As the dust begins to settle from the acquisition of Matt Chapman from the Oakland Athletics, the Toronto Blue Jays remain poised to stay aggressive in rounding out their squad.
Once again, the Blue Jays made a big splash this offseason, acquiring Platinum Glove third-basemen Matt Chapman in a five-player deal. The Jays sent shortstop Kevin Smith, right-handed pitcher Gunnar Hoglund, left-handed starter Zach Logue and left-handed reliever Kirby Snead to the Athletics for the three-time Gold Glove winner.
Chapman has spent his entire five-year major-league career in Oakland after being drafted 25th by the A’s in 2014. Last season he slashed .210/.314/.403 and had 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also struck out 202 times last season.
Jays manager Charlie Montoyo wasn’t shy about his reaction to the deal.
“Our defence just got a lot better. He’s one of the best third basemen I’ve ever seen in the big leagues and I’m really happy to have him.”
The Jays continue to be linked with big names like Jose Ramirez (Guardians) and Joey Votto (Reds), but they have yet to make any other major moves since the Chapman deal.
Oakland has already made a splash since the lockout ended, trading first baseman Matt Olson to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for four prospects on March 14. Olson then inked an 8-year, $162M extension with the team 24-hours later.
Toronto finished last season with a 91-71 record but came up short in making the postseason.
Andrew Stuetz