Chapman likens Vladdy to Trout: 'Best hitter I've ever played with'
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman has been very impressed with the young talent on his new team, especially Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
"Vladdy, just from how he takes his at-bats and for how young he is. … He's 23-years-old, and I'm learning from him just watching," Chapman told the Toronto Sun's Rob Longley. "He's so good, so talented, and so competitive, and he wants more. I think he's still scratching the surface.
"I don't think I've ever seen a hitter that pure. He's the best hitter I've ever played with. He's got a chance to be one of the best. It's not every day you get to play with a Mike Trout-caliber hitter."
Guerrero was one of the league's best hitters in 2021, finishing second in American League MVP voting thanks to a .311/.401/.601 slash line with 48 home runs, 123 runs scored, and 111 RBIs.
His 1.002 OPS was also comparable to what Trout posted in the same category from 2017-19 when he won an MVP and finished top-five on two other occasions.
As for Bichette, who Chapman will share the left side of the infield with, the third baseman complimented his new teammate's leadership and hunger to win on top of his on-field gifts.
"Bo's just a natural leader," Chapman told Longley. "He's going to be a rock for this team for a long time. I'm so excited for Bo because I see how passionate he is and the hunger and drive he has to win.
"It's really cool to be a part of a team full of young, hungry guys. It makes me super excited and extra motivated."