Oakland A’s ship All-Star Matt Chapman to Toronto as sell-off continues, per reports
MESA, Ariz. — Matt Chapman knew he was likely to be traded as part of the A’s firesale in the weeks ahead of Opening Day. On Wednesday, he finally was.
Speaking to media in Mesa at the A’s facility before heading to Blue Jays camp, Chapman said it was “definitely a crazy morning” and expressed some relief in just getting the trade wrapped up. “We’ll miss his energy, what he brings to the field every day,” Kotsay said. “In terms of the clubhouse, there’s a lot of long-lasting relationships in there with him. It’s good that he’s getting to say goodbye.”
“I know my name was thrown around, but there was no one true team that was standing out, whereas Ollie, it seemed like it was going to be Yankees or Braves,” Chapman said. “The fact that I get to go to Toronto — a city that I’ve loved going to — and be a part of that team. I know that that city gets behind their team, and the talent that they have on that team. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“I know, when I’m healthy, what I’m capable of, and I’ve shown it before in this league,” Chapman said Sunday. “I think I want to return to what I was doing in ‘18, ‘19, but just a more experienced, healthier version of that. Because I think this is the healthiest I’ve ever felt.”