The Phillies have shown interest in A’s third baseman Matt Chapman, but unsurprisingly, the Athletics have put a big price tag on the Gold Glover. In exchange for Chapman, Oakland is asking for one of the Phillies’ top prospects as the centerpiece of a trade package, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, with such names as shortstop Bryson Stott or right-handers Mick Abel and Andrew Painter mentioned as the caliber of prospect the Athletics would have in mind.
Since Philadelphia’s farm system is short on premium talent, naturally the “Phillies have been reluctant to” part with any of their best youngsters in a Chapman deal, Coffey writes. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has a long history of trading quality minor league talent for proven big leaguers, however, and it is possible that giving up another blue-chip prospect would simply be the necessary cost to pry Chapman away from the A’s.
While the Athletics’ payroll-cutting endeavors have already begun with tonight’s Chris Bassitt trade with the Mets (a Phillies NL East rival, no less), Billy Beane’s front office isn’t going to move Chapman for pure salary-dump purposes. At his best, Chapman has shown he is one of the game’s best all-around players, combining consistently superb third base defense with some big offensive numbers, particularly in 2018 and 2019. Over the last two years, however, Chapman’s average and OBP totals have dropped off, while his strikeouts have ballooned — Chapman’s 33.1% strikeout rate is the third-highest of any qualified hitter in baseball since the start of the 2020 season.
The Phillies and other trade suitors (the Yankees and Mariners have been linked to Chapman earlier this winter) could use this downturn to try and negotiate a lesser trade return for the third baseman, yet that tactic might not work given the amount of interest in his services. Chapman is projected for a $9.5MM salary in 2022 and also has another arbitration year remaining in 2023, with that extra control only adding to the Athletics’ high asking price.
Alec Bohm (himself a former top prospect) is penciled into Philadelphia’s third base role for Opening Day, though Bohm’s defensive struggles have already led to speculation that a position change could be in his future. Bohm’s lack of production at the plate in 2021 also didn’t help his cause, even if countless players have dealt with the so-called sophomore slump. Theoretically, the Phillies could acquire Chapman and then move Bohm across the diamond into a first base/DH split with Rhys Hoskins, though such a move would then lock up the Phils’ DH spot.
Stott is also a factor in the team’s infield plans, as the 14th overall pick of the 2019 draft has been viewed as a candidate to both make his MLB debut in 2022, and also immediately step into a regular role. This could be as a shortstop if Didi Gregorius is traded, perhaps at second base if the Phillies opted to instead deal Jean Segura, or maybe even at the hot corner, if the Phillies decide to switch Bohm’s position even without acquiring a proven veteran like Chapman. While the Phillies surely also prize Abel and Painter, it would seem on paper that Stott might be the most untouchable of the trio, given Stott’s importance to Philadelphia’s infield plans.
Nice write-up. All MLBTR writers have been exceptional in giving perspective to recent transactions. No one else comes close.
As for the Phillies – Dombrowski is going down the road of the Yankees, Mets, Cardinals and other high-revenue teams that throw money at name players. That works some, but until they can put out a full roster of expensive players, todays MLB is about beating the other team by finding its weakest link and exploiting it….particularly in the bullpen.
Chapman would be a great add. But the Phillies (like ail NLE teams) have pretty weak areas.
I wouldn’t group the Cardinals with the Yankees and Mets. Yes, Arenado and Goldscmidt are recent examples but they never have a bloated payroll like the others. They typically have a good young inexpensive core.
Funny how the Dodgers were omitted.
The Phillies farm system is a joke…u can’t get premium talent like Chapman for a bunch of failed pick.
Article just said their 3 best could get it done. Won’t take all 3. Just 1.
I don’t know I would call Chapman premium anymore. Yes he hits bombs but his average was around .200 last year. Not particularly great. He will still cost some but it’s not like he’s Olson.
Chapman struck out 200 times last, saw his doubles output drop by 60%, and was hampered by hip issues. I wouldn’t trade one of the top 3, especially for a west coast guy who’d like to stay on the west coast. A’s could add temptation for Philly by adding Laureano with Chapman, though Laureano still has some suspension time left of his PED issue. Bohm and/or Crouse might be the best player Oakland can get from Philly, unless they pull a 3-way with Hoskins going elsewhere so Oakland can get a better prospect from that team.
