Predicting where each Blue Jays free agent will sign this offseason

Matt Chapman

Perhaps the most prominent free agent leaving the Jays this season, Chapman provided the ballclub with a rarity that didn’t exist ever since Scott Rolen was in town; and that's the combination of elite defence and potent offensive output at the same time. Chapman had a productive two seasons with the Jays in which he batted .234 with a .756 OPS, 149 runs scored, 66 doubles, 44 home runs and 130 RBI in 295 games played. Defensively, he also took home his fourth Gold Glove award in seven years.

However, despite his success in his overall numbers, Chapman did struggle offensively for the majority of the 2023 season outside of a blazing start to the year. As a result, it has casted some doubt on whether he could provide consistent production heading into the latter half of his career. Nevertheless, the Jays still had interest in having him back, but he turned down their qualifying offer at the end of the season to enter the free agent market.

Among his suitors, the New York Yankees would be the ideal landing spot for Chapman. The Yankees haven’t had a third baseman that could provide the right mix of power and defence since Alex Rodríguez. In addition, the Yankees have already been playing it big this offseason, trading for both Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto. They have shown in the past to not worry too much about the luxury tax, so adding another potential big contract with Chapman presents no problems for a ballclub that aims to become strong contenders once again for 2024.

Prediction: Yankees