Matt Chapman is a name that many baseball fans will be familiar with. As a third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, he has established himself as one of the top players in the league, known for his impressive defensive skills and powerful hitting.
But with any professional athlete, there’s always the question of what’s next – what does the future hold for someone like Chapman?
We’ll take a closer look at his career to date, highlighting some of his biggest achievements and examining any recent events that may have impacted his trajectory.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply curious about one of baseball’s rising stars, read on to learn more about what’s been happening with Matt Chapman.
Career Overview
Matt Chapman was born on April 28, 1993, in Victorville, California. He attended California State University, Fullerton, where he played college baseball for the Titans. After his junior year, Chapman was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft.
Chapman quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut for the Athletics on June 15, 2017. He played in 84 games that season, hitting .234 with 14 home runs and 40 RBI.
In 2018, Chapman solidified his place as the Athletics’ starting third baseman, playing in 145 games and hitting .278 with 24 home runs and 68 RBI. He also won his first Gold Glove award for his exceptional defensive skills.
Chapman’s success continued in 2019, when he was named to his first All-Star team and won his second Gold Glove award. He finished the season with a .249 batting average, 36 home runs, and 91 RBI.
Chapman’s 2020 season was cut short due to a hip injury that required surgery, limiting him to just 37 games. However, he still managed to hit .232 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI.
In 2021, Chapman was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he has continued to be a key contributor. As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, he had played in 127 games, hitting .236 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI.
Overall, Chapman has established himself as one of the top third basemen in the league, known for his powerful hitting and exceptional defense.
He has won two Gold Glove awards and been named to one All-Star team, and is considered by many to be a rising star in the game.
Recent Events
Here’s some information on recent events that may have impacted Matt Chapman’s career:
One notable recent event in Chapman’s career was the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chapman played in only 37 games due to a hip injury that required surgery, which was a significant setback for him and the Oakland Athletics. The injury also raised concerns about his long-term health and durability.
Despite this setback, Chapman returned to form in the 2021 season, playing in 127 games and hitting .236 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI.
While his batting average was lower than in previous seasons, he still proved to be a valuable contributor for the Toronto Blue Jays, helping the team to compete for a playoff spot in the American League.
Chapman also continued to showcase his impressive defensive skills in 2021, making several highlight-reel plays at third base.
His defensive prowess has been a major part of his success as a player and has earned him two Gold Glove awards in his career.
Moving forward, injuries will likely continue to be a concern for Chapman, especially given his history with hip issues. However, he remains one of the top third basemen in the league and has shown that he can be a valuable contributor to any team he plays for.
Overall, while Chapman’s 2020 injury was a setback, he has continued to be a strong player in the league and a key contributor to the Toronto Blue Jays.
His defensive skills and powerful hitting make him a valuable asset to any team, and fans can look forward to watching his continued success on the field.
Future Outlook
Here are some thoughts on what the future may hold for Matt Chapman’s career:
At just 28 years old, Chapman has already established himself as one of the top third basemen in the league. With his powerful hitting and exceptional defensive skills, he has the potential to continue to be a major force in the game for years to come.
One upcoming milestone that Chapman may be striving to achieve is another All-Star selection. He was named to the All-Star team in 2019 but was not selected in 2021.
With his talent and track record, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility that he could earn another All-Star nod in the near future.
In addition to individual milestones, Chapman will likely be focused on helping his team, the Toronto Blue Jays, compete for a playoff spot and potentially win a World Series.
The Blue Jays have a talented roster, and with Chapman’s contributions, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the American League.
Of course, injuries will always be a concern for any player, and Chapman’s history with hip issues will likely continue to be something to monitor moving forward.
However, if he can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he has the potential to cement himself as one of the all-time greats at his position.
Overall, the future looks bright for Matt Chapman’s career. With his talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game, he has the potential to continue to be a major force in the league and achieve even greater success in the years to come.
Matt Chapman Career Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Matt Chapman |
| Position | Third Baseman |
| Teams | Oakland Athletics (2017-2021), Toronto Blue Jays (2021-present) |
| Draft | First round (25th overall), 2014 MLB draft |
| Awards | Two Gold Glove Awards (2018, 2019), Platinum Glove Award (2018) |
| Career stats (as of 2022) | .249 batting average, 102 home runs, 289 RBIs, .807 OPS |
| Contract | Signed with Toronto Blue Jays through 2024 season |
| Charitable causes | Taylor Hooton Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation |
| Approach to the game | Hard-working, dedicated, attention to detail, leadership qualities |
FAQs
How did Matt Chapman get his start in baseball?
Matt Chapman started playing baseball at a young age and played throughout high school in Southern California. He then went on to play college baseball at California State University, Fullerton, where he had a standout career and was eventually drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft.
What is Matt Chapman’s contract status?
As of 2023, Matt Chapman is signed with the Toronto Blue Jays through the 2024 season. He signed a six-year, $93 million contract extension with the Oakland Athletics in 2019, but was later traded to the Blue Jays in 2021.
Has Matt Chapman won any other awards besides Gold Gloves?
In addition to his two Gold Glove awards, Matt Chapman was also named the Platinum Glove winner for the American League in 2018. This award is given to the top defensive player in each league and is voted on by fans and a panel of experts.
Does Matt Chapman have any charitable causes or foundations?
Matt Chapman is involved in several charitable causes and foundations. He is a spokesperson for the Taylor Hooton Foundation, which promotes awareness of the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. He also supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and participates in various community outreach programs.
What is Matt Chapman’s approach to the game?
Matt Chapman is known for his hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. He is a student of the game and is constantly looking for ways to improve his skills. He is also known for his leadership qualities and his willingness to help younger players develop their skills.
Conclusion
Matt Chapman has established himself as one of the top third basemen in Major League Baseball with his exceptional defensive skills and powerful hitting. Despite a setback with a hip injury in 2020, he bounced back in 2021 and continues to be a valuable contributor to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Looking ahead, Chapman has the potential to achieve additional milestones, such as another All-Star selection, and help his team compete for a playoff spot and potentially win a World Series.
While injuries will always be a concern, Chapman’s talent and dedication to the game make for an exciting future for him and his career.