This. Chapman has red flags the size of a bedspread everywhere. That increase in K rate in what should be his peak years is the biggest of all. Usually suggests his bat has slowed down and he’s starting to cheat a little. OBP around 310 propped up entirely by walks, that’s another one. Has always had low BABiP (he basically only hits the ball hard when he gets a mistake and hits it out of the park).
Bottom line is you’re getting a 3.5 win player for two years, and you’re paying about $20m for the privilege. That’s maybe 4.5 wins of marginal value. Not nothing, but you don’t give up your #1 prospect for that.
D.D. is not trading any of Stott, Abel or Painter for Chapman. Rojas and maybe Crouse would be a possiblity. If not, no trade will be made.
I believe they also still have Didi and Jean Segura for the next year. What will they do with all these Luke-warm bodies?
Last year, he was the IF Joey Gallo. GG defense @ 3B, .200+ hitter with 200Ks.
I’d love to have him man 3B for my team though, just depends on how steep a price your willing to pay if you’re the Phillies; not sure I’d give up my top prospect though.
D.D is too smart to do that.
Chapman’s OPS last year was .716
Not premium
Now is the time to strike on Bohm if you can get him from the Phillies
Horrible idea for the Phils. Tons of strikeouts, low average and low OBP are exactly what they should be avoiding. Giving up any of their top 3 prospects, unless it’s a perfect deal for the perfect piece, is nuts. They have such a bad track record at developing players why would you ever give away 3 halfway decent prospects for this player.
truthfully, I agree to an extent. i think this is a bit harsh, but the low AVG does not fit what the team seems to be shooting for. Chapman will help the defense, but the easiest way to do that is get Bohm out of 3B.
On the flip side if their track record with developing is bad, what gives you confidence those top 3 prospects turn out decent and break that pattern?
@Asfan0780 One has already produced at AA and then some. New GM so maybe he can improve the development process. I don’t see how he couldn’t as the bar isn’t high.
We seen what expensive veterans did for the team. They need some young cheap talent. These guys all look promising. Hard pass for me.
B Stott looks like a pretty good prospect … Maybe even a 1 for 1 swap… Who says no ?
@Tacoshells
I would say no. There is too much upside to Stott for a guy who can’t hit his weight even if he plays a GG third base.
Well, according to the article, the Phillies.
No
This probably means some other team is on Chapman and they leak a story to make it look like somebody else is in on it
Yankees, jays, mariners are a few teams with varying interest and they have better farm systems. Worst case, A’s just keep chapman for another season or at least till trade deadline to rebuild some value
please dont overcorrect DD.
Bryant provides different but similar value and just costs money, not high prospects.
Exactly. There are options to improve D without giving up future talent.
LOL
Von;
I assume you’re not discussing improving the D by signing Bryant – although I think he would be a good addition as he will help the offense and possibly play a passable D at 3B and LF – two questionable areas for the Phillies.
As MLB is now a playoff league, teams need to keep money in reserve to make in-season trades in preparation for the stretch run and playoffs. I don’t know how much money DD can throw at players in the offseason and still have enough left to buy some needed expensive players at the trade deadline.
No. Not specifically Bryant for defense. While he’s versatile, he’s essentially sub-par defensively everywhere. I just mean in terms of OF and SS there are some FA signings available. Great point about the expanded playoffs, although I will says, as currently constructed Phillies will be lucky to finish 3rd.
Shortly after the season ended Bryce Harper made the comment that the Phillies needed to get younger.
Doesn’t appear that it’s what DD is doing; but we’ll see as the season opens and progresses.
Not a fan of pursuing Chapman when there are quality SS options out there. I think SS is a bigger defensive hole than 3B for the Phils.
As an A’s fan, please take him and his franchise record setting number of strikeouts (This is from a franchise that once employed Jack Cust)
The Phillies are in the situation they’re in because of poor drafting, player development, and making short-sighted deals like this. Chapman is a very good player but as the article notes, his offensive numbers are troubling. Trading for Chapman makes them a better team, but it likely precludes them from making bigger moves down the line.
