What it would cost the Mets to acquire Matt Chapman from the Blue Jays

The New York Mets front office is predictably looking for an offensive boost after being rejected by Carlos Correa and his agent Scott Boras, and all Mets fans' eyes are currently on General Manager Billy Eppler. Many Mets fans last offseason were making their voices loud on social media in an effort to get the front office's attention in entering the Matt Chapman sweepstakes last winter, while the Oakland Athletics were shopping him on the trade block.

While the Mets moved forward with signing Eduardo Escobar to man the hot corner, Chapman ultimately ended up being traded to the Toronto Blue jays last March for four prospects, which included 2021 first-round draft pick, Gunnar Hoglund. The 29-year-old Chapman who is regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, and is a legitimate power threat every time he steps to the plate, required a significant haul from the Blue Jays to acquire his services.

Should the Mets enter the Matt Chapman sweepstakes at any point in 2023 it won't come at a cheap price

Chapman is now entering his walk year prior to hitting free agency after the 2023 season and it would certainly take an enticing package for the Mets to even think about engaging in trade discussions with the Blue Jays who are in the midst of competing for a division title next season. For reference last season in Toronto, Chapman had hit .229/.324/.433 with a .757 OPS, to go along with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs.

If the Mets and Blue Jays were to sit at the negotiating table prior to Opening Day, talks would almost immediately center around two of the Mets' ten top prospects for starters, such as Brett Baty and Jett Williams. While the Blue Jays have not made any efforts known publicly whether they plan to extend Chapman or not prior to him hitting free agency next offseason, they have no pressure nor reason to move him currently on a win-now club.

However, as we all know circumstances can change at the drop of a dime, and if the Blue Jays are out of contention as the trade deadline approaches this summer, they more than likely will be fielding trade offers for the three-time Gold Glove and two-time Platinum Glove Award winner. If Billy Eppler were to approach Toronto for Chapman at the deadline the ask would be much less than it would be right now obviously as they would simply be paying for a rental player at that point.

If Matt Chapman is having a career year, in 2023, as many players seem to have in their walk years, or is averaging offensive numbers close to his career average he will more than likely require a package centered around one of the Mets' top prospects, but shouldn't exceed beyond that. It may actually look similar to the Javy Baez and Trevor Williams deal they made with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong back in 2021.

While much of this is simply speculation as the Mets presently seem content with both Eduardo Escobar and Brett Baty at third base, it would be an interesting match between the Blue Jays and Mets should they explore another option at third base in the near future.