Dodgers Rumors: Pundit Links All-Star, Gold Glove Third Baseman to LA in Free Agency

He'd be a welcome addition.

Set to hit free agency after this year, one of the best defensive infielders in all of baseball could be an intriguing target for the Dodgers to chase on the open market. 

Currently with the Toronto Blue Jays, Matt Chapman could be a name to introduce to Chavez Ravine should LA's front office offer him a deal come winter. Jon Heyman of the New York post linked Chapman to LA, among tons of other potential landing spots.

Matt Chapman, the second-best free agent position player after Cody Bellinger, looks like a potential fit for the Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, Yankees and, of course, the incumbent Jays.

via Jon Heyman, New York Post

With Max Muncy struggling with his defense at third and not getting any younger, the Dodgers could cut him loose due to their club option on him for 2024. 

Replacing Muncy on the infield could be Chapman after the team has missed out on key shortstops in recent seasons with both Corey Seager and Trea Turner choosing to continue their careers elsewhere. 

While both are doing quite well for themselves in 2023 with the Rangers and the Phillies, the extra money freed up by choosing to let them go could be used on Chapman's services. 

A vacuum at third base for a number of years since his time in Oakland, the former Athletic was traded to the Blue Jays in their firesale in 2021, leading to his place north of the border. 

This season hasn't been the best at the plate for Chapman in both the average and power categories with just 10 home runs, but his metrics still rate highly among the rest of the league on both sides of the ball. 

Even if it'd be painful to let go of Muncy's great eye at the plate and consistent power, his infield defense has cost the Dodgers some games this season. 

If LA signs Chapman, such an issue wouldn't be a problem anymore as the Platinum Glove winner could definitively help LA compete for a title in 2024 and beyond. 

Additionally, Muncy could always be moved back to the right side of the diamond at second base if the team didn't want to give him up just yet.