If they’re so desperate to improve in the IF, they would be better off served signing Story or Correa and moving Stott to 3rd. With the new hitting coach, give Bohm a chance to see if he can rebuild his swing like Schwarber did last year. I think it’s more prudent for the Phillies to sign someone like Story and forfeit the 2nd round pick and keep all their guys. I would probably rather have Story, Stott, Painter, Abel, & Bohm than Chapman and having to trade 2 of those 4 guys. (Assuming they’d likely want Bohm as the second piece and not the headliner).
With a farm system so thin, if they deal from it, they have to swing for the moon or not. By that, I mean moving a top prospect(s) for a player like Bryan Reynolds or Cedric Mullins. Either way, with Chapman or one of those guys I mentioned, any team that’s just as motivated as the Phillies can easily top what they offer if they want.
The Phillies would be better served kicking the tires of guys like Trivino, Laureano, or Montas. They’re notable upgrades that won’t cost much in terms of top of the system prospects in return.
@ jett;
I just wrote under another article that the quality teams – Astros, Dodgers, Giants, Rays, Brewers, etc. have been great at making their players better at the ML level. The Phillies have been awful at it. It’s not the manager or one guy on the coaching staff. It’s an organization-wide problem.
I agree about Stott. A year ago Bohm looked like a coming star. One year later – without having suffered a major injury – his future is questionable. I respect DD and Girardi, but teams like Atlanta passed them up because they have great coaching that do everything from helping players make in-season adjustments to totally reworking their approach. Spending money on salaries is nice, but a team can’t buy a winner in today’s MLB. They have to make their players on the ML roster better.
Agreed. The suggestion I made is an alternative because I’m trying to propose more, for lack of a better term, logical possibilities. I don’t expect DD to transform into Eric Neander. Signing a player like (insert any big name FA name here) is part of DD’s DNA.
The organization issues you can argue stem even further back. All of the most notable trades during the Phillies prime of dominance (Lidge, Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Pence) of the ~20 prospects dealt for those guys, only 2-3 made any decent impact in the majors.
In regards to Bohm, I agree. However, I think for some guys, struggles in the field/plate can carry over and impact their overall game. Hoskins in ‘18 playing LF was a perfect example. I think the lack of defensive stability hurt Kingery as well. Plus, the 2020 season was so much different. Between the lack of significant travel & the abbreviated season, I think Bohm struggled with the rigors of a first full big league season.
Interesting. I know Harper has been openly rooting for the Phillies to sign Bryant.
Much better idea imo and I hate big contracts.
Mariners have the pieces. Get it done
@Jett
I agree with almost everything, except Story. I have never been a fan of his but that is just my opinion.
I would not give up on Bohn, but I would definitely seek a trade for Montas and Trivino.
I would absolutely move a package that included the Phils top three prospects to get Reynolds.
My inputting Story there is more for the sake of argument more than I arguing for it. I like Story as an alternative for Chapman, but I’m not high on either of them. Stars don’t have the impact on this game like some people think.
I made an argument before the lockout. I wanted to see if the Phillies acquire a package of Laureano, Trivino, & Montas. None of those guys are high enough to demand a top 3 guy. Laureano (when he returns from his PED suspension) could be the everyday LF. Montas can be the #3/4 with Suarez, and Trivino is your cheap 8th inning guy who can take over the 9th if Knebel fizzles out.
I just think the Phillies are in the nebulous area where they can probably challenge for the last playoff spot. But they’re so thin and weak from an organizational standpoint, I think sometimes the best way for them to move forward is to take a step back and reload by moving someone.
won’t happen…
At this point I think the Jays offering Groshans plus something else probably gets it done.
Is it better to sign Bryant or Story?
Save Groshans to pair with Monero for Jram or an Elite Ace?
I’ve heard it echoed by a couple of prospect scribes (Badler and Law) that it’s really hard to find a scout who loves Groshans and as such, he’s not likely to headline a trade for any notable player. A fine secondary piece or a lesser trade such as a deadline rental maybe.
Even at that, I wouldn’t do that for Chapman. If that’s all it takes, the As themselves probably don’t see a bounce back. If the As believe in Chapman and are going to sell off, they should sell high on the other pieces and save Chapman for the deadline.
