Top 10 Mets trade targets when the lockout ends

4. Mets trade target Matt Chapman

Matt Chapman is yet another Athletics trade target, this time a position player. He might be the best defensive third baseman in baseball and one of the best defensive players in the game as well.

Chapman has been in trade rumors for a long time, but now it seems like those rumors might be realistic with the Athletics leaning towards selling. Chapman is projected to make $9.5 million dollars this season according to Spotrac and has one more year of team control before entering free agency following the 2023 season. Chapman's value will probably never be higher as his team control is running out, so the Athletics would benefit from trading him now even after a rough offensive season.

Chapman is coming off of a poor season offensively. He slashed .210/.314/.403 with 27 home runs and 72 RBI. His batting average was low, but Chapman still had a WRC+ of 101 which is slightly above average. That number was also the lowest of his career.

Chapman has consistently been a 110+ WRC+ hitter, showing that this off year was probably an outlier.

Chapman's bat might've taken a step back, but his glove remained elite. He won his third Gold Glove in five seasons at third base and if the Mets were to acquire him, they'd have the best defensive left side of the infield in all of baseball by far. There is also major upside with both of their bats as both have had great offensive seasons in the past.

Chapman has hit as many as 36 home runs in a season, that came in 2019. His best overall offensive season came in 2018 when he had a 139 WRC+, good for eighth in the American League. If his bat goes back to that elite level along with his glove staying where it is, the Mets would be getting one of the best players in baseball.

Even if Chapman's bat isn't at that elite level, he'll provide power, walk a lot, and play absurd defense. He's a player the Mets would be very fortunate to acquire. They did just sign Eduardo Escobar, but they can put him at second base if Jeff McNeil is in the deal, or bring him off the bench. Escobar should not be the reason to not pursue a player as good as Chapman.