HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 09: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics rounds third base during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 09, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Around the start of Spring Training, I wrote an article about Matt Chapman‘s potential to become an MVP candidate. In the first few series of the 2021 season, this take appears to be a bit foolish. The Platinum Glove-winning third baseman is slashing .118/.225/.206 with a strikeout rate of 37 percent. At times this season, even his legendary Brooks Robinson-Esq defense has looked shakier than usual.