Pass on Chapman. Better to spend the money on Bryant than give up decent prospects for a player who is trending in the wrong direction offensively.
I’d consider trading Peraza, Dominguez and others if Yankees can get both Chapman and Olson.
@mlbnyyfan- no need for Chapman my friend. Expect Gio Urshela to have a bounce back year at 3rd base. We’re not trading Dominguez. Peraza or Vargas, Schmidt or Deivi, Austin Wells or Mike Sweeney and Everson Pereira for Matt Olson. The Yankees farm system is loaded.
I like Chapman but it feels like the Phillies could benefit from a different middle infield combo rather than a 3B. Then again, Chapman’s defense would improve the left side defense immensely over Bohm. I guess I’m really not sure what happens with Bohm. I feel like they need to give him another half season to see if the bat has developed enough.
They will finish behind the Braves but ahead of the CURSED Mets.
Behind both at this stage
The Mets are better than the Phillies on paper but you’re underestimating the power of this curse.
There’s no curse. The team just wasn’t that good in recent years. The 2022 Mets are going to be good.
If I’m the Phillies I would forget about trading for the overrated Matt Chapman and I would sign Nick Castellanos.
What are they gonna do with Nick C? Full time DH? They ain’t playing him at third and they ain’t playing him in RF, which are his two positions.
Pretty fans think you can just sign 9 DH types and just slot them wherever you need them. Nelson Cruz we need you at SS today.
@iverblue- flattered. Best trade I can do for you is Aaron Boone and Brian Ca$hman for Joe Girardi.
If I’m the A’s I keep Chapman. He’s not been healthy the last couple of yrs and it’s tanked his offense. His value is bottom of the barrel right now. I’d hope for his health and some kind of rebound and move him at the deadline if his offense trends up.
Don’t give up on Bohm. Just look at what happened to the Braves’ formerly busted 3B prospect. Give him time. The talent is there. And don’t let your frustrated star RF pull a LeBron and call the shots on whom to bring in. The team needs competent players all over the place, and depth depth depth. Bring in 3 or 4 guys who can play, let your kids mature a bit, and forget the Bryants and Chapmans of the world. If you’re dying to cash in a prospect, make it a B level guy and go get Kimbrel.
I take all this back though if they want to chase Correa, who is an exception to this rant.
How about a 3 way trade with the Blue Jays? Chapman to Phillies, Didi to Toronto and Pearson to Oakland?
Didi’s value is even lower than Chapman’s…
Why would Toronto make that trade? They have no need at all for Didi. They’d be more inclined to go after Chapman than they would be Didi
Yes, no DIDI. Espinal is better in all areas than DIDI.
IF the Jays trade for Chapman, Groshans probably isn’t on the table after the trade the A’s just made, Martinez plus a prospect 2 years away is Chapman’s max right now
Chapman is so damn overrated
Phillies aren’t trading Stott or Abel in a deal for Chapman.
Chapman had a down season. That doesn’t mean he’s toast. He had a career .839 OPS heading into the ‘21 season.
Between his defense and the potential for a bounce-back from an injury-hampered season, there’s certainly value in Chapman.
Chapman had a down season. That doesn’t mean he’s toast. He had a career .839 OPS heading into the ‘21 season.
Between his defense and the potential for a bounce-back from an injury-hampered season, there’s certainly value in Chapman.
Chapman had a down season. That doesn’t mean he’s toast.
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I agree. Players eventually decline, but at age 29, there is no reason to believe that he is in permanent decline. He has a 7.4 b/650 PAs from 2018-2020, and even a 3.5 last year, Likely he is still a top-tier player.
Another sports blog commenting on this potential trade had Erik Miller as one of the key asks by the A’s.
Glove is solid but adding those K’s to a lineup with so many holes is asinine. Which is why the Phillies will do it no doubt.
Would love the Braves to go get Chapman and Olsen if we don’t keep Freddie. Yes I know we have Riley, but with the DH in play, we can rotate guys plenty
Phillies should go for Matt Olson and he and Hoskins could rotate in DH spot. And get Castellanos. Go big or go home!