General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2023)

[G-Snarls]

Day off and the Rays are playing the Orioles

 

Excellent

[Krylian]

Via The Score:

 

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman is interested in staying with the team on a long-term deal.

 

"Of course," Chapman said when asked if he's open to an extension, according to Sports Illustrated's Mitch Bannon.

 

The pending free agent added there's mutual interest to get a deal done but that a new contract isn't his priority at the moment.

 

"I know that both parties want to make something happen," Chapman said. "But right now, I'm focused on baseball and focused on winning. And if they want to talk, it's gotta be with Scott (Boras)."

 

Boras, Chapman's agent, has a reputation for ensuring his clients test the open market. He was responsible for landing four different pacts worth at least $150 million last offseason.

 

"I trust that (Boras') process works, and he knows what he's doing," the 30-year-old said. "I think it's something that we'll look back at after the end of this season, and then we'll really start to sit down."

 

Chapman, a three-time Gold Glover, is off to a sensational start to the 2023 campaign, slashing .352/.436/.615 with five homers and an MLB-leading 17 doubles entering Sunday's action. He could be the top third baseman available in free agency after the Padres extended Manny Machado in February.

 

Until pen is put to paper, it's all just talk to keep the fans on his side. Boras knows what works and what fans will eat up.

[Jonn]

Jays don’t have a choice but to overpay for Chapman. They have no options to replace him and no assets to trade for anyone comparable. It’s hard to believe Boras doesn’t allow him to explore Free Agency though. I think the Yankees sign him if he does.

[wilko]

Jays don’t have a choice but to overpay for Chapman. They have no options to replace him and no assets to trade for anyone comparable. It’s hard to believe Boras doesn’t allow him to explore Free Agency though. I think the Yankees sign him if he does.

 

[Jonn]

 

He’s more of Whit and Espinal replacement lol

[Orgfiller]

He’s more of Whit and Espinal replacement lol

 

I don't know why this is the assumption to take. He's a top 50 prospect and hasn't played 2B since 2021 so clearly the team likes him on the left side of the infield. Now obviously, expecting him to replace Chapman's production at the hot corner is a tough ask, but both the team and the industry viewed Barger highly coming into the season, I don't think one month of poor performance should change that outlook.

[G-Snarls]

Don’t look now but Brandon Belt is up to a 118 wRC+ against RHP

 

That's fantastic

 

So happy he's getting it going

[G-Snarls]

Via The Score:

 

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman is interested in staying with the team on a long-term deal.

 

"Of course," Chapman said when asked if he's open to an extension, according to Sports Illustrated's Mitch Bannon.

 

The pending free agent added there's mutual interest to get a deal done but that a new contract isn't his priority at the moment.

 

"I know that both parties want to make something happen," Chapman said. "But right now, I'm focused on baseball and focused on winning. And if they want to talk, it's gotta be with Scott (Boras)."

 

Boras, Chapman's agent, has a reputation for ensuring his clients test the open market. He was responsible for landing four different pacts worth at least $150 million last offseason.

 

"I trust that (Boras') process works, and he knows what he's doing," the 30-year-old said. "I think it's something that we'll look back at after the end of this season, and then we'll really start to sit down."

 

Chapman, a three-time Gold Glover, is off to a sensational start to the 2023 campaign, slashing .352/.436/.615 with five homers and an MLB-leading 17 doubles entering Sunday's action. He could be the top third baseman available in free agency after the Padres extended Manny Machado in February.

 

So no chance of a deal at the all star break (during which he'll be busy playing anyway) and he'll reach free agency and Jays will be outbid. Gotcha.

[Brownie19]

Of course Chapman is open to an extension right now - while he's rocking a 187 wRC+ and is playing like one of the best players in baseball. If Chapman was hitting like Springer - there'd be no discussion on his side of an extension.

[jerb]

[Jonn]

I don't know why this is the assumption to take. He's a top 50 prospect and hasn't played 2B since 2021 so clearly the team likes him on the left side of the infield. Now obviously, expecting him to replace Chapman's production at the hot corner is a tough ask, but both the team and the industry viewed Barger highly coming into the season, I don't think one month of poor performance should change that outlook.

 

It’s not uncommon for organizations to keep players on the left side longer than they should in the minors. He will likely make the eventual move to Second Base. Bottom line this team will have holes at both 2B and 3B next off-season.

[max silver]

It’s not uncommon for organizations to keep players on the left side longer than they should in the minors. He will likely make the eventual move to Second Base. Bottom line this team will have holes at both 2B and 3B next off-season.

 

Barger has the strongest infield arm in the Blue Jays organization, and the team really has no other available replacements for Chapman if he leaves. It would be a bit of a waste of his toolset to park him at second base.

[Jonn]

Barger has the strongest infield arm in the Blue Jays organization, and the team really has other available replacements for Chapman if he leaves. It would be a bit of a waste of his toolset to park him at second base.

 

I keep hearing that argument and it’s never been a good one. There are plenty of times where having a strong arm would benefit a second baseman. Considering he’s been an absolute butcher at SS and 3B his strong arm is irrelevant. He probably should play RF if you’re that in love with his arm.

 

Bottom line Addison Barger is not a replacement for Matt Chapman at 3B on either side of the ball. If Chapman isn’t brought back a trade will need to be made. We can only hope they wouldn’t consider starting Espinal every day.

[wilko]

I keep hearing that argument and it’s never been a good one. There are plenty of times where having a strong arm would benefit a second baseman. Considering he’s been an absolute butcher at SS and 3B his strong arm is irrelevant. He probably should play RF if you’re that in love with his arm.

 

Bottom line Addison Barger is not a replacement for Matt Chapman at 3B on either side of the ball. If Chapman isn’t brought back a trade will need to be made. We can only hope they wouldn’t consider starting Espinal every day.

 

[Jonn]

 

[John_Havok]

Barger has the strongest infield arm in the Blue Jays organization, and the team really has no other available replacements for Chapman if he leaves. It would be a bit of a waste of his toolset to park him at second base.

 

Yeah, i dont understand where some people get the impression that he can't play 3b. His arm is his best defensive tool and they're still pretty much splitting him between 3b and SS in AAA, with a sprinkling of RF. Any scouting report I've read indicates that he wont be a SS long term, but would profile at 3b or the OF if his power fully develops.

[Stangstag]

Yeah, i dont understand where some people get the impression that he can't play 3b. His arm is his best defensive tool and they're still pretty much splitting him between 3b and SS in AAA, with a sprinkling of RF. Any scouting report I've read indicates that he wont be a SS long term, but would profile at 3b or the OF if his power fully develops.

 

Yeah if range was his issue, he won’t really be any better at 2B than SS. If he has a good arm then 3B is a no-brainer. If he fails there then OF

[wilko]

 

[max silver]

I keep hearing that argument and it’s never been a good one. There are plenty of times where having a strong arm would benefit a second baseman. Considering he’s been an absolute butcher at SS and 3B his strong arm is irrelevant. He probably should play RF if you’re that in love with his arm.

 

Bottom line Addison Barger is not a replacement for Matt Chapman at 3B on either side of the ball. If Chapman isn’t brought back a trade will need to be made. We can only hope they wouldn’t consider starting Espinal every day.

 

I've seen zero reports that suggest Barger has been a butcher at short stop and third base. If he's that bad at those positions then he has no business at second base either. I have seen reports that suggest he's a bit challenged to remain at short stop though.

[Jonn]

 

He did have quite the glow up.

 

Maybe he will have a Matt Chapman level glow up in April

[glory]

With only 2 years of Vlad/Bo left after this season, it would be pretty ballsy to replace Chapman with Barger, but at some point the Jays do have to start replacing departing players with prospects. If they put Barger there in 2024, then hopefully they can improve 2B/LF/DH enough to compensate for whatever growing pains Barger would have. Thankfully they have 5 SP's locked up for next season so in theory we shouldn't see another $20m AAV SP signing.

[Ray]

Looks like Mitch White has more of a sweeper with horizontal movement compared to a vertical slider this year. Also flashing a pretty decent look changeup actually

 

 

[John_Havok]

 

 

The lack of changeup was always what held him back imo. Fastball is good enough, slider was already good. but ya simply cannot start in the MLB with 2 pitches unless one of them is near god tier like Gausman's splitter. And even he throws his slider enough that he's not a true 2 pitch guy.

[Spanky99]

I'm not pessimistic at all bud. Its just business. I do agree they both possess some rare talents.

