How are potential Matt Chapman replacements performing so far this year?

The 2023 season for the Toronto Blue Jays have been full of excitement, as they have gotten out to a solid start with a 21-15 record this year so far. Their current success has a lot to do with the blistering production of third baseman Matt Chapman. In 37 games, he is hitting .328 with 20 runs scored, five home runs and 22 RBI, to go along with a .976 OPS and an astounding OPS+ of 171. In doing so, he has already captured AL Player of the Week honours to go along with his AL Player of the Month honours for April just recently. 

His strong production has been quite the treat for both the Jays and their fans. However, the more Chapman is able to keep this up, the more likely he will be slowly but steadily pricing his way out of town when free agency approaches at the end of the season. This is a scenario that may be quite worrisome for Jays’ fans, as if it does happen, who would be his replacement? 

Here, we will take a look at some of the potential replacements for Chapman, if the inevitable does occur, as well as their production and performance thus far this year. In particular, we will be examining both internal options, which include players already within the Jays’ organization that may (or may appear to) be ready to step in if called upon, and external options, which involve players that could be available primarily in free agency in the upcoming offseason.