As the market for players has opened up throughout the league, Matt Chapman is the first name linked to the Phillies since the lockout concluded.

According to Alex Coffey, the Phillies have been in talks with the Oakland Athletics regarding Chapman, but the Phillies have been reluctant to move forward with any type of trade given the A’s asking price.

The A’s are interested in receiving one of the young prospects in the Phillies organization, whether that’s Andrew Painter, Mick Abel, Bryson Stott, or Johan Rojas in return for Matt Chapman.

Chapman is coming off a massive down year in 2021. Although the 5th year infielder won his 3rd career gold glove last year, his averages were down massively, hitting just .210/.314/.403 from the plate.

Chapman hit 27 home runs but knocked in just 72 RBIs in 151 games. The 29-year-old also received hip surgery just a year and a half ago.

Read more: Roman Quinn inks minor-league deal with the Marlins >>

The Phillies farm system is consistently ranked one of the worst in baseball and giving up one of the few prospects that could have a bright future doesn’t seem like the best idea.

Before Spring Training had to be revised to fit with the lockout delays, Bryson Stott had a chance to win the starting job at shortstop. Andrew Painter and Mick Abel are the one-two punch out of the minors that we’ve been dreaming of for years and Logan O’Hoppe had a stellar season Fall League season.

For a guy like Matt Chapman, who will be 29 years old coming off a down-year, giving up any hope in the minor leagues doesn’t seem worth it.

If the Phillies could get it done without our headline minor-leaguers, count me in. Matt Chapman is one of the best defenders in the whole league and is set to only make 9.5 million dollars this upcoming season.

That’s the only update for now. If you need me, I’ll be stumping for Kris Bryant with Bryce Harper.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports