The Toronto Blue Jays have just confirmed locking down free agent Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Yet another unprecedented move seen in the 2023 Hot Stove market, Kiner-Falefa’s entry into the team might signal a thinning chance of the Blue Jays’ possible reunion with Matt Chapman. Or does it?

Chapman had been serving as a Blue Jays third baseman since 2022 before becoming a free agent this year. While his former team was reportedly in talks of signing him, nothing was confirmed by officials. The Toronto Blue Jays’ Kiner-Falefa move is justified considering how they were in dire need of filling their infield rotation, but it might not necessarily mean that a Chapman comeback is out of the books just yet.

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MLB insider Robert Murray just confined the Toronto Blue Jays’ agreement with Isiah Kiner-Falefa for a two-year tenure on a deal worth $15 million. The physical is still pending, so the team has not finalized the slugger’s entry yet, but it’s not expected to be a roadblock.

With the Matt Chapman reunion still in the works, the Blue Jays can sign IKF as a 3B for the time being. It will give the team a perfect starter in case Chapman decides to sign with another team, per MLBTR.

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However, IKF does not fit as a Chapman replacement at all, as the latter has primarily played in the third baseman post in his previous tenure with the team. Chapman’s score this season stood at a well-rounded .330/.424/.755 with 17 homers and 54 RBIs in his bag, serving at third base.

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Kiner-Falefa, on the other hand, has served primarily as a utility player in his Yankees’ tenure, with no permanent 3B record to reflect his form. For 2023, IKF racked up 6 homers and 37 RBIs, slashing .306/.340/.646. A clear message as to how he possibly could not take Chapman’s place any time soon. What are the Toronto Blue Jays’ other options in terms of a 3B replacement if the reunion doesn’t go through?

Can someone fill Matt Chapman’s shoes?

The team is not short on promising infielders, like Ernie Clement, Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, or Davis Schneider. But MLBTR’s claim of IKF being a better defensive fit than all the available options still leaves space for Chapman’s entrance into the team.

In the case of Chapman completely ousting himself off the Blue Jays’ list, the club will still have options in the minor league market. Prospects like Addison Barger or Orelvis Martinez will probably make their way to the majors by mid-2024.

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With IKF not quite filling the team’s offensive needs as much as he strengthens their defense, the team should not give up on seeking out Chapman back to their home base any time soon.