Bo Bichette and Santiago Espinal arrived at the #BlueJays complex at 6:15am. Asked if they knew what time new teammate Matt Chapman was scheduled to show up today. Espinal: “oh, he’s here already. He got here at 5am.” 😳
Chapman is Looking to Fill the Void Left by Semien, and he’s had a Great Start
Mar 19, 2022, 12:48 EDTUpdated: Mar 19, 2022, 12:51 EDT
Do you recall what you were doing at 5 in the morning on Friday, March 18th?
Personally, I was about three hours into my sleep about to be unwillingly woken up by my kittens. Do you want to know what Matt Chapman was doing? The new Blue Jays third baseman was already at the training facility, ready to work.
While Santiago was incorrect in regards to the time, it does leave a good first impression with the fans, the front office and his fellow players. Not just that, but from interviews you can tell that the third baseman is excited to be a part of this team.
Matt Chapman on what time he arrived: “think I told them 5:55a..was here at 6am..I knew I was gonna have a busy day… wanted to make sure I could meet all my teammates…I’m now part of the breakfast club… I couldn’t sleep either, felt like my first day of school.” #BlueJays
The similarities to former Blue Jays infielder, Marcus Semien are present. Like Semien, Chapman spent the previous season with the Oakland Athletic’s, but struggled offensively. For Semien, the move paid off well, as he signed a seven year, $175 million contract. Chapman spoke with the former Jay, who said that the 28-year-old third baseman would love it in Toronto.
Matt Chapman spoke to Former #BlueJays Marcus Semien on joining the organization: “He gave me about as much of an update as he could, and just told me how much I’m going to love it (here), and love the guys.” *Chapman with George Springer
I remember hearing during a broadcast that Matt Chapman helped improve Marcus Semien defensively, which Semien passed the knowledge on to the young Bo Bichette. Now it seems like Chapman, a two time platinum glove winner, is looking to help the younger players improve their defense.
Cool story from Blue Jays third base and infield coach Luis Rivera on the type of teammate Matt Chapman is. On his first day with the team, "he already told me, 'if you feel like I need to help any of the kids that are here I'm here for them,'" relayed Rivera. "That's great."
Chapman, like Semien, is a leader. While the Blue Jays are certainly not devoid of any leaders on the team, it’s important to have that “field general” who can help guide the young players defensively. Contrast his leadership to that of the vets during the mid 10s runs, where Dalton Pompey was allegedly bullied by the vets. https://bluejaysnation.com/2019/04/22/pompey-bullied-in-blue-jays-clubhouse/ That leads one to believe that this team has the potential to be a lot more successful.
A player could have all the talent in the world, but without the right attitude, they’ll never succeed to their full potential. Let’s put aside Chapman’s defensive abilities. We’ll also put aside his potential for the big power numbers pre-COVID. https://twitter.com/thejaysnation/status/1504549641836118020 Let’s just focus on the fact that he wants to improve and help others improve around him. That alone, makes the cost of acquisition worth it.
The most interesting bit to me is that Chapman is open to an extension. That being said, Rosenthal points out that Chapman likely isn’t staying past 2023, especially knowing he is a Boras client.
Two offseasons ago, Matt Chapman turned down a massive extension from A’s. Now, with the Blue Jays, he’s looking to make that bet pay off. Story: theathletic.com/3195063/2022/0…
Chapman has two more seasons under arbitration, meaning he can test the free agent market after the 2023 season. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Chapman seems more than open to signing an extension despite being a Jay for less than a week. If he performs well this season, the Jays should absolutely re-sign him, as Matt Chapman, the best defensive third baseman in the league, is the exact leader the Jays need.
Conclusion:
For the Jays, this was a lowish risk, high reward situation. They traded three prospects that were positionally blocked and a solid prospect coming off Tommy John. For Chapman, this is an opportunity to regain his stock and get that huge contract he deserved after 2019.
Who knows what the future holds, all I know is that the Blue Jays are lucky to have him for two seasons at the very least.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Brennan_L_D. Guess what? This article is scheduled for 12:00 PM, (forgot to upload it with a picture) an hour before the first televised game of the season. Who else is pumped? Below is a cool meme.
Matt Chapman: Going to make a great 1st impression and be the first one at the Jays clubhouse. No one in their right mind will be here at 5am. *opens the door and sees Charlie Montoyo*
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