Matt Chapman Could Be Fallback Plan For Cubs
11 months agoIf left-handed-hitting outfielder Cody Bellinger signs elsewhere in free agency this offseason, the Chicago Cubs could turn to right-handed-hitting third baseman Matt Chapman while seeking another left-handed bat some other way. Ultimately, the Cubs may want to give the majority of their designated hitter at-bats to Christopher Morel, as they did in 2023. The 30-year-old Chapman took a slight step backward offensively in his second year with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023 and managed a modest 17 home runs despite finishing second in hard-hit rate with a barrel rate in the 98th percentile. His swing-and-miss issues are also concerning, but Chapman's deficiencies at the plate are offset by his excellent defense at third base.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal