As the MLB trade deadline draws nearer, it is becoming increasingly evident that the Philadelphia Phillies are in serious need of bolstering their lineup with a more productive right-handed bat.
The primary area of concern is the outfield, where securing a player capable of manning a full-time role alongside Brandon Marsh, ideally while also forming a platoon in center field, would be the most favorable outcome. However, the available options there are scarce, which could make pursuing upgrades at other positions a more logical approach.
This context sets the stage for Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, who has put forward a forecast suggesting the Phillies will pull off a major deal for a $151 million third baseman specifically, Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants, which would effectively displace Alec Bohm.
Rymer’s projection points directly to Chapman landing in Philadelphia. In his assessment, the Giants’ willingness to part with Chapman could hinge largely on the Phillies simply taking on the remaining four seasons of his hefty $151 million contract. The Phillies’ offensive struggles are most pronounced against left-handed pitching, so while adding another lefty batter would offer some benefit, a powerful right-handed slugger would address a more pressing need.
Chapman certainly appears to fit that description, having recently performed exceptionally well at the plate for the Giants. Over the course of June, he has compiled a .281 average alongside a .981 OPS, with six home runs and 23 RBIs to his name.
Nevertheless, despite Chapman’s apparent fit on paper, Rymer’s trade proposal raises several significant complications.
For starters, the Phillies taking on such a substantial financial commitment for Chapman seems ill-advised, particularly given the massive sums they have already dedicated to players like Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber. With roughly $100 million still owed to Chapman over the next four years, that averages out to $25 million annually a steep price for an additional veteran presence on the payroll.
Even though Chapman currently outperforms Bohm and would represent a clear upgrade over the underperforming homegrown infielder, the overall cost of acquiring him whether measured in prospects surrendered or the long-term monetary obligation makes this deal far more difficult to execute in practice.
Rymer’s prediction is certainly an intriguing hypothetical, but actually bringing Chapman aboard, especially if the Phillies were to absorb the entirety of his remaining contract, would constitute a considerable gamble that probably isn’t advisable.
Leave a Reply