March 21, 2020

Oakland A's third baseman Matt Chapman hit an unbalanced .232/.276/.535 with 10 homers over 152 PAs before a hip injury ended his 2020 season prematurely. Chapman underwent successful surgery to repair a torn right hip labrum in September with an estimated recovery time of four months, so he should be ready for Spring Training. That said, hip injuries can linger and potentially sap a player's power production. Chapman became an all-or-nothing slugger in 2020, posting a career-best 22.2% HR/FB at the price of a dramatic K% spike (35.5 K% vs. 21.9 in '19), BB% decline (10.9% to 5.3%), and a 50.6 FB% (and accompanying 24.4 IFFB%) that helped drive his BABIP down to .291 (.300 career). His underlying power metrics were great, including Statcast metrics such as 99 mph average airborne exit velocity and an 18% rate of Brls/BBE. He also continued to play his patented brand of excellent defense, so it's tough to say that his dramatic shift in approach had anything to do with injury. He's struggled a bit this spring with a .172/.294/.414 batting line to go along with a pair of home runs over 29 at-bats. He's struck out nine times but also drawn five walks. Despite scuffling at the dish, he's still been crushing the ball and is showing no ill effects from his hip surgery. His ADP has remained fairly steady throughout draft season around 114 so fantasy managers seem to be writing off 2020. The ADP still feels a bit high for a guy who is both recovering from injury and struggling with a change in approach.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller