4 dream Tigers free agent targets this offseason that would drive fans wild

Matt Chapman

Of the free agent third basemen, Matt Chapman is by far the best. A four-time Gold Glover (having just won his fourth on Nov. 5) and AL Player of the Month in April with a 3.5 fWAR in 2023, Chapman would be the best pickup for the Tigers' rotating door of a third base spot.

Detroit didn't see a true, everyday third baseman at the position in pretty much all of 2023; Opening Day featured Ryan Kriedler at third base, followed by utility men Nick Maton and Zach McKinstry for a time, second baseman Jonathan Schoop, center fielder Matt Vierling on the last day of the season, and so on.

Chapman is a tried and true third baseman who is able to make difficult plays at third look routine and is also a doubles machine (he set a career record in 2023 with 39, tied for sixth in the league with former Tiger Jeimer Candelario), as well as the second most valuable position player on the Blue Jays in fWAR after Bo Bichette. His experience and consistency would also make him an example in a Detroit clubhouse that feels in need of leadership after Miguel Cabrera's departure.

At 30, Chapman definitely has a few more years in him, which would give the Tigers a real, solid third baseman for a while until No. 2 prospect Colt Keith makes his way through Triple-A and can ingratiate himself into the big league team. The Athletic predicts Chapman's next contract at six years, $127 million. Given that Javier Baez is making $140 million over six years, the Tigers really should give a better player a good deal to try to recover a bit of their pride.