6 former Blue Jays fan favourites still without a job heading toward spring training

Matt Chapman 

With the Jays’ penchant of making blockbuster deals with the Oakland Athletics in the past, they chose to pursue that route once again during the 2021-22 offseason when they acquired All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman from the Athletics for a plethora of prospects including RHP Gunnar Hoglund, LHPs Zach Logue and Kirby Snead, and infielder Kevin Smith. The acquisition of Chapman, a four-time Gold Glove winner, stabilized the Jays’ infield defence immensely, while providing some big time pop at the plate as well.

In his two seasons with the ballclub, Chapman amassed a .234 batting average with a .756 OPS, along with 149 runs scored, 66 doubles, 44 home runs and 130 RBI in 295 total games played. However, a year-long offensive slump following a hot start to his 2023 season left a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, his elite defence came as advertised by posting a .979 fielding percentage along with 14 DRS in the past two years, en route to his fourth Gold Glove in seven years.

When the free agency season began this offseason, Chapman represented the best player available at his position with this year’s third baseman pool being rather weak. Looking for the big multi-year contract signing that would take him right into his twilight years in the MLB, that scenario has yet to materialize despite speculation and rumors earlier on in the offseason. The more the market stalls on Chapman, the higher the chance now that perhaps a reunion may be in the cards between him and the Jays. After all, the best move for him may be to go back to the place where he is desperately wanted and beloved by the fans.