With the interest in signing Matt Chapman from the Toronto Blue Jays, the question remains: Which New York Yankees players have also graced the field as members of the Toronto Blue Jays? A total of 124 players were a part of that list, but the Pinstripes Nation staff has chosen the most important players for it.
Who were the most important players?
One of the prominent figures who fits this unique bill is Melky Cabrera. Cabrera’s career in Major League Baseball included a stint with the New York Yankees, spanning five seasons from 2005 to 2009. During his tenure with the Yankees, he showcased his talents in 579 games, contributing 36 home runs to the team’s success. Notably, he culminated his time in New York with a remarkable achievement, winning the World Series in his final season with the franchise.
In 2013, Melky Cabrera embarked on a new chapter in his career by donning the uniform of the Toronto Blue Jays. He spent two seasons with the Blue Jays, tallying 19 home runs in 227 appearances, thereby cementing his status as one of the select few players who have had the privilege of representing both the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays in their illustrious careers.
Additional Yankees players who have shared this unique baseball journey include Josh Donaldson and Brandon Drury. Donaldson made a significant impact during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing for just under four seasons from 2015 to 2018. In his 462 appearances, he left an indelible mark, belting 116 home runs. His offensive prowess and leadership qualities made him a beloved figure among Blue Jays fans. Surprisingly, Donaldson also ventured into the realm of the New York Yankees, where he spent just under two seasons from 2022 to 2023. During his 167 games with the Bronx Bombers, he managed to contribute 25 home runs to the team’s efforts, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability as a player.
Another player on this exclusive list is Brandon Drury. Drury’s baseball journey led him to the New York Yankees in 2018 for a brief spell, where he showcased his skills in 18 games and hit one memorable home run. Subsequently, he transitioned to the Toronto Blue Jays later that year, marking the beginning of his tenure with the Canadian franchise. During his time with the Blue Jays, spanning just under three seasons, Drury made his presence felt by recording 15 home runs in 149 games, contributing to the team’s offensive firepower.
Can Chapman be part of the future of the Yankees?
As we mentioned earlier, the New York Yankees have shown their interest in signing Matt Chapman from the Toronto Blue Jays. But is that a good idea?
Well, it’s difficult to answer, as the New York Yankees will certainly hit the free-agent market once the 2023 season ends, following a season where they fell short of expectations for various reasons, including their performance at the plate. So, the Yankees could be looking for help at the plate, just as they were rumored to be at the trade deadline.
For many, the top hitter on the free-agent market is Chicago Cubs infielder Cody Bellinger. But after him?
In 2023, the 30-year-old slashed .240/.330/.424/755 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI while playing 140 games. That .240 batting average matches up with his .240 career batting average for his seven-year career.
He hasn’t matched the 36 home runs he posted with the Oakland Athletics in 2019, which was his only All-Star season and led to him finishing sixth in American League MVP voting. But he’s hit 27 home runs twice — in 2021 with Oakland and in 2022 with Toronto — along with a 24-homer season in 2018 with the Athletics.
He also brings a quality glove to the hot corner, where he is a three-time AL Gold Glove winner and has 92 defensive runs saved for his career. The press projects that Chapman would receive a six-year, $127 million contract.
Now, where does Chapman fit with the Yankees? Well, it’s at third base. Of his 868 Major League games, he’s played 861 of them at third base. So there’s no flexibility there.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I vote Bellinger over Chapman. However if the price is too much for Bellinger, than Chapman has to learn the way of the Yankees Infield. With the other UNKNOWNS…. TORRES, LeMehieu, I assume is already still in the middle of his contract. The Infield is already crowded. I hope that IKF, gets resigned. He also proven UTILITY VETERAN. Ever since 2018, IKF shows his pure love for the PINSTRIPES.