The latest Matt Chapman rumors

Matt Chapman is now a free agent. MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding the third baseman.

Oct. 31: What will Chapman’s contract look like?Although he had a disappointing finish to 2023, following a red-hot April with a .659 OPS over his final 113 games, Chapman could still be in high demand in a free-agent class that lacks viable alternatives at the hot corner.

In addition to the incumbent Blue Jays, a number of big-market teams could be in the mix for the 30-year-old Chapman, including the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Tigers, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden (subscription required). That could be enough to push the three-time Gold Glove Award winner’s contract well past $100 million. Bowden’s prediction? A six-year, $127 million deal.

Oct. 28: Where does Chapman rank in upcoming FA class?Chapman is not exactly entering free agency on the highest of notes, as he struggled for much of 2023 after winning the AL Player of the Month Award at the end of April. From May 1 through the end of the regular season, Chapman hit .205 with 12 homers, 33 RBIs and a .659 OPS over 113 games.

That said, he remains a top-notch defender at the hot corner and should draw plenty of interest in free agency, given the lack of alternatives at the position after Rafael Devers and Manny Machado both signed extensions earlier this year.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand ranked Chapman 10th on his list of the Top 25 free agents this offseason and named the Yankees and Dodgers as potential fits in addition to the incumbent Blue Jays.