With MLB’s deadline to exchange arbitration figures looming, the Toronto Blue Jays decided to give their new third baseman, Matt Chapman, some cost certainty over the next two years.
According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays and the slick-fielding third baseman agreed to a two-year deal on Tuesday afternoon.
“Third baseman Matt Chapman and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a two-year, $25 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN,” he tweeted.
Third baseman Matt Chapman and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a two-year, $25 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 22, 2022
Last Wednesday, the Jays acquired Chapman from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for four minor league prospects: right-handed pitcher Gunnar Hoglund, who was Toronto’s top pick in the 2021 draft, infielder Kevin Smith, and left-handed pitchers Zach Logue and Kirby Snead.
Toronto Is Putting Together An Extremely Impressive Lineup
It was a solid haul for the rebuilding A’s, and the Jays get a former Platinum Glove award winner with the ability to hit 30 home runs.
As Passan notes, “Chapman is set to hit free agency following the 2023 season, so this deal with the Blue Jays buys out his final two years of arbitration. He did not give up any free agent years. Just got cost certainty for 2023 regardless of how he performs in his first year with Toronto.”
It’s a nice way to make a newcomer feel welcomed in his new organization: no matter how he performs or if he gets injured, he will get $25 million over the next two years.
Toronto is quietly putting together the most impressive lineup in the American League, together with the Houston Astros, and one of the very best in MLB.
Chapman hit .210/.314/.403 in 2021, but had 27 homers and has been much, much better in the past.
NEXT: Blue Jays Plan To Showcase New Power Lineup Against The Yankees
