The Chicago Cubs haven’t had the kind of offseason most had anticipated. Despite the availability of superstar talent, the Cubs have not been able to sign that big-name player.
That might alter, though, if the team continues to express interest in third baseman Matt Chapman, a free agent.
In an attempt to bolster their infield, the Cubs have also been connected to free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman. As a free agent, they lost third baseman Jeimer Candelario to the Reds.”
Being a top-tier defender, Chapman is also highly sought after by other teams. The San Francisco Giants are still “big-game hunting” and interested in Chapman, according to MLB source Jon Heyman.
It’s just a matter of time until the Giants sign a free agent, since they continue to express interest in them.
Likewise, Chicago falls within this category.
Chapman, who slashed.240/.330/.424 in the previous season, will get compensated. Since being selected an Oakland Athletics All-Star in 2019, they were some of his finest performance figures.
There will always be a question about the bat surrounding him. Chapman has two Platinum Gloves and four Gold Gloves in defence. While defence is undoubtedly a useful skill that the Cubs need and cherish, there might be better options available given the money he is expected to sign.
The group will need to find a replacement for Candelario as he left. Candelario is an above-average hitter who, had he been re-signed, would have resolved his issues in Chicago.
Although Chapman would make a big impression, he might not be the team’s best long-term addition.