The year 2024 is drawing near, and the Detroit Tigers still have a hole at third base. Since Scott Harris released Jeimer Candelario in November of 2022, the hole has existed.
They played without a designated third baseman for the whole 2023 season, and things went about as well as you could have predicted. Together, the Tigers’ third basemen scored -1.0 fWAR and had a 72 wRC+. Who would have guessed that Zack McKinstry, Andy Ibanez, Matt Vierling, Nick Maton, and other roster filler wouldn’t be enough?
This offseason, the Tigers have taken care of a number of other needs, which is undoubtedly a positive thing. At least in terms of bodies, the starting rotation and bullpen are both in really decent form. However, the lineup still needs improvement, particularly at third base.
Throughout this summer, we have stated repeatedly that the best way to replace that vacuum would likely be through a trade. However, Matt Chapman, a free agent third baseman, is still coveted by many Tigers fans.
Last year, Chapman had such a stellar start that he was receiving early MVP buzz. Through the first month of the season, he hit.384 with a 216 wRC+ and a ridiculous.303 ISO. It appeared that he would receive compensation during the off-season.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have as much success the rest of the season. From May on, he hit just.205 with an 84 wRC+. Although he walked at a respectable 10.3% clip, he struck out nearly 30% of the time.
His outstanding hot corner defense allowed him to record a 3.5 fWAR season despite his difficulties at the plate. Chapman’s reputation has been built on this. He’s got the best pick of them all. That would be a very appreciated addition.
Now, because Chapman seems like a player similar to Javier Baez, I have personally been against signing him. It appears as though a steep downturn is imminent, if not already underway. On the left side of the infield, the Tigers already have one black hole. There’s no need for another.
But I would be ready to take a risk on Chapman, and the Tigers should too, if he and his camp were open to a one-year trial.
It’s something that Chapman’s team ought to take into account. Given how bad he played in the latter five months of the season, many teams have doubts about his long-term prospects. But Chapman might have an opportunity to show that he still has it if they were ready to accept a one-year contract with an option—a player or a club option.
Similar agreements have in the past been profitable for the player. In 2018, Josh Donaldson signed a one-year contract with the Braves. After an excellent season, he was rewarded with a four-year contract with the Twins in the offseason. It is not unprecedented.
It would also be a win for the Tigers. Chapman’s demands are irrelevant because they have plenty of salary capacity and the deal is only for a year. He wouldn’t block anyone if you grant him the player option and he leaves in 2024. He will activate it and leave after the season.
Chapman would at least provide you with excellent defense in the near future, with the possibility that he rediscovers his offensive touch. Or at least demonstrate the Tigers’ desire to participate in the 2024 season.
It is understandable that Chapman’s team will now try to negotiate a long-term agreement for as long as they can. They ought to use every effort to guarantee that he receives the bag. However, they might want to change course if it’s still not clear whether he will sign by late January or early February.
The Detroit Tigers’ long-term third base option is not Matt Chapman. However, he might be the temporary fix, and that would be far preferable to the other option.
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