baseman is involved in a lot more plays than a third baseman.  If Sano's defense is in question, wouldn't this shift be a negative move?  

 

Hate to think that Sano's only position is DH, but is that possible?  Unfortunately, that position isn't open until 2021.  

I don't think it is his only position but I think it is his best position.     1st or 3rd until 2021 is fine with me.   Buxton, Kiriloff and Balezovic is overpay.     

[The Wise One]

 

I have two questions.

 

1) Can he pitch?

2) Why would a 97 win team trade away an elite position player with 4 years of control, especially a low revenue team like the As?

They have done it before with Donaldson. The year they traded Donaldson they also lost like half of their pitching staff to free agency so I think they expected a lot of losing.

[MMMordabito]

Can we create a package around Edwar Colina that nets us Juan Soto too?

 

Oakland isn't going to trade Chapman.  He's exactly the type of player that a team with their budget constraints is going to continue to build around.

 

2018 25 Oakland Athletics $547,500 0.109 
2019 26 Oakland Athletics $580,000 1.109 contract
2020 Status Pre-Arb Eligible, Earliest Arb Eligible: 2021, Earliest Free Agent 2024

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Then in 2021, Royce Lewis would be given the opportunity to play there and Kepler could slide back to a corner outfield role. Lewis’ defensive future has been in question over the last couple offseasons and this year’s Arizona Fall League only brought that more to the forefront.

 

 

 

Cody, can you provide some more background on the opinion Lewis is not cut out to play shortstop? My hunch has always been that this is a fan take without much substance, and your links above don’t take me anywhere.

[Vanimal46]

I’m sure the Athletics are chomping at the bit to trade the best defensive 3B in the game...

[nicksaviking]

I wouldn't think Oakland would trade Chapman, but I also wouldn't think they'd make half of the trades they do. They sure like to shake things up every now and then, even when it seems like it's out of the blue. Though I'd guess if they were going to trade someone unexpectedly, it'd be more likely to be the more easily replaceable Matt Olson across the diamond from Chapman.

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

I wouldn't think Oakland would trade Chapman, but I also wouldn't think they'd make half of the trades they do. They sure like to shake things up every now and then, even when it seems like it's out of the blue. Though I'd guess if they were going to trade someone unexpectedly, it'd be more likely to be the more easily replaceable Matt Olson across the diamond from Chapman.

This. For 2020 we need a 1B. Like him there or not we have Sano at 3B and I don't like him at 1B if the plan is to contend.

 

Kiriloff and Lewis is where it would start with Chapman.

 

What would it take to acquire Olson? A lot....