 

They value themselves highly and the only way they don't sell to the highest bidder in FA, is a large overpay, which I wouldn't want anyway. Just because some teams are paying that kind of money to players like Baez and Xander, doesn't mean we need to or should go down that path. If we are talking something Riley ish it makes more sense. But again...they have to agree and I think they will bet someone will pay them more.

 

If the Rays can find that kind of production from a Yandy Diaz at 3/24 - then we have to do a better job.

 

I could care less what any player in any sport says...only what they do. "I love TOR and want to play here forever" ya da ya da. Its virtually meaningless.

 

Bo may have improved his D this season, emphasis on its May, but he is still bottom third.

 

But his bat is elite in that position, I'll take that all day. Vlad's just doing normal lip service, doubt he takes any type of discount, tough spot me thinks, I agree with you there.

[Spanky99]

I keep hearing that argument and it’s never been a good one. There are plenty of times where having a strong arm would benefit a second baseman. Considering he’s been an absolute butcher at SS and 3B his strong arm is irrelevant. He probably should play RF if you’re that in love with his arm.

 

Bottom line Addison Barger is not a replacement for Matt Chapman at 3B on either side of the ball. If Chapman isn’t brought back a trade will need to be made. We can only hope they wouldn’t consider starting Espinal every day.

 

Where do you get that Barger is a butcher at SS and 3B??? lol

[THANOS]

Where do you get that Barger is a butcher at SS and 3B??? lol

 

I'm curious about that too.

[Spanky99]

I'm curious about that too.

 

He's pulling it out of his ass I believe, hence the no response. It's simply not true, here's BA and KL on his defense...

 

Barger can play multiple positions on the infield. His sound actions and plus arm strength should allow him to stick at shortstop as an average defender, and he can also capably play second base or third base.

 

The Future: Barger's power and defense give him a chance to be a regular in the middle infield. He is in position to make his major league debut in 2023.

 

Scouting Grades: Hitting: 45. Power: 55. Run: 50. Field: 50. Arm: 60

 

And there's Law on his defense...

 

He’s not a shortstop but he’s solid at third and I see no reason he couldn’t handle second. He could be a regular at either of those spots on a non-contender, whereas for a good club he’s a very good utility infielder who can handle short on a temporary basis and would also be a valuable pinch-hitter when he’s sitting against a lefty starter.

[Key22]

I think we should not worry too much about next year. We have a pretty big payroll and I don't believe they're at the limit.

 

We should have a lot of contracts coming off the books no?

Ryu

Belt

KK

Chapman

(That's 50 million).

 

Hell, why not make a run at Ohtani - $440 million/10 years with $6 million leftover - sweet.

[Orgfiller]

I think we should not worry too much about next year. We have a pretty big payroll and I don't believe they're at the limit.

 

We should have a lot of contracts coming off the books no?

Ryu

Belt

KK

Chapman

(That's 50 million).

 

Hell, why not make a run at Ohtani - $440 million/10 years with $6 million leftover - sweet.

 

Ok but only Ryu has already been replaced and counts as dead money coming off the books. Kiermaier and Chapman will need to be replaced/brought back, that's 6-8 WAR minimum right there that most likely they'll have to spend to replace. That's before we start considering any arb increases from the younger players. They'll have some room to spend but they'll be right up against the max they're willing to spend again if they want to stay competitive with the core and contracts already in place.

[Jonn]

He's pulling it out of his ass I believe, hence the no response. It's simply not true, here's BA and KL on his defense...

 

Or I was just sleeping lol. I watched a couple of his New Hampshire games. Over the course of a full game he spiked 6 or 7 throws from Third base like actual shin breakers. He somehow only got called for one error. Multiple infield singles on plays that should have been made a by a professional baseball player. His actions and footwork look absolute s***. He was actually substantially better throwing on the run which probably due to his Shortstop background. But this isn’t even about Barger. I like Barger I hope he becomes a good Third Baseman. But if you’re telling me he’s the guy they planning to pencil in at third next year we’re in trouble. Considering he’s playing SS, 3B, and RF in AAA makes me think they are attempting to groom into a super utility player based on where the Jays think they may need him this Season.

 

Bottom line there’s 2 notable openings next off-season 3B and 2B. Both those positions won’t be able to he filled internally. So you very much hope you can resign Chapman. You would hate to take a massive dip at both sides of the ball. You also gotta take advantage of current window to win.