Spring training is coming soon, but several players still lack a club.
Top of the list is Matt Chapman, who became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season after spending two years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
As contract negotiations continue, the 30-year-old third baseman joins a thinning list of free agents who have yet to find a new home.
The league changed its free agency system to empower players and do away with endless rumors and bidding wars.
Chapman's camp is probably taking advantage of this window.
The four-time Gold Glove Award winner is on the top of many rankings of best remaining free agents, and it will not be a surprise if he gets signed to a lucrative deal.
Matt Chapman's contract demand
The Blue Jays tried to bring him back in November last year, but Chapman rejected their qualifying offer, which MLB reporter TSN Scott Mitchell said was around $100 million and would span four to five years.
He was projected to receive $150 million before the offer.
He also owns one of the most valuable contracts while playing for the Blue Jays.
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Last season, he recorded .240/.330/.424 slash line that comes along with 17 homers over 581 plate appearances. That record is above-average 110 wRC+ in the league. He was hailed as the AL Player of the Month in April for his exploits.
Chapman has not said how much he wants exactly, but he expects something bigger than $150 million, which the Blue Jays also offered him in 2022.
Which teams are interested in Chapman?
There are still several teams that could use Chapman.
The Los Angeles Angels are emerging to be a surprising landing spot for the 30-year-old, according to Bleacher Report. Writer Zachary D. Rymer wrote:
"The Angels dropping big money on a third baseman? Didn't they just do that? Well, maybe not 'just,' but last season was only the fourth year of Anthony Rendon's seven-year, $245 million contract. That contract (and Rendon himself, mind you) are still around, so now isn't exactly an ideal time to sign another third baseman."
The team that is consistently tied to Chapman is the New York Yankees.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Yankees are ready to pursue the former Blue Jay. However, they compete with his incumbent team and the Chicago Cubs.
There is no urgent need for a third baseman for the Yankees, but they could use an upgrade, especially with how they ended their 2023 season.
Team star Aaron Judge said they need to undergo massive changes - philosophy, players, and coaches.
They already have Oswald Peraza, who is showing improvement. He could use someone like the 30-year-old baseman to guide him. Bringing in the All-Star level Chapman would also lead to a balance between an up-and-coming player and an established veteran equipped to play on big nights.
Right now, it is all rumors surrounding Chapman, and anybody still has a shot if they have money to offer.
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